Old Barn Books (10+) 9781910646991 (Paperback)
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This quiet, reflective book invites a pause from the bustle of the world around us. It offers a counter-cultural picture of Finley, someone who doesn’t automatically fit and provides a voice for the introverted child who might go unseen in an education system that is often set up for the more extroverted. Finley’s quiet, thoughtful approach to life positively impacts on all of those around him in this highly unusual novel which emphasises how stillness and self-acceptance can be superpowers.
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Former Children’s Laureate Anne Fine has written over seventy books for children. She has won the Carnegie Medal twice and been highly commended three times. She has won the Guardian Prize, the Smarties Prize, and the Whitbread Award (twice). Her work has been translated into forty-five languages. In 2003 she became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was awarded an OBE. Anne has two grown-up daughters, and lives in County Durham, UK.
www.annefine.co.uk | https://bookplates.uk/
I enjoyed reading this book, it had simple events which made it an easy read and had quite an interesting main character, and although the book is mainly from the perspective of the people around him, still clearly reflects his pure sense of calmness in the book. Also, I liked the effect Fine gave to others around him, though some could not tolerate it after a while, his still and calm presence washed over on others making the reader in awe of his tranquillity.
Nika
HGS Book Club
Finley is a calm, enigmatic student, while teachers like Mr. Goodhew are intrigued by his stillness.Rather than interacting, Finley sits on the wall, showing that he can find happiness and comfort anywhere. I enjoyed this book because he manages to be happy, while keeping to himself.
Patrick J
Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group
On the wall is about a boy called Finley and his friends life in Year 7. Finley is a quite calm boy that always sat on the wall in the playground doing nothing. Finley's teachers want to find out what he does there and why he's always so calm. Its a book about the value of silence and self-acceptance. I found this a good book but was quite boring at points and would recommend it to years 10+ because it can help you settle into secondary school.
Samuel H
Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group
Finley just started year 7 and he's very different to all the other people in his class, he sits on a wall , alone not doing anything for break and lunch. His teacher Mr Goodhew, wants to find the reason for this. After a while people notice him, and start asking questions. Juliet asks Finley about whether to go watch a scary film. Finley tells her to go and say the real reason. Some people start copying him, and feel calm, but whenever they sit next to him, they always think of worries, unlike Finley who just sits there with nothing to worry, though his teachers say to him to try harder but Finley doesn't think it as important. Disaster struck as he gets hit by a football, he comes back fine 2 days later, it's nearly the end of the year, but the wall he sat on is going to be demolished. Finley still says that he's happy. In the last day they all say goodbye to the wall. And Juliet says in Bella Italia that Finley's her friend, The end. I really liked this book because it says about the different perspectives of quiet people.
mahiru
Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group
There is a boy called Finley and he has moved to a new school. He usually sits alone on a wall thinking about nothing. Teachers wonder if he doesn’t have friends but proved wrong when Finley talks to kids. Other people also join like the first time when he was with Ben. I liked the overall plot and the actual story. One thing that did stick out to me, was that in the end when the wall is going to get destroyed, the teacher lets Finley see the wall one last time before it goes away. It had to go away because of the hazard it can provide as the wall is a bit high up. I recommend this book to everyone as it is a really good book. I think this book deserves to be on the shortlist than some other books. I rate this an 8/10.
Ihsan K
Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group
I have just finished On the wall and I absolutely loved it! It really made me think and it was very interesting. I could just feel Finley's calm through the pages. I now really want to buy myself this book. I loved how the book was from different views and so you could feel the different emotions from all the characters. It was one of my favourite books I have read!!! :)
Idaisa
Orpington Library Younger Teens Group
I liked the imagery in the story.
Grace
HGCSC Library