Wildlife by Fiona Wood

Australian author Wood sets this drama about teen relationships and challenges in an isolated wilderness camp for privileged youth. There are two main protagonists who tell their stories in alternating chapters: Sibylla, newly popular but uncomfortable with the way her friend Holly pushes her to hook up with the school's most dreamy guy, and new girl, Lou, who is attending the program as a way to reconnect with the world following the death of her boyfriend. The girls' stories intersect as Lou observes how Holly manipulates Sib and wonders how or whether to intervene. Lou, in turn, is a mystery to others in her cabin, and Sib tries to protect her against Holly's bullying. Supporting characters Holly and Michael challenge Sib to learn what friendship really means. There's a lot of entertaining stuff about life in an outdoor education school--learning to get along with your bunkmates, griping about food and chores, and playing pranks on other cabins. The events and personal struggles ring true; I totally enjoyed Wildlife.