I Hate Roland Roberts

by Martina Selway, Selway

Written as a letter to Grandad this charming story reveals the evolving friendship between Rosie and Roland. Wonderful for any child facing a new school situation.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 27, 1993

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story about a growing friendship between two young children and I absolutely love the illustrations. Though set in Connecticut, it evokes an English countryside atmosphere. Which I particularly love as my grandma is from England, so there's a sentimental tie there. Plus I never had any other children's books on this topic or showing tomboy girls as I was growing up so I appreciate the diversity of this story a lot

[K.D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why is the rat in the kitchen?

[Emily Von pfahl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I know it probably wouldn't have been considered a positive message, but I think the author should have left Rosie hating Roland. There are three reasons for this. 1) It is perfectly acceptable to dislike someone who calls you names, says you're stupid, and steals your property. 2) As it stands this book is just a reiteration of that damaging idea that boys pick on you when they like you which gives girls an extremely screwed up idea of what behavior we should tolerate and 3)tells boys it is okay to treat people, even people you like, badly and that not only is it okay, but it they will like you back no matter how much you hurt them. Granted, Roland's behavior improves somewhat, but it is still bothers me.

[Rebecca Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book written all from the main character's point of view. The whole story is the letters from her to her grandma. Throughout the book you can see her thoughts change from hate to like.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the beginning of the school year, Rosie hates Roland...and by Christmas, likes him a lot. It is told through letters to her grandfather.