Dear Venny, Dear Saffron - Gary Crew and Libby Hathorn, Floris Books, £4.99

This a very cleverly-written book by two authors, each of whom plays a role in this almost tragic tale of two pen pals whose relationship begins reluctantly with an enforced school project.

Venny is an awkward 16-year-old boy, bored with school, looking for some fun in suburban Brisbane.

Saffron is an artistic orphan who has been taken in by a wealthy aunt and is living a life of luxury in New York.

Their correspondence is sporadic and awkward at first, but as they grow and mature and get to know each other better, their innermost secrets are shared and the relationship blossoms.

Readers will laugh and cry throughout this rollercoaster of a novel.

These two skilful writers create enormous tension and emotion through the rough ride of two teenage lives.

I would recommend this book to any teenager, as well as their parents.

Jackie Harris