No Friend of Mine [Hardcover]

Ann Turnbull (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 7, 1995 | Age Level: 8 and up

Worrying about his miner father's failing health and an impending miners' strike, Lennie Dyer consoles himself in his new friendship with Ralph, until he learns that Ralph's father is the wealthy mine owner.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6?The opposite lives of two youngsters in the mining town of Culverton, England, are depicted in this story of friendship, trust, and betrayal. Lennie, a miner's son, is the brunt of teasing and physical torment by the school bully. Ralph, the mine owner's son, is in need of friendship when he is home from boarding school. Poor boy and rich boy meet in an old abandoned cottage behind the owner's house and decide to turn it into a hideout. Each is aware of the other's differences but is willing to ignore them for the sake of the relationship. In turn, each boy's concept of loyalty is tested when Lennie is falsely accused of stealing from the owner's house. Ralph cannot overcome his fear of his father and hides behind the accusation. The classic theme of distrust between the classes is portrayed in this pre-World War II British novel along with the conflict of union v. management. Turnbull doesn't offer any real solutions; she leaves readers wondering if the two boys will ever truly understand or communicate with one another. A thought-provoking and realistic read.?Rita Soltan, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5^-7. Bullied at school, and with no space of his own in his poor home in England during the Depression, Lennie finds a friend, Ralph, in a ruined cottage in the woods. Ralph's father is the rich, harsh boss who runs the coal mines; Lennie's father is sick from the coal dust, and his family is staunchly labor. The boys find friendship despite their class differences, but then Lennie is accused of stealing from the big house, and Ralph betrays him. Like Turnbull's Speedwell (1992), about Lennie's sister, this fine historical novel evokes the time and place with spare detail. The class conflict is a burning reality, especially as it shows the gap between the poverty of the workers and the luxury of the owners; just as strong is the personal struggle with friends and enemies. Hazel Rochman

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (August 7, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564025659
• ISBN-13: 978-1564025654
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,949,204 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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