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Sonny & Tess
It’s the end of year 7 and Tess wants a summer job. She’s keen to earn her own money and buy her own clothes. But her mum has other ideas: it looks like Tess will be stuck at home babysitting her twin brothers.
Thirteen-year-old Sonny is tired of moving around. With his dad up north, he’s staying with his uncle and aunt above their fish and chip shop. And it just so happens his uncle is hiring extra staff for the holidays.
When Sonny and Tess crash into each other outside the shop, sparks and dim sims fly. Soon they’re both wondering if the other feels the same way – but, as Sonny loves to say, it’s complicated.
Over hot chips and chicken salt, can these two work out what they really want?
Perfect for readers 11 years and older, Sonny & Tess is a delightful, age-appropriate romance that will captivate fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
Thirteen-year-old Sonny is tired of moving around. With his dad up north, he’s staying with his uncle and aunt above their fish and chip shop. And it just so happens his uncle is hiring extra staff for the holidays.
When Sonny and Tess crash into each other outside the shop, sparks and dim sims fly. Soon they’re both wondering if the other feels the same way – but, as Sonny loves to say, it’s complicated.
Over hot chips and chicken salt, can these two work out what they really want?
Perfect for readers 11 years and older, Sonny & Tess is a delightful, age-appropriate romance that will captivate fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
256 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2025
9 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Nova Weetman
27 books109 followersNova Weetman wrote short fiction and children’s television before publishing her first YA novel, The Haunting of Lily Frost, in 2014. She lives with her partner, a playwright, and their two children in Brunswick, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 30, 2025
Content warnings: questionable parenting
3.5 stars
This was cute! I liked the characters and how very authentically nearly-14 it felt. But at the same time, this was kind of...nothing-y? Or it took place over too short a time period? I honestly don't know. But there was SOMETHING about the story that kept me at arm's length in a way that Weetman's books haven't in the past, and as a result it was just kind of...fine.
3.5 stars
This was cute! I liked the characters and how very authentically nearly-14 it felt. But at the same time, this was kind of...nothing-y? Or it took place over too short a time period? I honestly don't know. But there was SOMETHING about the story that kept me at arm's length in a way that Weetman's books haven't in the past, and as a result it was just kind of...fine.
July 6, 2025
This book was a cute middle grade read that deals with heavy topics like family abandonment and parentified daughter tropes well. This was easy to digest and a good read for children. I just didn’t find it super memorable.
August 24, 2025
4.5⭐️
July 30, 2025
Popular YA author Nova Weetman was asked by a student why her books were always sad (and it’s true they often deal with weighty subjects like grief and loneliness) so she decided to do something about it. She has produced SONNY AND TESS (UQP 2025), a funny, quirky meet-cute rom-com that perfectly captures the heady rush of tween romance and attraction, the vital necessity of teen friendship, the yearning of children to be old enough to have a job and earn their own money, and the never-ending delights of salty hot chips.
Told in alternate voices, this story features Sonny, an endearing kid with a complicated family life. After his mum left, his dad immersed himself in his work as a geologist, finding refuge in rocks and the special places unique specimens can be found. He often works away, and while Sonny sometimes goes with him, this time he is staying with his Uncle Frank (cool, music-loving, owner of the fish and chip shop) and his Aunt Marion (kind, understanding, mother-figure). Sonny has come back from a recent trip to begin Year 7 at a new school, with all that entails (rumours regarding his exit from his last school, making new friends, finding his place). While Sonny suffers some abandonment issues from both the leaving of his mum, and the frequent absences of his dad, he finds comfort with Frank and Marion and is a pretty confident and laid-back lad.
Tess’ parents both work, often leaving her in charge of her (annoying) twin brothers, who are four years younger than her. She has to pick them up after school, make them snacks and sometimes dinner, and generally feels she’s got the short end of the stick. She wants to be a teenager and do adolescent things. What she most wants is to get a job and earn her own money. But she’s not yet 14 so would need one of her parents to give written permission – something she knows will never happen. But when a certain fish and chip shop advertises for help, Tess decides she’s had enough of being the nice girl and forges her mum’s signature to get the job. Serendipity that the cute new guy at school happens to be the nephew of the owner of the shop and also works there.
SONNY AND TESS is a sweet, funny, light, warm, nuanced story about first crushes, relationships, family complexities, and of course the awkwardness of tween self-consciousness about how you look, what you say, who you are friends with, how you act in school, what bike you ride, what music you listen to, how weird your family is, and whether you are different to how you think you should be. A delightful story that will resonate with all kids between about ten and 14, with familiar anxieties, dreams, worries and wishes. The sharp, witty dialogue and clever situational problems elevate this book to interest adult readers who will no doubt relive their messy, embarrassing, clumsy and grace-less gawkiness of their own young adolescence, while remembering the sweet delight of that first crush, that singular meeting, the accidental brush of a hand or the anticipation of a first kiss.
