The Middle of the Sandwich

A simple, ultra-conventional story about a girl eventually triumphing over tough times in a village school where she spends a few weeks. Startling to think that Tim Kennemore followed this with The Fortunate Few --- only the occasional detail suggests she was capable of such a good book. I suppose there might still be such backwater schools around but I can't accept Helen as thirteen, even with her sheltered upbringing --- ten perhaps, eleven possibly. Her character adds to the book's old-fashioned feel. Undemanding girls (say 10--12) who are into books might trip through this one painlessly --- if they can accept that such an obviously intelligent girl can be so stupid at times.