Can a nerd and a golden girl ever be best friends? Always Mackenzie is the bittersweet story of the intense friendship between two girls - the story of what happens when Jem Martinic meets Mackenzie Woodrow and they swear to be enemies forever.

I solemnly swear that I will never, ever be friends with Mackenzie Woodrow as long as we both shall live,' said Jem. 'Excellent,' said Mackenzie.

Jem is a nerd, smart and forthright. Mackenzie is a golden girl, excelling at schoolwork, sport and drama, and popular with everyone. One night, at the Year 10 camp, Jem and Mackenzie strike up an unlikely friendship and are soon spending all their time together. But when camp ends, can Mackenzie and Jem maintain their bond at school, with all its unspoken rules, fierce cliques and easy misunderstandings? A lively and poignant story about the intensity of true friendship.

'Intensely felt, funny, compassionate ... a truly remarkable novel.' - Isabella, 17