Othergirl
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: Andersen Press
Age 12+
Personal & Social Issues: Self-Awareness & Self-Esteem Fantasy & Magical Realism Family & Home Stories Adventure Stories
Louise and Erica have been best friends since forever. They’re closer than sisters and depend on each other for almost everything. Just one problem: Erica has superpowers.
When Erica isn’t doing loop-the-loops in the sky or burning things with her heat pulse powers, she needs Louise to hold her non-super life together. After all, the girls still have homework, parents and boys to figure out. But being a superhero’s BFF is not easy, especially as trouble has a way of seeking them out. Soon Louise discovers that Erica might be able to survive explosions and fly faster than a speeding bullet, but she can’t win every fight by herself.
Life isn’t a comic book – it’s even crazier than that.
Creators
Nicole is a writer from North London. Over the years she’s had lots of different jobs, including patrolling the Natural History Museum, presenting the traffic news on the radio, and demonstrating toys in Hamleys. Finally, she decided to focus on her passion for stories, and completed a Masters in Creative Writing at Birkbeck College whilst working as a children’s bookseller. Among her other interests are comic books, nineties cartoon theme tunes, and cute pictures of animals wearing funny outfits.
Reviews
This suspenseful fantasy is about growing up and finding yourself. Comical and satirical about school life and the cult of celebrity, it is enjoyably observant about the way teenagers behave.
Sunday Times
Burstein explores loyalty, common sense and growing up in a smart, confidence-boosting comedy for 11-plus girls that owes much to The Incredibles
Amanda Craig, New Statesman
One of my favourite reads this month. Such a brilliant concept… long overdue. Wise and warm story of friendship and self-belief and just the thing to recommend to fans of Geek Girl.
Ones To Watch', The Bookseller
Tried to pace myself but I read Othergirl in one sitting. Clever, cute, and lots of fun, it’s just a really lovely book!
Louise O'Neill, Author of YA Book Prize winner Only Ever Yours
It will resonate with any teenager whose best mate seems to have all the luck.
The Jewish Chronicle
Othergirl is a heart-warming YA novel about how true friendship can survive anything
Red Magazine
Fantastic concept. Very funny and well paced, with an insightful tale of friendship at its heart.
Children's Buyer's Guide, Fiona Noble
Nicole’s passion and love for all things comic book and superhero is weaved into the story expertly.
Shinra Alpha Blog
Impeccably judged prose style, instantly engaging characterisation and a zipping plot line
Adventures with Words blog
Natural wit and humour. A huge hit. It is bold, and bright inside and out.
Leilah Skelton at Doncaster Waterstones
Fresh, exciting, confidence-boosting plot – great to see a girl wearing the superhero tights too!
Andrea Reece, Lovereading
Great debut novel surrounding friendship, relationships, and what it means to be a true hero.
Amanda for lovereading.co.uk
Great humour
Margaret Pemberton, Margaret's Reading Shelf
Fun, witty and engaging story – skilfully mixes a strong contemporary story of friendship.
Bookbag
Brilliantly written and paced. I’m so happy there’s a book like this in the YA market.
The Bibliomaniac Book Blog
Extraordinarily assured debut that presents its narrative with supreme confidence. A freshness of voice that cannot but attract. Burstein is clearly a talent to welcome.
Books for Keeps, New Talent
After just a few pages I got completely sucked into the story. Very compelling.
Guardian Children's Books Site
Funny and original
The School Librarian
A warm-hearted tale about the importance of friendship
The Week Junior
I absolutely loved this book. Super!
The Perks of Being a Bookseller