Trouble Half-Way

Amy is depressingly straight in all senses of the word. Mind you with a fussy mother like hers it's not surprising - she even irons non-iron shirts! Amy's knight in shining armour, her saviour, is Richard, the step-father who must have seen something endearing in her mother, and who, through circumstances, is forced to take Amy on a long-distance lorry trip with him. That journey becomes a symbolic and very practical time of maturing and widening of horizons for Amy. Not only does she find freedom by losing some of her ingrained caution but she also recognises Richard for the amazing step-dad that he is. Jan Mark writes with her usual gifts of sharp insight, humour and keen perception. I don't doubt that most teachers will relish this book. I'm not so sure, however, that all kids will find is as absorbing.