On the Wall

Finlay Tandy is not worried about starting Windfield’s School, but then Finlay doesn’t worry about much. At break and lunch times, he sits alone on an old wall, perfectly happy in his own company. Mr Goodhew, his teacher, finds himself watching Finley’s behaviour and the unusual responses it provokes from those around him as the class navigate their first year at secondary school.

‘On the Wall’ is a quite extraordinary book. It follows the fortunes of Finlay as he starts his years- ‘Another seven!’- at secondary school. Unlike many stories about this transition, Finlay is not a character plagued with self doubt, problems at home or bullying. He is someone who is completely content in his own skin, self reliant and ‘happy absolutely everywhere’. Completely unselfconscious, he is happy to just be- something which most of us struggle to achieve.

As his staff and classmates have different experiences, Finley influences them in different ways. Many don’t understand him, but somehow benefit from how at peace with himself and the world around him Finley is. The story is so beautifully observed with touches of humour and pathos, inspiring readers to be true to themselves and seek happiness in the here and now. However, this is a story you need to read- trying to describe it here cannot do it justice!

Perfect for anyone looking for something a little bit different, a calmer, ‘thinking’ story, ‘On the Wall’ is a really refreshing and enjoyable read!

On the Wall

Anne Fine

Old Barn Books ISBN: 978-1910646991

Kicked Out

Sequel to the very wonderful, ‘Boy Everywhere’ follows Ali and Sami as they settle into life, playing for the school football team and enjoying the huge pool at Mark’s new house. But when some money goes missing, everything changes when Aadam is accused by Mark’s mum’s boyfriend of the theft. The boys are desperate to prove his innocence and help him fight deportation, but Ali is distracted by the reappearance of his father and his half brother.

I loved ‘Boy Everywhere’, finding it powerful, thought-provoking and moving. In ‘Kicking Out’, A M Dassu offers a follow up which is equally compelling and which does not shy away from racist attitudes and the plight of unaccompanied minors who are seeking asylum. Parts of the story make uncomfortable reading as racism and appalling attitudes are laid bare, but with the dangerous and misleading rhetoric around refugees and asylum seekers, it is a vitally important one.

Family and relationships are also central to the story. Ali’s world is turned upside down by the reappearance of his father- and his half brother. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy and rejection, constantly comparing himself to his ‘new’ brother and doubting himself. Mark is also having family problems- although his mother has new found wealth and security, it is her boyfriend, Callum, a racist bully, who has driven a rift between him (Mark), Ali and Sami, falsely accusing Aadam and refusing to let Mark see his friends. Mark doesn’t want to abandon them, but struggles with the thought that he might upset his mother now that she has at last found some happiness.

Unflinching and honest, ‘Kicked Out’ is an important and thoroughly enjoyable read.

Kicked Out A M Dassu

Old Barn Books ISBN: 978- 1910646892

Published in October

Pea Pod Lullaby

Soothing and lyrical, ‘Pea Pod Lullaby’ is part song, part poem and perfect for sharing. As a mother, baby, small child and their dog flee in a small, tattered boat. As they sail across the vast ocean, they are joined by a little bird and a polar bear in need of help, sharing what they have as they journey on through all weathers. The little bird flies away and the polar bear climbs off onto an ice berg to join three cubs and the family continue sailing until they reach the safety of land once more.

The family’s story is developed through the illustrations, making the book wonderful for ‘reading the pictures’ and initiating discussions about the plight of the family and the creatures they encounter. The polar bear they rescue, for example, is floating on a fridge, not ice as might be expected. Sharp eyes might also notice the little bird returning to the boat, clutching a leaf in its beak, just before the boat reaches land, just as the dove returned to the ark. Each picture is beautiful, telling a story of hope and compassion, of need and sharing, of love and togetherness.

A note at the end of the book tells the reader that the words were created in response to the illustrations. They send a touching message about the importance of caring for one another. The richness of the vocabulary and the powerful imagery might resonate more with adults than with children, but there is no denying their beauty or poignancy.

Pea Pod Lullaby

Glenda Millard, illustrated by Stephen Michael King

Old Barn Books ISBN: 978-1910646458

Ghost Bird

First Nations Australians, Laney and Stacey, may be mirror twins, but their personalities are very different. Whilst Stacey works hard in school, determined to leave her home town, Laney skives off school and sneaks out to meet her boyfriend, Troy. However, when Laney disappears one night, Stacey refuses to believe she has just run off. She starts having dark, vivid dreams about her sister, leaving her in no doubt that her twin is in danger and needs her help.

This is an outstanding novel which is all consuming and compelling. Drawing on her rich cultural heritage, Lisa Fuller has created something very special and original.

Relationships are brilliantly captured from the twin’s bond to the close-knit ‘mob’ (the wider family), who rally round to find Laney in the face of apathy and racism from the authorities and parts of the wider community. Respect for elders is engrained in the girls, but in the face of her loss, Stacey is prepared to break these rules- including a long-standing family feud with the Millers- to rescue her sister from the horrors she is facing.

The settings are vividly captured. The reader can feel the relentless heat and see how the land has been scarred by the actions of white settlers in places whilst enjoying the beauty of the landscape in others. Some moments are truly disturbing, with the author skilfully building tension.

I am in no way qualified to comment on the cultural background of this story and have no wish to offend the author, or anyone else, by a clumsy comment as from the author’s note, it is obvious that she has drawn on her beliefs to create her story. All I can say is that I found it a completely absorbing, beautifully written read and I would love to read more by Lisa Fuller in the future.

Ghost Bird Lisa Fuller

Old Barn Books ISBN: 978-1910646809