Randall's Wall - Softcover

Fenner, Carol

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0440413931 ISBN 13: 9780440413936

Publisher: Yearling, 1996

Synopsis

Artistically talented but socially underprivileged, a fifth-grade boy has built a wall of defense to protect himself from the pain of human relationships--a wall which begins to crumble when a classmate decides to intervene in his life

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-6-- The name Randall Lord sounds so elegant. The irony is that it is attached to a boy who is, in fact, so filthy that he is shunned by his fifth-grade classmates and avoided by his teachers. All of the Lord children have met with similar treatment. They have no running water at home, their abusive father is usually not around, and their mother is dysfunctional. Randall retreats from the harshness of reality behind an invisible wall of dreams and imagination that he translates into beautiful, sensitive drawings that he keeps hidden from his teacher and classmates. He is taken aback when Jean, a classmate whom he secretly admires, begins to treat him as a person and include him in her life. At first she is merely intent on improving Randall's hygiene, but her concern blossoms into friendship. Having a friend causes the boy's protective wall to crumble as he is pulled into the mainstream of life. When their teacher discovers the young artist's talent, it becomes apparent that some big changes are in store for the Lord family. Fenner presents a disturbing yet believable story of a down-and-out family who has fallen through the cracks of the system. Both Randall and Jean are especially convincing characters whom readers come to like and to care about. The serious and sometimes tragic tone is tempered by some touches of real humor. A well-written, compassionate story. --Laura Culberg, Chicago Public Library Cultural Center
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

Rivaling Sarah-Kate of Afternoon of the Elves and the Herdman children of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as the poorest, dirtiest kid in town, Randall Lord is shunned by all of his classmates except spunky Jean, whom he saves from a quick-fisted bully. After Jean takes Randall home and persuades him to take a bath, the "invisible wall" that has surrounded the fifth grader seems to disappear with all the grime--if Randall's popularity does not increase, he does, at least, become more approachable. Meanwhile, Randall's teacher displays his impressive drawings at school, and citizens of the community take steps to help the artist and his impoverished family. A deftly contemporary Cinderella story, this winsome tale is filled with warmth and spiced with vibrant narrative. Besides presenting Randall's point of view, Fenner ( Gorilla, Gorilla ; A Summer of Horses ) explores the changing attitudes of other characters who are at first repelled by Randall's background and appearance. While some will find the happy ending unrealistic, most readers will be touched by the sudden turn of events that celebrates friendship and compassion. Ages 9-12.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Yearling
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0440413931
• ISBN 13: 9780440413936
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 96