Slide the Corner - Fleur Beale

Published by Scholastic New Zealand Ltd.: Manukau, NZ, 2009 (1993).

I wasn't sure about this book to begin with. It starts off very "basic", full of short sentences (which suit its intended audience) and almost stereotypically uncaring parents for the main protagonist to rail against. Yet, the book grew on me as I read on.

Slide the Corner tells the story of teenager Greg Mannering, considered "as thick as crude oil" by his parents, who want him to be academically successful like his siblings. Greg, however, befriends Holly and Brad Chatterton (also verging on unbelievable in their friendliness and supportiveness to Greg) and stumbles into his true calling, helping Brad as a mechanic and co-driver in rallying.

This is one of those books where the obstacles set up are overcome easily and thoroughly, where the main villains are the parents (until they eventually start to soften) and where the kid knows best. And sometimes that is just what a kid needs to read. Slide the Corner won't challenge you or revolutionise your world, but it is a fun book with an uplifting tone, and taught me a little bit about rally driving in the process.

Completed 24 March 2020.

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