On The Wall: Finding Happiness in the Strangest of Places

Starting secondary school can be a daunting time; many young readers will relate to the feelings of anxiety, the pressure to 'fit in', the fear of standing out, the fear of being overlooked. But Finley is 'happy everywhere. And happy all the time'.

When Finley begins the new stage of educational journey at Windfields' School, he draws the attention of his teachers who consider him to be 'strange'. Finley doesn't join in with the usual playground activities, choosing instead to sit, alone, on a wall. When asked if he is Ok, Finley replies that he is happy by himself. And so, day after day, Finley takes up his position on the playground wall, looking ahead and thinking. As the school year progresses, Finley continues to be calm and contemplative.

Anne Fine's writing in On The Wall reflects Finley's presence - soothing and gentle. Finley has no desire for high drama and the pace and peace of the story reflects this beautifully. Finley is a thinker. An observer. He takes his time to study the world around him and, rather than being ridiculed for behaving somewhat differently from his peers, Finley is respected and even admired. Other students appreciate the stillness around Finley and they, too, begin to take quiet moments to breathe and to listen, to really listen to the world around them. At times Finley is considered to be some sort of oracle as classmates seek his advice to their own dilemmas. Does Finley always have the solution or were the answers already there?

Readers will enjoy this comforting story of a boy who has the ability to be at peace with himself. There are no high dramas, the humour is gentle and the pace is unrushed. Just as Finley has the ability to sooth, so does On the Wall. This is a thought-provoking read celebrating the importance of being happy in one's own skin.

Suggested Reading Age 9+