How to Make a Movie in 12 Days (Fiona Hardy, Affirm Kids)

Hayley, 11, has one mission in life: to make a movie. Ever since Grandma—who was going to make it with her—died, the need is much greater than before, especially since she has only 12 days to finish it. This book has many larger-than-life characters: Hayley’s funny, orange-infatuated younger sister Jennifer; ‘Theo’, a peculiar man who lets them use his front garden as a film set; and her dad, who thinks most problems can be fixed by watching the right movie. Hayley’s tight-knit group of friends rise to the occasion to help her with her film, yet, as with any mission, there are setbacks to overcome and friendships are tested. Debut author Fiona Hardy has written a cracker of a story. Unlike a lot of current fiction aimed at middle-grade readers, How to Make a Movie in 12 Days isn’t weighed down with heavy issues. Yes, Hayley and her family are grieving, but Hardy’s portrayal of cantankerous Grandma is done with sensitivity and aplomb. Budding filmmakers, scriptwriters or any readers with annoying siblings and a sense of humour will enjoy this book.

Katie Haydon is a former assistant editor of Books+Publishing

Category: Junior newsletter Review list Reviews