a classic read with a great 'twist' ending (The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler - Gene Kemp)

Member Name: frannyfortune

Product:	The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler - Gene Kemp
Date:	08/05/01 (1083 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: fresh, funny, exciting

Disadvantages: language has dated slightly

I first read this book as a child and remember being completely blown away by the 'twist' ending (don't worry, I'm not going to give it away here!). As an adult, I still find this book has a lot to offer.

The book relates the (mis)adventures of Tyke Tiler and friend Danny Price during one school term in class 4M. I guess the characters are about 14 but this book would be suitable for any confident reader of 10 or over. I think what makes it an enduring classic is the freshness and immediacy of the writing and the intimacy of the tone. Gene Kemp uses realistic children's speech patterns and behaviour to immerse you in the world of the Comprehensive school pupil.

"Where didja get that, you nutter?"
"Out of Bonfire's purse. She'd left it open. On the desk. So I took it. No one saw me, Tyke."

(A quote from the first page to give you the flavour)

This ability to capture the child's world, warts and all (apparently Kemp was a teacher for many years) makes it a book that would appeal to the most streetwise of children, and it would be a good choice for a reluctant young male reader.

We quickly get to know many characters and empathise with their fates - Tyke, walking a fine line between acceptance and disapproval at home and at school; Danny, who these days we would describe as having 'learning difficulties', with his terrible speech impediment and inability to look after himself, causing Tyke to oscillate between a fierce protectiveness and a desire to throttle Danny; Mr. Merchant, their teacher, firm but fair, with his tolerance and humour for the frustrating young people in his charge; the other pupils and staff at the school, with their own very human weaknesses; and Tyke's family, each one a fully-rounded person described tersely but very believably.

A child reading this would probably enjoy the humour and the exciting, fast-paced plot
while absorbing the messages beneath, as Kemp challenges stereotypes and gently preaches a message of tolerance and acceptance, without ever talking down to the reader. I would recommend this book to any child at secondary school or about to go there - and their parents who may have forgotten just what it was like!

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