There was a lot of good stuff here- Eliie has a really distinct voice and the topics discussed were great. I know it’s a YA book but I feel like some of the slang used was a bit unrealistic and a bit of a stretch. I loved the representation in this book and I can only imagine how Ellie feels, being one of the few people of colour in a predominantly white neighbourhood.

Then again, could this be the year that Ellie declares, Ellie Pillai is Brown, in her introduction to the substitute drama teacher, Mrs Aachara. Warm, funny and hopeful, this story is about a girl struggling to like herself and growing to learn that she is enough. Instead, it’s a joyous portrayal of a witty, smart Sri Lankan teen whose confidence blossoms as she overcomes emotional hurdles, with a little help from friends.Ellie Pillai is Brown is a warm hearted read that really perfectly captures what it feels like to be a teenager: it’s a real whirlwind of emotions and complexity. Miscommunication is one of my least favourite tropes in books but I think it fits well within the genre and this book, in particular. Pillainayagam’s inclusion of lyrics in the book was genius, merging medias in that way worked so well.

Whilst reading I couldn't wait to come across another QR code so that I could listen to the music too. This funny, heartfelt, true-to-life, coming-of-age page-turner fizzes with emotional energy and the power of music.

It also confronts what it’s like for girls of colour living in pro dominantly white area particularly in terms of self acceptance and romance, which I found again very relatable. It really did enhance the story and I am sure readers will absolutely love this element of the book.

Appreciate the family related conflicts as I think the author did well in tackling two situations of psychological struggles from both Ellie and Jess POVs-- both emotionally-driven and uplifting to me.

I have even talked the head into a little revamp of the library so that we can display them properly! A beautiful tale about how those around you, especially during your fragile adolescent years, can enrich your life, shape your ambitions and ultimately, provide the love you haven’t managed to give yourself yet. Faber Members get access to live and online author events and receive regular e-newsletters with book previews, promotional offers, articles and quizzes. In addition the book's cover is beautifully illustrated by Trisha Srivastava making it an eye catching front facing book for dynamic library shelving plus pretty pink edges and mini pics for extra attractiveness. It's not often you find South Asian rep in YA fiction, and I could definitely relate to some elements of Ellie's experience.

Your words, like your reviews, bring books to life and give them a voice before the front cover is even turned. Yesterday a parent came over to tell me how impressed she was by the book fair and that you did a fabulous job of selling the books to the children first. So the thought that Ellie is taking drama for GCSE rather than computer science, is likely to be devastating.Ellie is very much a dramatic teenager (shocker) and every time I was about to judge her for it, I remembered what I wrote in my diary back in 2011 and figured I was not one to talk. I won a giveaway copy of this ages ago and I knew I’d enjoy it, so I have no idea what took me so long, but I know myself well (at least in terms of books! It’s extremely interesting with the music peppered in the story throughout and the QR code linked to a playlist BY the author of the songs sung by the lead… just an incredible idea. The author, Christine Pillainayagam, has written a cracking debut YA book threaded through with popular musical references which I particularly enjoyed.