The Polka Dot Shop was for me a very enjoyable read, exploring themes of friendship, family, mental health and valuing entrepreneurialism among young people. 13-year-old Andy is the only pupil in her school who is not keen on the new no-uniform policy. While her classmates talk endlessly about fashion and look forward to weekend shopping sprees, Andy has to wear pre-loved clothes that come from her mum’s run-down vintage boutique. The chasm between Andy and her mum widens, as Andy grows increasingly frustrated by the tatty second-hand clothes she owns but does not wish to hurt her mum’s feelings. At the same time, Andy’s mum seems increasingly distant and the boutique appears to be struggling more than ever…