Genre: Young adult literature, action adventure
Key Stage: Year 5+
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Walls by Emma Fischel (2018)
Ned Harrison Arkle-Smith’s life takes a dramatic turn when his parents announce their separation and decide to create two separate homes within their family unit. Forced to divide his time between his parents, Ned struggles with the emotional breakdown and challenges it brings. As his sisters adjust to the new arrangement, Ned struggles to cope. His best friend grows distant, and a bully relentlessly torments him. Ned’s frustration and anger escalate, turning him into a more irritable and demanding child but then his weakness turns into a superpower.
While the story deals with serious issues, it also infuses moments of humour and hope. Ned’s resilience and determination shine through, inspiring readers to persevere through their challenges. The novel concludes with a sense of resolution and optimism, leaving readers with a positive outlook on life’s inevitable ups and downs.
Overall, Ned’s Not So Happy Life is a well-written and emotionally fantastic novel that tackles the complexities of family separation and its impact on children. It’s a story with young readers, reminding them that there is always hope and resilience to be found even in the face of life’s hardest challenges.
Reviewer: Sahra, Year 7