Description

Hayley discovers the importance of giving people a chance in this thought-provoking tale from critically acclaimed author Lesley Parr.

Hayley is annoyed that her beloved cat keeps sneaking off to the garden of the eccentric old lady across the street. Lillian, or Boo as Hayley calls her, lives in the last house in the row after the rest were knocked down years ago. Lillian hasn’t stepped outside her front door since.

But thanks to an unexpected act of kindness, a surprising friendship develops between them, and Hayley learns the real reason behind the old lady’s reluctance to move.

So when a misunderstanding threatens their friendship, can Hayley repair what has been damaged and help Lillian find her way out into the world again?

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Publisher Review

“Deftly written, with not a word out of place, as with all of Parr’s fantastic novels.” – The Bookseller Children’s Previews

“A tender, moving story that really touches the heart. Absolutely beautiful.” – Eloise Williams

“Lesley Parr’s family and small community settings always have such a timeless, classic feel. I loved the relationship that grows between feisty Hayley and her elderly neighbour … an accessible and appealing story of mutual understanding and kindness between generations.” – Hilary McKay

“Told with equal amounts of humour and heart, this wonderful story of unexpected understanding and new-found friendship leaves the reader glowing and grinning inside. A perfectly polished gem of a story and feel-good hit.” – Keith Gray

“The Last House in the Row is a moving and compelling story of the unlikely friendship that grows between an elderly woman and a young girl when they discover that they have more in common than they thought … This is a story that will stay with you.” – Helen Peters

“A beautifully told story that explores the power of genuine, cross-generational friendship. It is both tender and moving.” – Jenny Pearson

“A perfect slice of Lesley Parr brilliance. She’s managed to condense a huge depth of emotion into just a few perfectly-formed chapters. I loved discovering how Hayley and Lillian’s unlikely seeming friendship evolved into a deep connection of warmth, respect and kindness.” – Tom Percival

“This lesson in acceptance, prejudice and suchlike is a small marvel, and ultimately quite the tearjerker.” – NetGalley review

“A slim book with a story that pulls on all the heartstrings … The inter-generational friendship at the heart is beautifully observed and Lesley shows the incredible versatility of her writing, fitting perfectly into the Barrington Stoke style … a gorgeous story which brought a few tears and a bit of a punch in the air.” – NetGalley review