For the child overcoming personal hurdles and learning to navigate complex friendships, this story inspires with its tale of perseverance and finding your unique path.
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with jealousy or comparing their own steady progress to a friend's seemingly effortless talent. It tells the story of Harriet, a quiet girl recovering from illness, who takes up ice-skating for her health. She befriends the wealthy and naturally gifted Lalla, and their friendship is tested by competition and class differences. This classic story beautifully explores themes of perseverance, the value of hard work, and finding your own unique path to success. It's a gentle, reassuring read for ages 8-12, perfect for starting conversations about jealousy and celebrating individual strengths.
The book deals directly with socioeconomic disparity. The contrast between Harriet's modest, supportive family and Lalla's wealthy but less emotionally present one is a central theme. The approach is secular and matter-of-fact. Harriet's initial illness is presented as a hurdle to overcome. The resolution for all conflicts is hopeful and realistic, emphasizing that different paths can lead to fulfillment.
Ideal Reader
An 8-11 year old who is passionate about a hobby (especially a sport or art form) and is beginning to navigate the complexities of peer comparison. It's perfect for a child who sometimes feels overshadowed by a friend who seems to have more natural talent or more resources, and who would benefit from seeing the value of their own persistent effort.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. Parents might note that the social setting is mid-20th century Britain, so some family dynamics and turns of phrase may feel dated, but this does not require special preparation and can be part of the charm. A parent hears their child express frustration or jealousy, saying things like, "It's not fair, everything is so easy for them," or "I practice so much but I'm still not the best." It's also suitable for a child recovering from an illness and feeling left behind.
Age Experience
Younger readers (8-9) will connect with the friendship story, the glamour of skating, and the clear message that hard work pays off. Older readers (10-12) will better appreciate the nuances of social class, the psychology of jealousy, and the sophisticated idea that there are different, equally valid types of success.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many contemporary sports stories focused on winning a single big competition, this book offers a more nuanced exploration of talent and ambition. It validates both technical discipline (Harriet) and natural showmanship (Lalla), suggesting that finding the right personal path is more important than being 'the best' in a narrow sense. Its gentle pacing and classic charm also set it apart.
Read plot summary
After an illness, quiet Harriet Johnson is prescribed ice skating to build her strength. Her working-class family scrapes together the funds, and at the rink she meets Lalla Moore, a wealthy, charismatic girl who is a natural on the ice. They become friends and training partners, but their different backgrounds and talents create friction. Harriet's diligent, patient practice makes her technically superior, while Lalla's flashy style makes her an audience favorite. Their friendship is tested by jealousy and competition, leading them to discover that success can look different for everyone, with Harriet pursuing competitive skating and Lalla finding her place in spectacular ice shows.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Harriet is a careful, hardworking skater, while Lalla is a natural performer. Is one type of skater 'better' than the other? Why do you think they both found success in different ways?
2
When Lalla gets new white skating boots and Harriet doesn't, it causes a problem between them. How did jealousy affect their friendship? What could they have done differently in that situation?
3
Harriet's brothers worked hard to help pay for her skating. How did her family's support help her succeed? How was it different from the support Lalla received?
4
At the end of the book, Lalla decides to become a show skater instead of a competitive one. Was this a failure, or a different kind of success? What does it mean to find the right path for yourself?
