These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.
Anne Fine - Author
Expect a witty, thought-provoking family story about adapting to a parent’s new relationship. Its interest lies in Kitty’s changing judgement, a classmate’s distress and a political disagreement presented through competing perspectives.
DivorceThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.Parent’s new partnerThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.Changing judgementThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.
Consider
Family disruptionEmotional intensitySocial conflict
Personalised Fit
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divorceparent’s new partnerchanging judgementanti-nuclear activismnuclear deterrencepeaceful protestfriendshipschoolemotional support
FictionNovel
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Themes in Context
Family change and first impressions
Kitty initially loathes her mother’s boyfriend, then notices qualities and actions that complicate that response; her younger sister adores him.MixedMixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.Mixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.
How the book presents it: The situation is portrayed with humour and perceptiveness rather than as a wholly simple conflict: Kitty’s objections remain part of the picture, while Gerald is given sympathetic, useful and flawed qualities.
Talk about: What does Kitty come to notice that she could not see at first, and does that make her earlier feelings seem unreasonable or understandable?
Political disagreement
Gerald disagrees with Kitty’s mother’s anti-nuclear activism, while Kitty becomes involved in understanding the disagreement and a demonstration.MixedMixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.Mixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.
How the book presents it: The book presents competing or mixed signals about this.
Talk about: Which arguments seem persuasive to Kitty, and does the story distinguish understanding another view from adopting it?
Supporting someone in distress
A teacher prompts Kitty to comfort Helen, who is distressed about her mother’s prospective marriage; the two talk in a school cupboard.Exploratory / explanatoryExploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.Exploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.
How the book presents it: The framing device gives emotional support a practical role: Kitty shares a relevant experience with someone who is not initially a close friend.
Talk about: If a friend were upset about a family change, what makes Kitty’s way of listening or responding helpful, and what might you do differently?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
This may suit a reader interested in family relationships, mixed feelings and social questions. The story makes room for disagreement without simply reducing Gerald to an obstacle, inviting attention to how people revise their first impressions.
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What Deserves Attention
Family separation, a parent’s new partner, a distressed schoolmate and conflict over anti-nuclear activism may merit attention.
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A Conversation Worth Having
How does Kitty’s view of Gerald change, and what seems to prompt that change? If the political disagreement feels unfamiliar, which arguments does the story allow each side to express?
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Reading Approach
Read alongside the child rather than treating the family or political conflict as a simple right-versus-wrong lesson. Pause after Kitty describes Gerald’s behaviour, then revisit whether later events alter the meaning of earlier reactions.
Confidence & Basis
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
What remains unconfirmed
Family change and first impressions: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Political disagreement: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Supporting someone in distress: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
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