The Present Takers [Library Binding]

Aidan Chambers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1984

Lucy is tormented by class bullies who demand that she bring them gifts.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-Bullies have spoiled Lucy Hall's birthday and they are threatening to ruin her entire year in Aidan Chamber's novel. A gang of aggressive girls led by the intimidating Melanie Prosser has chosen Lucy as their newest target for extortion and humiliation, and Lucy is unwilling and unable to defend herself or ask for help. The girls inflict both physical and mental torture on Lucy until she can hardly face another day at school. Lucy isn't sure why classmate Angus Burns is offering assistance against the bullies, but he may be her only ally and chance for protection. Lisa Coleman skillfully narrates this novel, giving distinct voices to each character. These distinctions are critical, because the settings change without warning and listeners are often transferred between students' individual homes and the schoolyard. Chambers has done a fine job of illustrating the motives behind each character's actions, which makes this a worthwhile listening experience. The audience can recognize that Melanie is being neglected by her parents, and that Lucy is too ashamed to tell her parents or teachers about the harassment. The menacing tone of the story builds throughout, until Lucy and her classmates find a way to put an end to Melanie and her gang. An additional purchase, particularly for schools where bullying is an issue.
Casey Rondini, Westerly Public Library, RI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

From AudioFile

By writing this book, Aidan Chambers has done a service to all who are suffering at the hands of bullies. The "present takers" are girls, led by Melanie Prosser, who bully Lucy Hall after her birthday. Lucy decides to stand up to them; in doing so, she wins the admiration of her classmates and acquires her first boyfriend. Narrator Lisa Coleman is splendid, demonstrating the extremes of emotion inherent in such a situation. Also her portrayal of vastly different parents and parental styles is excellent. Listeners are left guessing until the end of the story as Coleman's pace is perfectly maintained. An outstanding mix of entertainment and a worthwhile lesson. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 156 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins (April 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060212527
• ISBN-13: 978-0060212520
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,172,813 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A book about school and being bullied, December 2, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Present Takers (Library Binding)

The Present Takers by Aidan Chambers, was about a girl called Lucy who is bullied by a gang who take girls presents when it is their birthday. Lucy and her friend Angus make a plan to stop the gang. I give this book 7 out of 1o.

4.0 out of 5 stars A sad book about being bullied, November 28, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Present Takers (Library Binding)

The Present Takers is a very sad book but very interesting book to read.I thought the book was very well written but Aidan Chambers should of put more happy parts in it.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I thought it was a good book and it was sometimes boring., December 3, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The present takers (Unbound)

The Present Takers is about a girl called Lucy that are scared of the bullies at her school.Lucy is the lastest victim and Melanie wants to get all of the presents from who evers birthday it is. And it is Lucy's birthday this week.Melanie thinks she is the best bully in the school, and her companions are Vicky and Sally-Ann.Angus trys to help Lucy and he made a plan to get back at Melanie.