Step by Wicked Step facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Anne Fine |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Hamish Hamilton |
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Publication date
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26 Jan 1995 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 135 pp |
| ISBN | 9780241001615 |
| OCLC | 859022982 |
Step By Wicked Step is a children's novel written by Anne Fine. It was first published in 1995. The story is about five different children who share their experiences with their parents living apart and with their stepfamilies. The book's title is a playful nod to the old stories about "wicked stepmothers."
Contents
What the Story Is About
Five children are on a school trip. They spend a night in an old house called Old Harwick Hall. People say the house is haunted. While exploring, they find a dusty diary. It belonged to a boy named Richard Clayton Harwick.
Richard's Story
Richard's diary tells a sad tale. He ran away to sea because he didn't get along with his stepfather. When he finally came back home, his house was empty. His mother had passed away from sadness. His sister had also died during childbirth. Reading this, the children start talking about Richard's choices. This discussion soon leads them to share their own family problems.
Claudia's Family Story
Claudia tells the group that her parents got divorced after many arguments. Her father started seeing a kind woman named Stella. Claudia didn't like Stella at first. She called her the "scarlet woman" in her mind.
One evening, Claudia's father had friends over for dinner. They also ignored Stella. Claudia realized she was being unfair. She wanted everyone to pay attention to Stella. So, she put on some beautiful green pajamas that Stella had bought her. She walked out in front of the guests. This surprised everyone and made them be polite to Stella.
Colin's Family Story
Colin shares his story about "Dad." This "Dad" was his mother's partner, not his biological father. One day, his mother and "Dad" left their home suddenly. His mother was upset because "Dad" didn't have a job.
Colin loved "Dad" very much. He tried to stay in touch with him but couldn't. Colin hopes to find him again someday in the future.
Pixie's Family Story
Pixie talks about her parents separating. Her father then got married again. Pixie really disliked both of her new stepsisters.
She had a big argument with her stepmother, Lucy. During the fight, Pixie finally shared all her feelings and complaints. Lucy also shared her own frustrations. After talking things out, they both felt much better and made up.
Ralph's Family Story
Ralph makes the other children laugh with his story. He describes his very large step-family. He has had two previous stepmothers and their children. He also has one stepfather. And there's a future stepmother whom he really likes!
Robbo's Family Story
Robbo's story is about his stepfather, who he calls "The Beard." His sister, Callie, and "The Beard" could not get along at all. This caused a lot of trouble for their family. Things got even harder after his stepbrother, Dumpa, was born. In the end, Callie decided to move in with her own father.
A Special Gift
Before everyone goes to sleep, the other children do something kind. They secretly put a broken wooden cow into Colin's bag. This cow was made by Richard Harwick, the boy from the diary. It's a reminder for Colin to try his best with whatever challenges he faces in life.
