On The Wall: Finding Happiness in the Strangest of Places

Can you find happiness anywhere? Anywhere at all?In the chaos of breaktime, one boy sits perfectly still, alone on top of the wall. Those who don't know him are baffled. But by the end of his first year at Winfield School, everyone has learned to prize Finley's gift for quiet contentedness.

Will become a favourite of the discerning reader.

Wonderful. Made me laugh out loud, yet incredibly poignant.

Not since Gene Kemp''s Cricklepit series has there been a more truthful ''fictionalising'' of school life... sensitive readers of On The Wall will find new depths in the unnoticeable rhythms of our school day experiences, all the way accompanied by the wonder that is Finley.

A groundbreaking gem.

Within this seemingly quiet little book is quite a revolution, and it is full of groundbreaking philosophical ideas.

A heart-warming comedy.

Contemplative and empathetic

A wonderful book for any child about to embark on their secondary school journey.

This is a book about the transition to secondary school but it''s not the usual story of struggles to fit in or difficulties with home life. There''s a teacher but he''s not a ''hero'', there are friendships but they aren''t defined by their challenges, there are the pressures of new expectations and of growing up, but they aren''t arduous or insurmountable. This is a different kind of story.

Only a writer as skilled and talented as Anne Fine could build an entire book around a central character who is totally mindful, calm and without drama. The beautiful prose is very, very readable and hard to put down.

So beautifully observed, with touches of humour and pathos, inspiring readers to be true to themselves and seek happiness in the here and now. Perfect for anyone looking for something a little different, a calmer, ''thinking'' story. 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 it''s really like to be a new student anywhere.

On The Wall is an outstanding story about the transition to secondary school but, more importantly, it''s about the importance of learning to accept yourself and understand the value of calm in a chaotic world. Finley is a delightfully complex protagonist. Loved it.

This one is special... The humour is wonderful, the teachers are well-rounded real people, the interaction between the children authentic and there are moments that have great impact. Definitely among my favourite books of the year so far.

On the Wall traces several journeys through that daunting first year of high school. Pupil and teacher perspectives are insightfully interwoven. This is a story filled with compassion and understanding which I read with considerable enjoyment, suitable for ages 9+ and particularly appealing for Year 6 and 7. (aged 10+) The warmth of the narrative and the liveliness of the conversations in and out of the classroom are a treat... Anne Fine remains a star, with this latest gentle, almost elegiac story yet more evidence of her unique talents.

Shines a subtle spotlight on the pressure some young people feel to fit in, and on the importance and power of being oneself... there is no doubt that this book could launch some interesting conversations about how young people interact with each other – in person and online.

Can you find happiness anywhere? Anywhere at all?

Amid the chaos of breaktime, Finley Tandy sits peacefully on the wall. Mr Goodhew, watching from the staffroom, is in awe of the boy''s gift for stillness, and his seemingly cast-iron happiness. But tranquility may be catching. Because gradually everyone in the school comes to appreciate what Finley''s long silences can offer. Even Juliet finds answers to her crushing worries when she''s close to Finley, up on the wall.

A warm and witty novel, with a lot to say about the value of silence and self-acceptance, this new young teen story from Anne Fine is the perfect ''transition read'' for those approaching the new challenges and joys of the first year of secondary school.

• | Author: Anne Fine
• | Publisher: Old Barn Books
• | Publication Date: Sep 05, 2024
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Paperback / softback
• | ISBN-13: 9781910646991
• | ISBN-10: 1910646997