Immy and Claudia fall for each other over a yellow rose – a symbol of platonic friendship. Their relationship has that intensity of teenage first love – but Claudia is not Immy’s first love. Immy has loved before, in former lives and in other times. Those loves were not like this though – or is it that those loves are now only half-remembered?

As passionate as their relationship is, can their love survive the revelation of Immy’s deepest secret? And – more importantly – can Claudia?

Meg Grehan’s verse is beautiful and tender, capturing the obsessive and angst-ridden nature of teen romance. Told in the first person by Immy, we are granted an insight into her deepest soul – her memories, urges, regrets and worries. The reader has to work for the answers about Immy’s past and her true identity, and live with some ambiguities. The text asks some challenging and important questions about love, about what constitutes a healthy relationship, and whether there is a line between being true to ourselves and letting that truth adversely affect those we love.

Immy’s secret could be construed as allegorical, and there is a fairy-tale feel about the story. But it could equally be an exploration of love between two very different individuals. Either way, the verse format makes it is a quick read and the poems flow effortlessly, at times even breathlessly, for a dark and unsettling – but rewarding – read.

Baby Teeth is ideal for Y9 and up.