About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager feels like a 'square peg in a round hole' or is struggling to find their footing after a significant family change. Set in a post-World War II Swiss boarding school, the story follows Philippa Hunter, a young artist grieving her mother and feeling alienated by her father's new relationship. Through a secret friendship with a mysterious boy named Paul and the discovery of a hidden talent for ice skating, Philippa learns that being different is a strength rather than a flaw. It is a gentle, atmospheric coming-of-age story that validates the lonely experience of being the 'new kid' while offering a hopeful path toward self-confidence. The emotional depth is sophisticated yet accessible for middle schoolers and young teens, making it an excellent choice for quiet, introspective readers.
