Challenging voice
Here is yet another addition to the Barrington Stoke catalogue, the value of which includes its accessibility, but also extends well beyond.
This is an important and most welcome book in that it captures quite brilliantly the voice of a young teen girl, Lacey, whose attitudes and behaviour many adults (and many schools too, I think) would consider ‘very challenging’, if not completely unacceptable. Written in the girl’s own voice, it does this with a brave honesty, reproducing authentically her language and disrespect for authority. Whilst providing the family context which explains her behaviours, it never tries to excuse or apologise for her. She is, however, portrayed with real understanding so that readers can see the very real qualities of the human being within.
Engaging reluctant readers
In reality, many similarly ‘challenging ’ young people will be among those who find difficulty with reading or who are are resistant to reading fiction (or indeed anything much at all). If there is to be any chance of enticing them into reading for pleasure then the ability to find themselves represented in a book, without disapprobation, will help enormously. Other young readers too, whatever their reading ability, will benefit considerably from insight into what ‘problem’ students in their school or class might actually be thinking and feeling. That is why a book like this matters so much.
(And if there are some adults who think the character depicted and language used in this book are not ‘appropriate’, then they are the very people who make the book important.)
Reaching out, reaching in
Over and above this, Helen Rutter is such a talented writer, that Lacey’s story is highly engaging and entertaining too. It recounts how a particular teacher succeeds in establishing a positive rapport with Lacey and how she begins to discover something of her own potential through playing the piano. It is ultimately richly heart-warming. And if the book’s upbeat ending is somewhat romanticised compared to much real life, then its positive messages are none the less vital.
This novella may be short in length, but it is long in what it has to say on several levels. There are many things here that parents, carers and teachers should take to heart, as well as young people themselves.
Arts education
Not least is the example it provides of the way Creative Arts provision in schools has enormous potential for supporting personal growth and self-discovery. Arts education must never be allowed to disappear or be pushed out by the ‘core curriculum’. Otherwise not only individuals lose out but our whole society does too - and the humanity of all of us is ultimately diminished.
That’s not to mention that pianos in railway stations may well provide far more than a casual entertainment for commuters. As the story says: ‘Save our piano(s)!’
Elisa Paganelli’s illustrations are spot on and capture several different facets of Lacey’s personality affectingly. This artist’s depiction of facial expressions may be simple, but it is skilfully effective in communicating authentic attitudes and responses. Her telling images not only aid accessibility considerably but complement the text perfectly.