Told in alternate voices, this story features Sonny, an endearing kid with a complicated family life. After his mum left, his dad immersed himself in his work as a geologist, finding refuge in rocks and the special places unique specimens can be found. He often works away, and while Sonny sometimes goes with him, this time he is staying with his Uncle Frank (cool, music-loving, owner of the fish and chip shop) and his Aunt Marion (kind, understanding, mother-figure). Sonny has come back from a recent trip to begin Year 7 at a new school, with all that entails (rumours regarding his exit from his last school, making new friends, finding his place). While Sonny suffers some abandonment issues from both the leaving of his mum, and the frequent absences of his dad, he finds comfort with Frank and Marion and is a pretty confident and laid-back lad.
Tess’ parents both work, often leaving her in charge of her (annoying) twin brothers, who are four years younger than her. She has to pick them up after school, make them snacks and sometimes dinner, and generally feels she’s got the short end of the stick. She wants to be a teenager and do adolescent things. What she most wants is to get a job and earn her own money. But she’s not yet 14 so would need one of her parents to give written permission – something she knows will never happen. But when a certain fish and chip shop advertises for help, Tess decides she’s had enough of being the nice girl and forges her mum’s signature to get the job. Serendipity that the cute new guy at school happens to be the nephew of the owner of the shop and also works there.
SONNY AND TESS is a sweet, funny, light, warm, nuanced story about first crushes, relationships, family complexities, and of course the awkwardness of tween self-consciousness about how you look, what you say, who you are friends with, how you act in school, what bike you ride, what music you listen to, how weird your family is, and whether you are different to how you think you should be. A delightful story that will resonate with all kids between about ten and 14, with familiar anxieties, dreams, worries and wishes. The sharp, witty dialogue and clever situational problems elevate this book to interest adult readers who will no doubt relive their messy, embarrassing, clumsy and grace-less gawkiness of their own young adolescence, while remembering the sweet delight of that first crush, that singular meeting, the accidental brush of a hand or the anticipation of a first kiss.
August 12, 2025
“It also makes my feelings real, and that’s something worth squirming for.”
I have to start this post by apologising to Nova as this is my first time reading a novel of hers. I didn’t know what I was missing out on and I’m glad I finally got one in my hands because this was a gem of a book.
Told in alternating POV, this story follows Sonny, in town for the summer staying (and working) with his aunt & uncle at their fish & chip shop, as his dad is on ‘another’ work placement. And Tess, a young girl keen to branch out from her suffocating family & embrace independence with a summer job. After literally running into each other, sparks fly & it all seems like fate, until Sonny’s dad returns with an offer that might throw a spanner in the works. Will Sonny hang around long enough for this spark with Tess to catch alight or will they be separated before something can be made of this blooming attraction?
I feel like this is the sort of book where there are different take-aways to enjoy, depending on the reader. It might’ve been a story about Sonny & Tess, but the romance genre isn’t really my thing (I promise I was rooting for them though). Instead, I was completely enamoured by the beautiful bond between Sonny and his Uncle Frank & Aunt Marion. Every young man needs an advocate & mentor like these two, and Nova captured this relationship perfectly. The realistic dialogue, reactions & inner thoughts were perfectly balanced. There were no over the top soppy conversations or pep talks here, just a perfect representation of love & support. This relationship was the best of the lot but there were others to enjoy as well. Tess & her twin brothers, Tess & her parents, Sonny & his Dad, and Sonny & his mate Tin. All brilliant & realistic representations of rollercoaster relationships. I adored them all.
Thanks Nova for a bloody brilliant read.
I have to start this post by apologising to Nova as this is my first time reading a novel of hers. I didn’t know what I was missing out on and I’m glad I finally got one in my hands because this was a gem of a book.
Told in alternating POV, this story follows Sonny, in town for the summer staying (and working) with his aunt & uncle at their fish & chip shop, as his dad is on ‘another’ work placement. And Tess, a young girl keen to branch out from her suffocating family & embrace independence with a summer job. After literally running into each other, sparks fly & it all seems like fate, until Sonny’s dad returns with an offer that might throw a spanner in the works. Will Sonny hang around long enough for this spark with Tess to catch alight or will they be separated before something can be made of this blooming attraction?
I feel like this is the sort of book where there are different take-aways to enjoy, depending on the reader. It might’ve been a story about Sonny & Tess, but the romance genre isn’t really my thing (I promise I was rooting for them though). Instead, I was completely enamoured by the beautiful bond between Sonny and his Uncle Frank & Aunt Marion. Every young man needs an advocate & mentor like these two, and Nova captured this relationship perfectly. The realistic dialogue, reactions & inner thoughts were perfectly balanced. There were no over the top soppy conversations or pep talks here, just a perfect representation of love & support. This relationship was the best of the lot but there were others to enjoy as well. Tess & her twin brothers, Tess & her parents, Sonny & his Dad, and Sonny & his mate Tin. All brilliant & realistic representations of rollercoaster relationships. I adored them all.
