A Spoonful of Jam (Mammoth read) - Softcover

Magorian, Michelle

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0749736283 ISBN 13: 9780749736286

Publisher: Mammoth, 1998

Synopsis

It is the summer of 1947 and the second year of world peace. Elsie, however, is still fighting a war. Against a vicious bully. Against the indifference of her father. Against being the scholarship pupil at the girl's grammar school. But Elsie learns to fight back.

About this title

Review:

By the author of Goodnight Mr Tom, this is a heart-warming story of a young girl growing up in the immediate post-war era. For Elsie, though, the fighting isn't over. Not only does she have to cope with the indifference of her father, himself adjusting to family life after the war, she also has to run the gauntlet of a vicious bully and cope with being a scholarship girl at the local grammar school. Through her work with the local repertory theatre, Elsie's confidence slowly grows and she finds herself able to confront all her demons.

This is the rich and dramatic story of a young girl who manages to overcome many obstacles in her attempts to lead a normal life. Michelle Magorian's great strength is her ability to understand both the vulnerabilities and the strengths of her characters, and to imbue even the most distressing events with elements of humour and warmth. --Philippa Reece

Review:

"The book is a treat . . . A masterly work." Philip Pullman, "Guardian""

"A heartwarming look at tough issues; give the Hollis kids to fans of the Penderwick and Casson families." --School Library Journal, 2/1/2016

"The book is a treat . . . A masterly work." --Philip Pullman, Guardian

About this edition

• Publisher: Mammoth
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0749736283
• ISBN 13: 9780749736286
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 369