Children's Laureate 2001-2003
Carnegie Medal 1989, 1992
Whitbread Award 1993, 1996
Guardian Fiction Award 1990
Children's Laureate 2001-2003
Carnegie Medal 1989, 1992
Whitbread Award 1993, 1996
Guardian Fiction Award 1990
Can you find happiness anywhere? Anywhere at all?
Amid the frantic bustle of breaktime, Finley Tandy sits peacefully on the wall.
Mr Goodhew, watching from the staffroom, can't help but wonder at the boy's gift for stillness, and his seemingly cast-iron happiness.
But maybe tranquility can 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.
Through Finley's calm contemplation, Anne Fine gently explores how students make their very different ways through life at school and at home.
A warm and witty novel, with a lot to say about the value of silence.
"Within this seemingly quiet little book is quite a revolution, and it is full of groundbreaking philosophical ideas. A quiet little gem."
Booktrust
Books we love in December 2024
"... the warmth of the narrative and the liveliness of the conversations in and out of the classroom are a treat for those in the mood to accept them. ... [Anne Fine] remains a star, with this latest gentle, almost elegiac story yet more evidence of her unique talents.."
"A new book which will become a favourite of the discerning reader."
SLA (School Library Association)
" ... a refreshing and delightful read and would be a wonderful book for any child about to embark on their secondary school journey."
LoveReadong4Kids
September 2024 Book of the Month
"Many will find On the Wall a very different experience to reading most other school stories. Just as Mrs Dalloway is hardly a story about a shopping trip, so 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."
"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."
"definitely among my favourite books of the year so far...this one, I think, is special."
On The Wall by Anne Fine is the perfect 'transition read' for young teen readers approaching the new challenges and joys of the first year of secondary school.
It was published by Old Barn Books on 5th September 2024. Order a copy from Amazon, or from any library or bookshop (ISBN: 978-1-9106-4699-1)