Author:Noel Streatfeild,n/a
A Vicarage Family is the first part in a fictionalized autobiography in which Noel Streatfeild tells the story of her own childhood, painting a poignant and vivid picture of daily life in an impoverished, genteel family in the years leading up to the First World War.
In the story there are three little girls - Isobel, the eldest, is pretty, gentle and artistic; Louise the youngest, is sweet and talented - and then there is Vicky, 'the plain one', the awkward and rebellious child who doesn't fit in at school or at home. Growing up in a big family Vicky feels overlooked but gradually begins to realize that she might not be quite as untalented as she feels.
The Vicky of this story is, of course, the much-loved Noel Streatfeild who went on to write so many wonderful family stories, the most famous being Ballet Shoes.
Condie strikes a deep emotional cord with this coming-of-age story
—— Publishers WeeklyHonest, lovely, and sad.
—— Kirkus ReviewsA fast-paced, riveritng read, offering incisive information oon this modern day hero. Stunning full colour photos and snappy fact files complement this superior biography
—— Fen Coles , Letterbox LibraryIt's an inspiring story remininding us just how impressive a character Obama is
—— Bournemouth Daily EchoJacqueline Wilson writes with great skill and humour about the reasons and results of bullying . . . Very readable . . .Tanya and Mandy will remain in readers' minds long after they close the book
—— Junior BookshelfMandy's multiple dilemmas are sympathetically unravelled in this super story of true friendship
—— CarouselTreading a sensitive, complex path among ethical, social and family issues, and dealing with bullying, illiteracy and friendship, this is a skilfully judged story that provokes lots of discussion
—— Guardian