Blue (Bite) [Paperback]

''a compelling read' (The Children's Bookseller, 9th March 2001 )

'Strong and searching novels that cover very difficult scenarios...The humanity of the protagonist really shines through in the expert characterisation and writing, making these novels really challenge the reader's empathy. I would strongly recommend these stark and thought provoking titles.' (The Bookseller, 13th April 2001 )

'This book was breathtaking!' (Amazon Customer Review )

'I recommend this book to anyone - it rules! (Amazon Customer Review )

'Gripping, realistic and intense, excellent, brilliant. I couldn't put it down!' (Ashton, NEBA Judge )

'This book was breathtaking!'

'I recommend this book to anyone - it rules!

'Gripping, realistic and intense, excellent, brilliant. I couldn't put it down!'

''a compelling read'

Anna Goldsmith has moved with her family from her posh school in Surrey to a small Yorkshire town and the local comprehensive. Anna worries she won't fit in - she's a bit too brainy and her accent sticks out a mile. But Anna's got everything going for her; she's attractive, sporty and musical, and Hayley Parkin, the most popular girl in her year, wants to be her best friend. So Anna reckons she'll be fine. Except that Hayley - charming and gorgeous with a year round tan - is not all she seems. Soon she's playing power games; freezing Anna out one minute, then nice as pie the next. Anna is totally confused. As the school year progresses, Hayley's behaviour gets more erratic, and the sarcastic remarks get more personal. Anna is sliding into depression and despair. Melanie - her other best friend - tries to understand, but she's caught in the middle, and Hayley's playing games with her, too. Can Mel help Anna before she goes and does something really silly...? (20020815)

Powerful and utterly gripping account of bullying, originally told from three different perspectives.

Well researched subject matter, sharp and authentic characters, makes a compelling contemporary teenage read.

Strong and immediate writing from an experienced author for teens, with her finger on the pulse.

Sue Mayfield has been writing children's books for over ten years. She received critical acclaim for her first teenage novel, I Carried You on Eagles' Wings, published by Andre Deutsch in 1990. Since then she has gone from strength to strength. Blue, her first Bite novel for Hodder, won the 2003 North East Book Award, was nominated for the Carnegie and has sold over 15,000 copies.
Originally an English teacher, Sue is a regular visitor to schools, where she leads workshops, gives readings and collects ideas! Resident for many years in West Yorkshire, she now lives in Cheltenham with her husband Tim, their three teenage sons, and a border collie called Moss!