No Boy Like Amanda - Softcover

Hope Barnett

Softcover

ISBN 10: 976610963X ISBN 13: 9789766109639

Publisher: Becky T Books, 2013

Synopsis

Being the only girl among four brothers, aged between five and nine years, doesn't make life easy for eight-year old Amanda, who is constantly trying to get in on a piece of the action with the boys, who always seem to be having so much fun. Life in a north coast district in rural Jamaica, in a family with meager resources, offers Amanda limited options to entertain herself, so she is determined to be one of the boys, despite the constant jeering and discouragement from her mean-spirited, eldest brother, Phil. Buoyed by an indomitable spirit, a doting father, as well as her first crush, she manages to force herself into the group and join the boys on a few adventures. Amanda, however, is challenged to endear herself to the group, as whenever she finally gets a chance to tag along with the boys, she somehow always seems to end up in some kind of mishap. When Amanda meets a new friend, Stephanie, who comes to spend the summer with her well-to-do grandparents in the same district, she gets a chance to discover her true talents. Readers follow Amanda's tears and joys through this funny and heart-warming story of an unforgettable summer.

About this title

About the Author:

Hope Barnett (nee Tucker) lives in St. Andrew, Jamaica but was born and raised in Runaway Bay, St. Ann. Her love for writing began and developed in English Language classes at St. Hilda's Diocesan High School. In recent years, Hope has been spending more time writing creatively and developing her talent in the art. She has had small items published in the British edition of SHE magazine and in the American literary magazine, Writers Digest, and one of her poems was performed locally on stage at the Little Theatre. She is a contributing writer to local lifestyle magazine, Buzzz, and has also provided editing and proofreading services to the magazine. She is a trained professional in the areas of Human Resource Development and Administration, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies and a Masters degree in Business Administration from the Nova Southeastern University, Florida. She has also earned a Breaking into Print certificate from the Long Ridge Writers Group, Connecticut, USA. Hope is a member of the Association of Freelance Writers, an organization formed by the Writers Bureau in Manchester, England. She studied creative writing with the Bureau and is now continuing the course with writing radio drama and writing for stage and screen. In 2004, Hope Barnett was commissioned by the Independent Jamaica Council for Human Rights to write short stories for primary school-aged children to help them to learn about human rights issues that affect them. Little Akeem Saves the Day was the first one produced and distributed to primary schools in Jamaica. In late 2012, Hope completed and self-published her first children's novel, No Boy Like Amanda, which quickly enjoyed widespread distribution, both locally and overseas, and drew excellent reviews from children, as well as, adult readers. No Boy Like Amanda was selected by the Jamaica Reading Association as the official book for National Reading Week 2013.

Review:

At a time when values in Jamaica are skewed and children s entertainment isn't always what it should be, No Boy like Amanda returns innocence to childhood. This well-written novel by first-time author, Hope Barnett, is a must read for children and their parents. Set in rural Jamaica, this witty story revives the fond memories which many of us as adults have of our summer holidays and tells of the summer adventures of a group of children, including Amanda. The novel follows the children as they create their own fun like kite flying, riding a bicycle, going fishing, picking mangoes and a myriad of other activities as they enjoy the holiday. But the excursions are not without mishaps primarily caused by Amanda who fails to heed the protests of her older brother to stay at home. But resolute to be one of the boys, Amanda remains determined to keep up with the boys, partaking of the excitement. In time, however, she finds her niche and in her own right, gains the respect of her peers. A novel perfect for children, No Boy like Amanda takes us back to a time when Jamaica was safe for children, when it was fun to play outdoors, children were respectful to adults, and the community helped to protect the child. The characters are lovable and recognizable which pulls the reader into the novel. Plus if you've ever been the younger child, especially with older brothers, you are sure to relate to this novel. Perhaps most important, No Boy like Amanda can be a great source of inspiration for children. It highlights the positive traits of perseverance, determination, friendship, and courage. The responsible parenting shown by the Simpsons and others in the novel, especially the sense of security that comes from a sound, healthy father-daughter relationship, is admirable. These are parenting skills that will help to develop outstanding children and in the meantime keep them safe while nurturing them. This is indeed a good read! --Mrs. Diahann Gordon Harrison, Children's Advocate of Jamaica

Each year the Jamaica Reading Association (JRA) hosts activities in schools across Jamaica with the main focus being to develop literacy skills at different levels, as well as give support to teachers in this area. The activities usually include Read-Aloud sessions in schools across the island. In 2013 we selected the novel No Boy like Amanda as the official book of the JRA's National Reading Week, April 28 May 4. No Boy like Amanda was chosen because we found it to be quite appropriate. It is a true Jamaican novel that the average child can relate to. It is an exciting and interesting story that shows determination leading to triumph and includes important traits to encourage as we focus on literacy. It also teaches children to believe in themselves, showing that one can excel at his or her own unique talents. I believe that the novel appeals to both sexes as children are able to see themselves, friends and even family in the characters. The novel proved to be a hit with the children who loved the action in the story; and the vivid imagery of No Boy like Amanda sustained their attention. Reading aloud is a powerful reading strategy that develops children s minds as well as inspires imagination. I would recommend this novel to children between the ages of eight to thirteen years, but I m sure that even older persons will enjoy it. --Mrs. Phyllis Anderson 2012-2013 President, Jamaica Reading Association

No Boy Like Amanda is an engaging story of an eight year old girl who struggles to find her identity amidst her male-dominated sibling circle. The story, which is set in rural Jamaica, takes the reader through Amanda's growing awareness of herself to the point where she is able to confidently dispel the myth that girls are confined to low-challenge, non-threatening tasks. It is a sweet victory for Amanda who eventually becomes an equal in a boy s world. The story is authentically Jamaican and aptly captures the experiences of childhood with its pleasures and challenges perceived and real. Any Jamaican reader can identify with the food, the games, the jokes, the language and day-to-day activities which are portrayed in the story. Not only is this story about gender balance; it also seeks to remove other stereotypes. The text should serve as very interesting reading for children at the primary level, starting at grade three on average. As a supplemental text, it could address themes such as identity, courage, perseverance and ambition. The story models good writing in style and form and could contribute quite positively to students reading-writing connection skills. --Curriculum & Support Services, Ministry of Education, Jamaica

About this edition

• Publisher: Becky T Books
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 976610963X
• ISBN 13: 9789766109639
• Binding: Perfect Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 150
• Editor: David Kinchin, Patrick Chin
• Illustrator: Pete McDaniel