Esme’s group – Aster, Xavier, and Indigo, support
one another through their difficulties. Each live with their singular challenges, but also with their specific abilities.
Esme’s difference has a brilliance she cannot see -
but others can. The whole community loves and admires her.
To her parents, she is a black sheep; different, an
embarrassment to them and their standing in the pristine society in which they
circulate. The fact that she is doing poorly at school, and her appearance is
less than perfect, adds fuel to their exacerbation against her.
And she works in a Milk Bar!
Esme’s job at the Milk Bar is the highlight of her life; what she loves the most in the world, apart from her sister Ro.
Constantly measured against her beautiful and
perfect sister, her parents’ unrealistic standards and expectations will never
be met.
But Ro in fact, isn’t so perfect, and is struggling
to hide her own demons.
While trying to retain her unblemished image, she
stands up to her parents against their continual scorn and indifference toward
her younger sister, without success.
When the owners of the Milk Bar decide to sell and
retire, Esme’s world collapses.
Feelings of worthlessness destroy Esme. The
negative atmosphere she lives in at home, has become a web of self-hate and withdrawal
slowly tightening around her.
After her only friendship ends, Esme blames herself
for everything that continues to go wrong in her life. She sinks deeper into
the darkness, simultaneously trying to convince her group that she is fine.
Friendship and love are powerful emotions. Can they, and the strong community support around her, be the tools that bring the sparkle of life back in Esme?
Title: Esme in The Limelight
Author: Kate Gordon
Publisher: Riveted Press, $19.99
Publication Date: 6 March 2024
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780645869316
For ages: 10 – 14
Type: Middle Grade Fiction