Part B – Book Review

Title and author:

Hating Alison Ashley – Robin Klein

Outline of plot:

Erica Yurken knew she was destined for great things. That is, until Alison Ashley unexpectedly turned up.

Alison receives perfect A’s for every subject that she does and she becomes well known in the primary school of Barringa East. Alison is even getting close with Erica’s crush, Barry. This makes Erica furious and jealous, so she promises herself to never make friends with Alison Ashley.

Erica always tries to outdo Alison in the classroom and on the sports field but Alison Ashley always comes out on top. The two become enemies.

The Year six class of Barringa East Primary is at a school camp, when Alison and Erica are forced to share a room together. They quarrel and disagree about many things.

Erica is in charge of writing the play in which her classmates are to perform at the end of the trip for the parents and teachers. Erica decides to be the lead roll of the play but can’t do it because of stage fright. Erica is shattered because she thought this was her dream, to perform in front of everybody and to one day be famous. Luckily Alison Ashley steps in to be the lead roll.

After the play is finished, the two realise that they actually have a lot in common and become friends.

Likes/dislikes:

What I liked about the book was the language. It was an easy but enjoyable read. It was also entertaining because you are reading about the life of a pre-teen girl going through the ups and downs of primary school.

I also liked the characters in Erica’s family. Erica describes her family as weird and dysfunctional. Her mother is a divorced parent who is now going out with her new boyfriend, Larry, who Erica takes a disliking to. Her older sister Valjoy, who is a boy crazy, high school drop out. Erica’s little sister, Jedda who likes to pretend that she is a horse. And then there is Harley, Erica’s older brother who is a “spirit freak”.

What I disliked about the book was the play that Erica wrote. I thought it was a little bit difficult to understand and don’t think a person in year six would be capable of writing a play that complex.

Recommendation:

I would recommend this book to any 10-14 year old. It has a very witty and well thought out plot. Hating Alison Ashley is great for anyone who likes to read enjoyable, humorous and well written novels.

4/5 stars