Step by Wicked Step

by Anne Fine

Book Overview

On a wild and stormy night, five students are sent ahead on a school trip. Gathered together in a spooky mansion, they find a secret room and a mysterious old diary. Little do they know that they... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 044041329X
• ISBN13: 9780440413295
• Release Date: June 1997
• Publisher: Yearling Books
• Length: 138 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.2" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

An absorbing read

Read and Weep, says the spidery writing on the cover of the book. Read and Weep. When five children become stranded in the haunted towers of Old Harwick Hall, they uncover the story of Richard Clayton Harwick, a boy who knew what it meant to have a truly wicked stepfather. As the lightning flashes, the children begin to relate their own tales of step parents, stories that are full of warmth and humour, yet with a fair share of sadness.At first it seems the children could have nothing in common. Sports-mad Robbo, quick-witted Ralph, sensible Claudia, fiery Pixie and dreamy Colin seem as different to each other as it is possible to be. Yet they soon find they have one thing in common, and that is that they are all the products of broken homes. Having read several of Anne Fine's books, I would have to say I think this is the best. The lack of plot is of no consequence as the books main purpose is as a forum for the various stories. "Step By Wicked Step" proves that all pain eventually heals and that we have the power to change things for the better. I found I could relate to the children, as although I have never had to cope with a stepfamily, my mother is a single parent. Colin's story I found especially moving, having never known my father.I first read this book when I was nine years old, and still enjoy it even today. A combination of interesting characters, moving stories and the powerful, disturbing tale of Richard Clayton Harwick combine to make this an immensely enjoyable read. "Step by Wicked Step" is a tale that is both funny and moving. It is the perfect read for any children whose parents have separated, or any child who has to cope with a step-parent or step-family. Even for those who aren't in that situation, the book is an absorbing read that will make you both laugh and cry. If you enjoyed "Step by wicked Step", I would recommend "The Tulip Touch" by the same author, which is a powerful, disturbing read.

An Important Truth To Face

May 26, 2000 How many people are brave enough to tell you their story? Ralph (one of the children in the novel) was practically beginning now. "How many chances do you get to peer into someone else's life?" And with those few words, the five children gathered around a mysterious old diary are in for most unusual evening making it a night of stories, stories told by themselves. The author, Anne Fine, wrote this novel with a great insight and humor about the profound effect of divorce and remarriage on children. She shows how the children in her novel like all children of divorce believe that their are the only ones with stories like theirs. She also shows how in telling their stories , the children begin to face an important truth; to start to fix things out as Ralph (one of the boys in the novel): "They have to make an effort." Empowering to children of divorce illuminating to all, this special novel reveals the strength in divided families does indeed often come from the children. I read this book in my Modern Literature class and I did a report about it, in my Senior year. This is a good book for all those children who are in the same situation as the children in the novel, and for all people. This novel showed me how the children of divorce become to suffer with their parents situation (problems). I am not a daughter of divorce parents, but I have some friends that they do. They suffer because they want their both parents together. I really enjoyed reading this book although as I just said that I am not in that situation.

Making it work after the Divorce.

As a developmental psychologist this is the by far the best children's book I have come across dealing with the aftermath of divorce and remarriage. You get to see the differing perspectives of five children who had to handle their emotions across a variety of situations including accepting Dad's new girlfriend, missing a father figure who was left without a word, and adapting to multiple marriages, step-siblings, half siblings and the like. I would recommend this book for middle grade children whose families are going through the process of divorce, and I strongly recommend that divorcing or remarrying parents read it as well in order to see how crazy it can be for children when their parents are not taking responsibility for the changes they are making. I especially liked how the characters helped each other in the story by confessing their own rotten behavior at times and offering the support and sympathy they didn't always receive at home.

It's very mysterious book

The book STEP BY WICKED STEP is a great book. It's about five kids, and two teachers, and they take a field trip. They find mysterious things. This book will make you feel like your really in the story, it's kind of creepy. I don't want to give to much away, but I think it's a good idea to read this book to a class. I know they will enjoy it, I know I did.