Book Review |
|
The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler |
|
By
Gene Kemp |
. |
| This
is a Puffin Modern Classic and it was written in 1977. It tells the story of Tyke at
school and all about Tyke's friends and family. There are a number of books set in this
school but this one has been chosen as a 'classic'. It follows Tyke through the last term of the last year of school. It is an exciting book and quite a surprising one. Tyke has a best friend - Danny - who is always in trouble. It seems that Danny is not very clever. He cannot speak well so most children cannot understand him and just dismiss him as 'thick'. Tyke obviously seems to think he is a good friend who is worth helping. Tyke is often looking after him and often Danny even manages to persuade Tyke to do things that are not sensible and that Tyke knows are wrong. Danny seems to have an angelic smile that can make people forgive him and be on his side. Now do not read this bit if you want to keep the surprise at the end but ........... Tyke is a girl!!!! I was so surprised when I read that that I had to read it again and check with my Mum! She is a tomboy sort of girl - always climbing and always dirty and the way she speaks and thinks seemed more like a boy to me. The book very cleverly does not say what sex Tyke is until the end and I think they wanted you to think she was a boy and be shocked when she wasn't. I guess girls can be like Tyke but I have not met any myself. I am sure they can be as clever and as loyal but I do not know any who want to climb across dangerous rivers to collect dead sheep bones! Mind you, I do not know many boys that would want to do it either! It is an excellent book and very well written and it deserves to be a 'Classic'. Iestyn Evans 23rd July 2000 |
|
[ Reviews ]