Thanks Nova for a bloody brilliant read.
July 18, 2025
Our Review...
It’s complicated …first job, first kiss, first crush. Sonny and Tess absolutely nails it for great banter and chemistry between young loner 13-year-old Tess, and new boy Sonny who is living and working with his uncle over summer in his Fish and Chip shop.
When Sonny literally runs into Tess with his bike outside and they connect, sparks fly. Sonny is instantly drawn to Tess - quirky, offbeat, and completely unlike anyone he’s ever met.
And Tess.. she’s not quite sure what to make of this confident, good-looking boy who’s suddenly paying attention to her - the girl who’s always felt a little on the outside.
Sonny and Tess is a heartfelt winning read that beautifully captures the magic and mess of falling for someone for the very first time. It will bring a huge smile to any reader. Great for ages 12 plus.
Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books
It’s complicated …first job, first kiss, first crush. Sonny and Tess absolutely nails it for great banter and chemistry between young loner 13-year-old Tess, and new boy Sonny who is living and working with his uncle over summer in his Fish and Chip shop.
When Sonny literally runs into Tess with his bike outside and they connect, sparks fly. Sonny is instantly drawn to Tess - quirky, offbeat, and completely unlike anyone he’s ever met.
And Tess.. she’s not quite sure what to make of this confident, good-looking boy who’s suddenly paying attention to her - the girl who’s always felt a little on the outside.
Sonny and Tess is a heartfelt winning read that beautifully captures the magic and mess of falling for someone for the very first time. It will bring a huge smile to any reader. Great for ages 12 plus.
Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books
July 16, 2025
When you pick up a Nova Weetman book you know you are in safe hands and are about to be totally transported into an unforgettable story.
Sonny & Tess is the perfect gentle romance for young readers agred 10 - 13 years,
Enough family & friendship issues that readers will be able to relate to, but handled in an entirely age-appropriate way.
Highly recommended!
Thanks to the Publisher for the review copy of this book.
Sonny & Tess is the perfect gentle romance for young readers agred 10 - 13 years,
Enough family & friendship issues that readers will be able to relate to, but handled in an entirely age-appropriate way.
Highly recommended!
Thanks to the Publisher for the review copy of this book.
July 19, 2025
Perfect middle years read. Sonny lives with his uncle and aunt above the fish n chips shop because his mum has left and his dad works away. So the story navigates Sonny’s life as a young teenager - friendship, family, first crushes etc
Tess comes from a family where expectations are put on her because she has younger siblings when she just wants to get a part time job etc
A good read for Year 4 and above
Tess comes from a family where expectations are put on her because she has younger siblings when she just wants to get a part time job etc
A good read for Year 4 and above
October 23, 2025
Set in Melbourne, Sonny and Tess is a heartwarming story about 13-year-old Sonny and his new friend, Tess, the girl he literally crashed into on his bike outside his uncle’s Melbourne fish and chip shop. Their friendship blossoms amongst the trials and tribulations of family and school life. With a cast of likeable characters encountering realistic situations, Nova Weetman’s latest gem is both relatable and uplifting.
August 1, 2025
Ah, Nova. You’ve done it again. Another wonderful story about the glorious mess that being a teenager involves; the joys of teenage confusion and complication with friends, family and first crushes. Absolutely loved it.
July 3, 2025
If you don’t love this book for its utterly wonderful friendship and family dynamics and it’s toe-curlingly cute first crush then you are clearly a heartless monster!
July 18, 2025
Love Nova Weetman books. Sonny and Tess is a delightful tweens novel about different families, first jobs, first crushes. Highly recommended.,
December 6, 2025
With thanks to ‘Good Reading Magazine’ (Australia) for the ARC and the opportunity to review.
Nova Weetman needs no introduction to Australian middle-grade and young adult readers. Over many years she has established herself as a reliable ‘go to’ author for librarians and booksellers when making recommendations for realistic, contemporary fiction. In her latest offering, Sonny & Tess, her skill in drawing recognisable and engaging characters and scenarios is proven yet again.
Read full review here:
https://goodreadingmagazine.com.au/la...
Nova Weetman needs no introduction to Australian middle-grade and young adult readers. Over many years she has established herself as a reliable ‘go to’ author for librarians and booksellers when making recommendations for realistic, contemporary fiction. In her latest offering, Sonny & Tess, her skill in drawing recognisable and engaging characters and scenarios is proven yet again.
Read full review here:
https://goodreadingmagazine.com.au/la...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews