Granny Was a Buffer Girl facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Berlie Doherty |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young adult novel |
| Publisher | Methuen |
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Publication date
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23 October 1986 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover & paperback) |
| Pages | 128 pp |
| ISBN | 0-416-53590-9 |
| OCLC | 13360671 |
| LC Class | PZ7.D6947 Gr 1988 |
Granny Was a Buffer Girl is a young adult novel by Berlie Doherty. It was published in 1986 by Methuen. The book tells stories about love, family loyalty, and big changes. These stories follow several generations of a family from Sheffield, England. The events happen from the 1930s to the 1980s. The book also shows how the city of Sheffield changed over these years.
Berlie Doherty won a special award for this book. It was the annual Carnegie Medal. This award is given by the Library Association. It recognizes the best children's book written by a British author each year. The book was first published in the U.S. in 1988 by Orchard Books. It was Berlie Doherty's first book released in America.
Contents
What Does "Buffer Girl" Mean?
The title of the book, Granny Was a Buffer Girl, might seem a bit confusing. Granny Dorothy's story is only a small part of the book. However, the title helps us focus on the family's history. It shows how important their past is.
A buffer girl was a worker in the Sheffield cutlery industry. This industry made things like knives and forks. A buffer girl used special machines to polish steel tableware. This job was hot and dirty. Workers had to wear protective clothes. Berlie Doherty was inspired by a painting. It was called "Sheffield Buffer Girls" by William Rothenstein. The painting showed two young women in their work clothes.
Story Summary
The book tells the story of a family through different times. It shares their secrets and how they grew up.
Jess's Story Begins
The first chapter introduces Jess. She is an 18-year-old girl. Jess is about to leave home to study in France. Her whole family gathers for a party. This party is partly to say goodbye to Jess. It is also a birthday celebration for Danny. Danny is Jess's oldest brother. He died 10 years earlier when Jess was 8. Jess has a secret that is bothering her. As the family talks, they all promise to share their own stories and secrets.
Bridie and Jack's Secret Love
The second chapter takes us back to the 1930s. It tells the story of Jess's grandparents on her mother's side, Bridie and Jack. Bridie comes from a large Catholic family. Jack's parents are very religious Protestants. They fall in love. They know their families will not approve of their marriage. So, they get married in secret.
Dorothy, the Buffer Girl
The third chapter is about Dorothy. She is Jess's father's mother. She is the "buffer girl" from the title. We also meet Jess's great-aunt Louie. Louie is Dorothy's older sister. Louie helps Dorothy get a job at a local polishing shop. In 1931, Dorothy goes to the Cutlers' Ball. She dances with the boss's handsome son. The next day, he does not recognize her in her dirty work clothes. Dorothy gives up her dream of leaving her old life. She accepts a marriage proposal from Albert. He is a young steelworker and her boy-next-door sweetheart.
Mike's Teenage Years
The next two chapters focus on Jess's father, Mike. We see him as a teenager. He is a bit rebellious. He is also awkward around girls. Mike is nervous about starting his National Service. This was a time when young men had to join the military. As he leaves on the train, he meets Josie. Josie is Jack and Bridie's daughter. Mike and Josie will marry several years later.
Danny's Life and Family Love
The sixth chapter is about Danny. He is Mike and Josie's first child. Danny is born with a disability. He uses a wheelchair from age six. By this time, Mike has changed a lot. He is no longer a rebellious teenager. He is a stable, loyal, and loving husband and father. On his eighth birthday, Danny asks his parents for a baby sister. Mike and Josie are already worried about caring for Danny. But they decide to take the chance. John and Jess are born over the next two years.
Jess's Memories and Future
When Jess is born, the story switches back to her point of view. From then on, the book shares Jess's memories of her family. She remembers Danny's death at age 17. She thinks about her other brother, John. He loves cycling and his pigeons. Jess also remembers her great-aunt Louie's strong husband, Gilbert. The book also tells about Jess's first romantic experience. She meets an older man. She does not know he is married.
The book ends as Jess leaves for France. She feels ready for the challenge of becoming an independent adult. She feels confident after hearing all her family's stories.
Awards and Recognition
Granny Was a Buffer Girl won the Carnegie Medal in 1986. This is a top award for children's books in Britain. The book was also a runner-up for the Boston Globe-Horn Book awards in 1988.
Other Versions
The author, Berlie Doherty, adapted Granny for BBC Radio in 1990. It was later published as a play in 2003.
