• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

Haley and Lynn are best friends.

When Lynn meets Chad, a player several years older, Haley feels left out. She tries to be happy for her friend, but when her mother's new boyfriend starts making unwanted advances, Haley finds she has no one to tell. Not wanting to upset her mother's happiness and finding that Lynn is drifting away, Haley has to face her tormentor alone and face up to some very hard truths.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!

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

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Short-listed, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
• Nominated, Golden Eagle Children’s Choice

"Mature readers will sympathize with Haley's difficult situation."

The Horn Book Guide

"Captures the emotions and feelings of sixteen year old girls perfectly...a very good addition to the young adult genre."

Sukee's Book Bites

"First Time illustrates a dangerous situation in which Haley learns to regret ignoring her instincts...Recommended."

CM Magazine

"A fast-paced, intense novel that is sure to keep you guessing and turning its pages...definitely worth a read."

TeensReadToo.com

"Tilly uses Haley's story as a way of discussing sexual abuse...The dialogue between Haley and her best friend...is indicative of what teens deal with on a daily basis."

VOYA

"A lightning-quick read that...will likely provoke some discussion among young people about how to handle difficult situations."

Quill & Quire

"Tilly has written in an immediate, sometimes raw manner."

Times Colonist

"Truly excellent tale...the voice and persona of Haley capture what is so worth cherishing in an adolescent."

Resource Links

"Fast-paced, with short chapters and high-interest content. Haley's thought process...is heartbreaking."

KLIATT

"Teens will find themselves engrossed in this tale of sexual abuse. Self-examination is just one of the outcomes for those who read this tale. Recommended.'

Library Media Connection

"Realistic dialogue and situations characterize this novel. Struggling readers will appreciate the quick pacing and the low reading/high interest level."

School Library Journal

"The lack of a sweetly tied up ending is a point in this title's favor, allowing the reader to come up with their own ideas... A possible high/low choice for high school age female readers."

NMRLS Youth Services Book Review Group

"Tilly accomplishes her goal of getting into a teenager's head in 100 short pages, and the novel is riveting."

Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee