• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7

What if you find out something awesome about your friend—and she doesn't want you to tell anyone, not even your parents?

Madison Stokes leads a pretty average life: average mom and dad, average looks, average grades—well, maybe her little sister is MUCH brattier than average, but nothing out of the ordinary.

All that changes when Alyssa Hawkins moves to town. When Madison takes Alyssa under her wing, the two girls quickly bond over chocolate-chip cookies and become best friends. Amazingly, Alyssa doesn’t even mind Madison’s bratty sister!

But there are some things Alyssa won’t share. Why won't she talk about her family? And why is she so reluctant to have Madison over to her house? Alyssa has a secret that she doesn't want anyone to know. And when Madison finds out by accident, she would love to tell it. But if she does, she risks losing the best friend she's ever had...

Meg Tilly is the author of two adult novels, Singing Songs (A Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection, 1994) and Gemma, both published with Syren Book Company. Her first YA novel, Porcupine, was released by Tundra in Sept 2007, and was shortlisted for a BC Book Prize, The Canadian Libraries Association Best Children's Book 2008, and Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Award 2008. It also was an Ontario Library Top Ten Best Bets 2008. First Time is her first book published with Orca. Tilly is a former actor whose films include The Big Chill and Agnes of God, for which she won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar. At present she is working on an untitled adult novel. She lives in Vancouver, B.C with her family.Website: www.officialmegtilly.com

Meg Tilly's profile page

“Sweet and engaging, this novel and its characters will appeal to any girls looking for a contemporary story about growing up, friendship and family.” - - Canadian Children's Book News

“Through well-crafted writing, convincing dialogue, and credible characters...all reminiscent of vintage Judy Blume, Tilly takes readers into the fundamentally different lives of two girls as they manoeuvre through the often comical, sometimes bittersweet and melodramatic trials and tribulations of tweenhood.” - - Quill & Quire

“Meg Tilly brings a realistic portrayal of the struggles we often face in friendships—trust…Well written, humorous, and touching, A Taste of Heaven is a novel I highly recommend to young readers.” - - CM Magazine

“There are more than a few lessons to learn about friendship here…[Madison & Alyssa] both learn a little bit more about appreciating what they have rather than what they don't, a valuable lesson for anyone to learn.” - - CanLit for Little Canadians