I think this is a very interesting extract wich makes me ask many questions. This fourth person, Crystal, intrigues me; I wonder if she's dead, or run away? Also, when she says, "I raced back up to my room... terrified of what I might find" I am wondering what would be in there that is in any way out of the ordinary. Overall, this sounds like it would be a very good book and I would like to read it, even though I am maybe not its target audience.
Best of luck to the author.

S Cornelius, London,

I really love this. It reminds me of Jacqueline Wilson and I would buy it. Ellen (10 years old)

Ellen, London,

I must admit that I enjoyed reading all the entries and liked the diverseness of them. However, I am particularly drawn to The Secret Life of Jemma Jones. I felt immediately as if I was 'inside' the story and I could really feel the atmosphere.
This one gets my vote. Best of luck to you.

Julianna, Tel Aviv,

I like most of the extracts but this one is the sort of book I usually read. I love real life stories more than fantasy books and straight away I wanted to know what happened to crystal and why everyone seems so upset about it. I wonder if she's dead?

Danielle, London,

Out of the five extracts, i definitely find this one the most intriguing. Instantly I wanted to discover the rest of the story. It is very realistic because the author has managed to capture mannerisms and a perspective of a typical teenager, which to some may be a challenging task. From this short extract, my mind has filled with awe and fascination. To conclude i think this extract surpasses all others.

Elizabeth. A, Borehamwood, England

Definitely best written extract out of the five. I immediantly felt engaged into this extract and was curious on who the fourth person was. From then finding out that Crystal was the fourth person, I felt overwhelmed and emotional for the other family characters. This extract really captures the mother and girl's points of view and emotions. Fantastic piece of writing.

Gemma. P, London, UK

This hits you in the stomach as you read it. It is a gripping extract with real feeling. Where is Crystal? What is the secret in this family? This short extract is well-written and full of energy. I want to know more! These are real people in the presence of something extraordinary happening. The best on the shortlist.

Paula Ginkell, London,

The best-written of the five, I think, because it's really difficult to get a teenager's 'voice' right and this does. Doesn't feel like it's trying too hard, which some of them do. I'm a mum but at least one of the plot lines hits a direct (personal) spot with me - can't believe I'm the only one.

michele, london, uk

This short extract is incredibly engaging, I felt drawn into the situation at once. From the two sections I have read- it is immediately clear this is a text which engages with both the hard and comic elements of teenage life in a thoroughly enjoyable and powerful way. Both as a reader and as someone who attended a wonderful drama group as a teenager, I can't wait to read more.

Helen Rose, Cambridge, UK