Break in the Sun

Bernard Ashley's "Break in the Sun" tells the poignant story of Patsy Bligh, a young girl struggling with bedwetting and a strained relationship with her stepfather, who is described as violent in related media. Feeling ashamed and angry, Patsy makes the difficult decision to run away from home, seeking refuge in the town where she lived before her mother remarried. This chapter book explores themes of family conflict, the courage to seek a better situation, and the potential for understanding and reconciliation as her stepfather eventually realizes the depth of Patsy's unhappiness. Parents should be aware of the serious themes, including implied violence and a child running away, which are handled with a gritty realism.

SUMMARY: Patsy Bligh is ashamed of her bedwetting and is angry at here stepfather's attitude and decides to run away back to the town where she and her mother lived before her mother married. Patsy's stepfather goes after Patsy and comes to realise why Patsy is unhappy.