Pearl Beach - by Beth Steiner (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Told in beautiful, free verse poetry, a teen girl's heartwarming story about family, resilience, and growing up--perfect for Sarah Dessen fans, ages 11-14.

Billie and her Aunt Edith, a Holocaust survivor, may be generations apart--but what they share changes them forever.

For as long as Billie can remember, summer has meant one thing: Pearl Beach. The idyllic seaside home belonging to her old Aunt Edith, and the place where she met her best friend, Andy.

But this summer, everything seems to be changing. Andy is more interested in makeup and boys than in Billie, and Aunt Edith has decided to stay with them for the whole summer. Edith is a Holocaust survivor, and whenever Billie tries to talk to her, her words seem to crumble under the weight of this knowledge.

Then Edith begins to share her story. Because she was once 13 too, and understands all too well the pain of growing up. What follows is a tale of first love, betrayal, and resilience. As the summer unfolds, so does a profound friendship between Billie and Edith. They may be generations apart, but what they share will change both of them forever.

Pearl Beach is a contemporary novel written in free verse that perfectly captures the experience of becoming a young woman. Set in the stunningly realized landscape of the Australian coast, this heartwarming tale of friendship and family history is perfect for readers aged 11-14 on the journey of finding themselves and their place in the world.

Review Quotes

"A stunning book that perfectly interweaves poetry and history. Steiner has created something wonderful, a book that reaches into the past and reminds the reader that the pains of growing up are universal."
--Gráinne O'Brien, author of Solo

"This feels like the classic teen novels of the last century - a little Judy Blume, a little Lois Lowry - infused with the page-turning energy of the contemporary verse-novel form. An absolute treat."
--Irish Times

"Beth Steiner's free-verse novel gives a sweet immediacy to Billie's discovery of Edith's past and their ability to strengthen and heal each other, across the generations."
--The Jewish Chronicle

"A poignant and uplifting novel."
--katys_book_shelf

"Remarkable, poignant and uplifting... a story to treasure."
--Armadillo Magazine

"At its heart is a story of the healing power of family, friendship and memory."
--Books for Keeps

Booksellers are LOVING Pearl Beach

"A stunning debut novel told completely in verse. Pearl Beach nails that feeling of being thirteen, going on fourteen, and both wanting to cling to your childhood while still being treated like a grown up."
--Miracle, Ballast Book Company

"A sweet summer story about a girl having a hard time shifting from kid to teenager; changes in friendship and annual traditions are hard to deal with, especially at that age!"
--Leah, Bright Side Bookshop

"An incredible novel in verse about a tween who feels alone on the cusp of adolescence, trying to become something new on her own terms."
--Maggie, Flyleaf Books

"The Australian setting and way that Billie and her Great Aunt Edith grow to understand each other through sharing stories makes this one unique. An action-packed and emotional novel-in-verse that beautifully showcases intergenerational relationships."
--Amy, East City Bookshop

About the Author

Beth Steiner is a passionate slam poet who skilfully weaves poetry into her narratives, bringing a lyrical quality to her storytelling. Living in Sydney, Australia, Beth balances her writing with family life alongside four lively children. She is inspired by the remarkable resilience of the young people she's encountered during her time as a Primary School teacher. Pearl Beach is her first book.