Description

*A 2025 READ FOR EMPATHY BOOK*

*NOMINATED FOR THE CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2026*

Can you find happiness anywhere? Anywhere at all?

Amid the chaos of breaktime, Finley Tandy sits peacefully on the wall. Mr Goodhew, watching from the staffroom, is in awe of the boy’s gift for stillness, and his seemingly cast-iron happiness. But tranquility may be catching. Because gradually everyone in the school comes to appreciate what Finley’s long silences can offer. Even Juliet finds answers to her crushing worries when she’s close to Finley, up on the wall.

A warm and witty novel, with a lot to say about the value of silence and self-acceptance, this new young teen story from Anne Fine is the perfect ‘transition read’ for those approaching the new challenges and joys of the first year of secondary school.

Publisher Review

On the Wall traces several journeys through that daunting first year of high school. Pupil and teacher perspectives are insightfully interwoven. This is a story filled with compassion and understanding which I read with considerable enjoyment, suitable for ages 9+ and particularly appealing for Year 6 and 7. (aged 10+) -- Suzanne Chinnock * The English Association * A wonderful book for any child about to embark on their secondary school journey. This is a book about the transition to secondary school but it's not the usual story of struggles to fit in or difficulties with home life. There's a teacher but he's not a 'hero', there are friendships but they aren't defined by their challenges, there are the pressures of new expectations and of growing up, but they aren't arduous or insurmountable. This is a different kind of story. Only a writer as skilled and talented as Anne Fine could build an entire book around a central character who is totally mindful, calm and without drama. The beautiful prose is very, very readable and hard to put down. -- Louise Johns-Shepherd * LoveReading4Kids * Not since Gene Kemp's Cricklepit series has there been a more truthful 'fictionalising' of school life... sensitive readers of On The Wall will find new depths in the unnoticeable rhythms of our school day experiences, all the way accompanied by the wonder that is Finley. -- Ben Harris * A Few to Read blog * A groundbreaking gem. Within this seemingly quiet little book is quite a revolution, and it is full of groundbreaking philosophical ideas. -- Emily Drabble Wonderful. Made me laugh out loud, yet incredibly poignant. -- Dawn Woods * Librarian * So beautifully observed, with touches of humour and pathos, inspiring readers to be true to themselves and seek happiness in the here and now. Perfect for anyone looking for something a little different, a calmer, 'thinking' story. * ThroughtheBookshelf blog * A heart-warming comedy. A must-read for readers of 9-11, an excellent way of exploring your own fears of a new school, and a deeper understanding of what it's really like to be a new student anywhere. * BookMonitor blog * On The Wall is an outstanding story about the transition to secondary school but, more importantly, it's about the importance of learning to accept yourself and understand the value of calm in a chaotic world. Finley is a delightfully complex protagonist. Loved it. -- Jon Biddle This one is special... The humour is wonderful, the teachers are well-rounded real people, the interaction between the children authentic and there are moments that have great impact. Definitely among my favourite books of the year so far. * The Library Lady blog * The warmth of the narrative and the liveliness of the conversations in and out of the classroom are a treat... Anne Fine remains a star, with this latest gentle, almost elegiac story yet more evidence of her unique talents. -- Nicholas Tucker * Books for Keeps * Beautifully written with a wonderful cast of characters, as one would expect from Anne Fine, this is an absolute gem of a book, a heart warming read that explores how different children navigate their journeys through school. Every school and workplace needs a Finley and we all need to be more like him. This is a really special book. -- Annie Everall * Director, Authors Aloud UK * Contemplative and empathetic Shines a subtle spotlight on the pressure some young people feel to fit in, and on the importance and power of being oneself... there is no doubt that this book could launch some interesting conversations about how young people interact with each other - in person and online. -- Jane Branson * Just Imagine website * Will become a favourite of the discerning reader. * School Library Association *