Happy Birthday, Sophie Hartley, by Stephanie Greene

Birthdays are important, but there is one birthday that is especially important and that is the tenth birthday. Double digits! You will laugh, reminisce and relate as Greene takes us through the daily mishaps and successes that Sophie Hartley encounters during the countdown to the big day.

Sophie's feelings are hurt when her older sister, Nora, jumps at the opportunity to move out of the roomed they have shared their entire lives in exchange for the attic. There are also tough times when one friendship fizzles out, but things turn around when she finds a new friend in Alice. However, the most important issue is whether or not Sophie will get her one and only birthday wish. A gorilla!

Sophie's parents are understanding, but a gorilla is simply out of the question. However, being the all knowing parents that they are, they find the perfect gift for Sophie. Sophie feels like they know her better than she knows herself.

If you have already gone through the trials of approaching ten, this book is a reminder of how all things do pass. For those that are currently or have not yet  arrived at this point, there will be much to relate to: annoying siblings, changing bodies, caring and busy parents and dreams of what the future will hold.