Perfect timing for this book by Anne Fine about transition from primary to secondary school. It has an intriguing slant on ‘being cool’ where Finlay spends time during the breaks sitting on the wall. His peers around him are making friendship groups, doing things together and bonding into groups. But Finlay remains calm. He somehow gives an air of acceptance, both of himself and of others.
Over time, the other children see him as someone who can help, and make them feel better about themselves. There is an excellent passage where he is ‘worshipped’ by others as he continues to sit on the wall. Where other children would become terrified, Finley never does.
Desperately anxious Juliet, class clown Ben and others are amongst those who benefit. His tranquillity is caching, especially amongst his neurodivergent classmates. His acceptance of himself means he is not striving to be different and this is passed on to others giving them more confidence.
Anne Fine, OBE, is an exceptionally well known author, a former Children’s Laureate, twice been a winner of the Carnegies Medal, plus many other awards too. She has written over 70 books for children.
Old Barn Books is an exciting independent publisher of many genres of children’s books, publishing powerful writing on themes with meaning and effect.
On The Wall, is a must read for readers of 9-11, an excellent way of exploring your own fears of a new school, and a deeper understanding of what is really like to be a new student anywhere.
Sue Martin Children’s Literacy Specialist
