RANDALL'S WALL

by Carol Fenner ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 30, 1991

Many classrooms have a boy like Randall--dirty, poor, silent. Fenner provides a look at the world from his 11-year-old perspective: he knows the plumbing in his house needs fixing, but doesn't see his own filth; he's dreamy, and afraid of the children who exclude him--even while admiring the way they know how to socialize. Then Jean, wealthy and fearless, befriends Randall, first by speaking to him, later by dunking him in her parents' spotless bathtub, clothes and all. To Randall, she's a miracle. Other miracles come his way--e.g., his teacher steals his cherished notebook of drawings, which ultimately leads to his receiving an art scholarship. A spare, careful story, but events contrive to save Randall too thoroughly: all at once, every aspect of his life improves. Still, Fenner's poetic license will satisfy readers; Randall is bewildered by everything but his art, and it is his art that saves him.

Pub Date: April 30, 1991

ISBN: 0689835582

Page Count: 96

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry/Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1991

Categories: CHILDREN'S