Tender by Eve Ainsworth

[Michelle]

This is the second book I've read by this author, and she has a way of taking complex situations, and making them approachable for young people. In Tender, Eve looks at the important subject of young carers - Marty has been living with his mum's deteriorating mental health since the death of his father, whilst Daisy has a severely ill younger brother, and exhausted parents trying to cope in their own way.

Both of these teenagers are trying to persuade everyone else that everything is fine, and Marty in particular is so adamant that he doesn't need help from anyone, even though we can see he's close to destroying himself.

They meet at a young carers group, when Marty is forced there by social services. They form an acceptance of each other, and help each other to understand their situations. This does develop into a romance, which I personally felt wasn't needed.. their friendship would have been enough for me.

Marty and Daisy so easily found their way into my heart, and so their experiences can be difficult to read about, but this is an important subject well handled, with an overlying message of support and hope.

[Athena]

I'm putting this book on my wishlist, it sounds like one I'd enjoy. I like reading YA books about mental health. Great review!