Short Reads: Young Carers

Claire Mason got a diary for Christmas. It should be filled with entries about her life at college as she prepares to sit exams. Instead, Claire's diary tells of a family illness, and the difficult decisions it forces her to make. Last Year is the story of Claire's hardest year.

Everyone thinks Ella has the perfect life. A big house, the perfect mother. But it's all just one big lie. If anyone knew the life she lived, it would mean disaster for Ella and her mum. So the lies go on. But her mum is getting sicker. Ella is torn. She can't tell anyone the truth. But she can't cope either.

Dani is looking forward to Matt’s birthday meal with their friends at the local pizza place. But Matt doesn’t show up. Then, when Matt doesn’t reply to her texts, Dani is upset. She can’t believe Matt is the kind of guy who’d behave like that.

But Matt has problems of his own at home. Problems that he can’t bear to share with anyone, least of all his friends. 

Will Dani discover the truth?

Ellie does her best to look after her mum who has ME. She tries to stay cheerful. But sometimes she needs a friend to pour out her troubles to.

She turns to Janine, an online friend who understands what Ellie is going through.

They’ve never met, so when Ellie gets the chance to visit Janine, she can’t wait.

But Janine has a secret — a very dark secret.

Jordan likes Hannah even though his friend says she’s bad news. Jordan is sure it’s just gossip... until Hannah starts cancelling their plans for no reason.

Hannah likes Jordan, but she has to look after her dad and sister. She can’t always find time to go out and have fun.

Does Jordan care more about what his friend says than he does about Hannah?