• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 7

BFFs Madison and Alyssa have the summer planned out—long days at the beach, hanging out, baking cookies—but all that changes when Alyssa’s mother and the film crew have to head back to Hollywood. Which means Alyssa is moving, just when Madison finally has a best friend. But there’s a silver lining: Madison is invited to spend some time over the summer in Los Angeles!

Madison is excited to travel on her own, but she doesn’t count on being homesick—or having to deal with her fear of dogs by sharing the house with Nadine, Alyssa’s large but lovable Rottweiler. But the chance to meet Alyssa’s recently discovered father and an opportunity to pay back an obnoxious tour guide give the best friends plenty of distractions—and show them both that they have much more strength than they ever realized.

Meg Tilly is the author of two adult novels, Singing Songs (A Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection, 1994) and Gemma, both published with Syren Book Company. Her first YA novel, Porcupine, was released by Tundra in Sept 2007, and was shortlisted for a BC Book Prize, The Canadian Libraries Association Best Children's Book 2008, and Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Award 2008. It also was an Ontario Library Top Ten Best Bets 2008. First Time is her first book published with Orca. Tilly is a former actor whose films include The Big Chill and Agnes of God, for which she won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar. At present she is working on an untitled adult novel. She lives in Vancouver, B.C with her family.Website: www.officialmegtilly.com

Meg Tilly's profile page

“This novel brings the glamour of Hollywood to a gentle story of best friends who must learn to live apart. Madison and Alyssa are very different, yet despite their differences, they get along very well.” - Resource Links

“Tilly knows how to handle dialogue. She also has a feel for humour, especially when it comes to the way Alyssa and Madison respond to paparazzi and overly demanding fans. An easy summer read for ages 8 to 12." - The Montreal Gazette