Forever Rose    by Hilary McKay Order:  USA  Can Margaret K. McElderry, 2008 (2008) Hardcover      Reviewed by Lyn Seippel In Forever Rose, the most recent book about the Casson family, Rose often finds herself alone in the house while her older siblings go about their lives. Mummy is in her shed. Instead of painting she's fighting a bad cough that is getting worse instead of better. Indigo's friend David comes by regularly to play the drums he's storing at the Casson house. Lonely Rose should find his company welcome, but with nowhere else to put the drums except in Saffy's room, Saffy has been forced to move into her friend's room just down the street. At school, Rose must cope with Mr. Spencer, the new class 6 teacher. Mr. Spencer is always irritated with the entire class and he calls Rose's behavior in class 'idleness personified.' Rose is an artist like her parents and so far the joy of reading has escaped her. Saffy and Sara are trying to entice her to read by bringing books whenever they drop in. So far it's not working, although Where the Wild Things Are did entice her to paint a mural on the walls of her room. The Cassons are a family you'll want to visit again and again, so start with the first book, Saffy's Angel. Each book stars a different sibling. McKay has created a real family who manage - with all their flaws - to be a family you can't help but love. They deal with family problems with fortitude and originality. Funny, sweet, and innocent, these books are pure gold. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews