Protagonist Jem Martinic hangs with girls of her ilk – the bookish set, those au fait with fancy words and mannered melodramas, but not necessarily bright in the ways of the world. With their backgrounds predominantly ethnic, Jem (Jessica M) Croatian, Iris Chinese-Malay, and Bec Indian, only Georgia’s family roots are unspecified. But then, of the tight-knit group she is the one most likely to stray as the girls are forced out of their comfort zone on a Year 10 camp. Private schools do this sort of thing, apparently, bus off a whole year-level for an entire term to private bush lodgings.

And there, where they are made to mix, Jem encounters the glamorous alpha queen, Mackenzie Woodrow. They meet, they talk, they discover: Jem wants to be a poet, Mackenzie a cook. But, oh, that’s not the natural order of things! Jem should stay invisible. Mackenzie is the star of the stage, the light of many a girl’s eyes.

Back to routine next term and the new allegiances will be tested. Will Iris hold the charge of racism against Jem for ditching her brother? Will Georgia dob on sidekick Rosie for her bulimia? Will Mackenzie come clean about her true intentions seeing out Jem’s friendship? A friendship so "intense" as proclaimed on the blurb, more must read into it.

Here, perhaps, I can imagine the publishers asking around for some author brave enough to tackle a sympathetic story about coming out. I remember explaining to my teen son that it would be okay if he were to find he was attracted to the same sex. His response was emphatic. I must admit mine is here , too. I wouldn’t want to turn you off, though, as it may be just what’s needed for gels to feel they are not alone or deviant when the kiss they desire is not from some boofhead boy but from a gorgeous girl. Allen & Unwin RRP $14.95.