On The Wall

Finley's not worried about his first day at Windfields School. He tells his new teacher, Mr Goodhew, that he's happy "absolutely everywhere. And all the time."  At breaktime, Finley sits alone on the old wall at the edge of the playground. At lunchtime, he does the same. So it goes on, for days and weeks. Finley's not lonely, though, and little by little the rest of the first year – and even their teachers – come to appreciate just what it is that Finley finds up there and how it can help them too.

But what if the wall should fall? Can you really find happiness anywhere at all?

In a story sparkling with wit and empathy, multi-award-winning author and former Children's Laureate Anne Fine charts the very different personal journeys taken by students and teachers through the first year of secondary school.

A perfect 'transition read', with a powerful message about the positive values of moments of stillness in an anxious world.

Chosen for EmpathyLab's Read for Empathy Collection 2025 (3-11yrs)

EmpathyLab say: Finley is remarkable. In his first year of secondary school, he spends many hours happily sitting on a wall, seemingly needing no one, and yet pupils and teachers alike find they need him. A story of stillness, listening and contentment.

Suitable for ages 9 - 11 years; paperback; 240pp.

Watch Anne Fine in conversation with Nikki Gamble from Just Imagine at the launch here

Read the first chapter here

Cover illustration by Keaton Henson.