White Boots facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Noel Streatfeild |
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| Illustrator | Milein Cosman |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Collins |
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Publication date
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1951 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 249 pp |
White Boots is a popular children's book written by Noel Streatfeild. It first came out in 1951. In the United States, it was called Skating Shoes. This story is about two girls, one from a poor family and one from a rich family. They meet because of their love for ice skating. The book shares their journey and how they become unexpected friends.
Contents
Discovering the Story of White Boots
Harriet and Lalla's First Meeting
The story begins with Harriet Johnson. She has been sick, and her doctor suggests ice skating. This activity will help her legs get stronger. At the ice rink, Harriet meets Lalla Moore. Lalla is a young skater who has been training since she was three years old.
Lalla's parents died in a skating accident. Her Aunt Claudia wants Lalla to become the best figure skater ever. Harriet and Lalla quickly become friends. Since Harriet is not well enough for school, she starts sharing Lalla's lessons. These lessons include dance and fencing, taught by Lalla's governess.
Skating Talents and Challenges
Harriet soon shows she is a very good skater. She starts taking and passing the same skating tests as Lalla. Lalla, however, is more of a performer. She struggles with the exact figures needed for the tests.
Lalla begins to feel jealous of Harriet. She tells Harriet that if she passes her next test, Lalla will tell her aunt to stop Harriet's lessons. Harriet feels very upset by this. She pretends to be sick again while trying to decide what to do.
Friendship and Future Dreams
When Lalla hears that Harriet is seriously ill, she faints. Later, Lalla explains how nervous and guilty she feels. She was very miserable about her jealousy.
Lalla and Harriet then go on a holiday together with their families. They talk about their plans for the future. Lalla's coach tells her she might not be a top figure skater for competitions. But he says she could be an amazing show skater and performer. Harriet, on the other hand, has the potential to be a great competitive skater. This is because she is better at the figures needed to win.
Meet the Characters
Here are some of the main characters you will meet in White Boots:
- Harriet Johnson
- Mr. George Johnson
- Mrs. Olivia Johnson
- Toby Johnson
- Alec Johnson
- Edward Johnson
- Lalla Moore
- Aunt Claudia
- Uncle David
- Nana (Lalla's Nurse)
- Miss "Goldie" Goldthorpe (Lalla's Governess)
- Max Lindblom (ice skating teacher)
More Adventures with Harriet and Lalla
Noel Streatfeild wrote more short stories featuring characters from White Boots:
- "The Skaters" is a short story about Harriet and Lalla. It takes place three years after the end of White Boots. This story appeared in the 1955 BBC Children's Annual.
- Another short story, "Ordinary Me", also features Harriet and Lalla. Max Lindblom makes a short appearance in this one. It was published in Noel Streatfeild's Ballet Annual of 1959.
- Max Lindblom is also mentioned in "Skating to the Stars". This story appeared in the 1952 Daily Mail Annual for Boys and Girls.
