SuitabookGirl, Barely 15: Flirting for England
Sue Limb
- Reading
- Before reading, mention that the story involves flirting, romantic confusion and a pretend boyfriend. Afterwards, discuss whether Jess’s choices reduce or increase the confusion, and how the visiting students are treated within the comedy.
- Themes
- Managing other people’s feelings: Jess asks Fred to pose as her boyfriend because she fears Edouard has a crush on her; Fred does not treat the arrangement as seriously as she expects. The situation invites discussion about whether a protective or controlling plan can create further complications.
- Cross-language and cultural misunderstanding: Edouard is shy and has very limited English, while Jess tries to interpret his apparent feelings and manage a group of French exchange students. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Comic escalation: An ill-fated camping trip, Flora’s involvement and a gorgeous womanising student turn Jess’s attempt to keep the peace into broader romantic and social trouble. The premise frames escalating mishaps as comic, with Jess’s own choices contributing to the trouble.
- Worth knowing
- Flirting, a supposed crush, a fake relationship and a womanising student are central. A shy exchange student has limited English, and the plot includes a camping trip and confusion among the students. The handling of these issues is not fully established.