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The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler
Tyke constantly gets into trouble helping his friend Danny, whose speech defect does not prevent him from finding adventure
118 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1977
27 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
About the author
Gene Kemp
52 books11 followersGene Kemp was an English author known for children's books. Her first, The Pride of Tamworth Pig, appeared in 1972. She won the British Carnegie Medal for her school novel The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler (1977).
Gene Kemp was born in Wigginton, Staffordshire in 1926. She grew up near Tamworth, Staffordshire, and went to Exeter University. She became a teacher and taught at St Sidwell's School in Exeter in the 1970s.
From 1972 she wrote stories for young readers about a pig named Tamworth, named after the town she grew up in. Kemp found inspiration for many of the characters in her books amongst the friends of her children, Chantal and Richard.
Her best known book is The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler, published by Faber's Children's Books in 1977. Set in the fictional Cricklepit School, it charts the pleasures and pains of friendship and growing up. There are several Cricklepit books, including Snaggletooth's Mystery, an alternative history of the school, and Gowie Corby Plays Chicken, set one year after The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler and referencing Tyke in several chapters.
Kemp wrote ghost stories and fantasy as well as realistic fiction, like Seriously Weird, which is told from the perspective of the sister of a young man with Asperger syndrome. She also dramatised some of her work, the most successful and well-known of these being Charlie Lewis Plays for Time, another Cricklepit story.
Gene Kemp was awarded an Honorary MA from Exeter University in 1984. She lived in Exeter and had three children – a daughter, Judith, from her first marriage to Norman Pattison, which ended in divorce, and another daughter, Chantal, and a son, Richard, from her second marriage, to Allan Kemp, who died in 1990. She had three grandchildren and two great-grandsons. Kemp died at the age of 88 on 4 January 2015.
Kemp won two awards for The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler (1997): the annual Carnegie Medal from the Library Association, for the year's best children's book by a British subject, and one from the Children's Rights Workshop.
She made the Smarties Prize shortlist four times, in (1981) for The Clock Tower Ghost, (1985) for Charlie Lewis Plays for Time, (1986) for Juniper and (1990) for Just Ferret.
Gene Kemp was born in Wigginton, Staffordshire in 1926. She grew up near Tamworth, Staffordshire, and went to Exeter University. She became a teacher and taught at St Sidwell's School in Exeter in the 1970s.
From 1972 she wrote stories for young readers about a pig named Tamworth, named after the town she grew up in. Kemp found inspiration for many of the characters in her books amongst the friends of her children, Chantal and Richard.
Her best known book is The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler, published by Faber's Children's Books in 1977. Set in the fictional Cricklepit School, it charts the pleasures and pains of friendship and growing up. There are several Cricklepit books, including Snaggletooth's Mystery, an alternative history of the school, and Gowie Corby Plays Chicken, set one year after The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler and referencing Tyke in several chapters.
Kemp wrote ghost stories and fantasy as well as realistic fiction, like Seriously Weird, which is told from the perspective of the sister of a young man with Asperger syndrome. She also dramatised some of her work, the most successful and well-known of these being Charlie Lewis Plays for Time, another Cricklepit story.
Gene Kemp was awarded an Honorary MA from Exeter University in 1984. She lived in Exeter and had three children – a daughter, Judith, from her first marriage to Norman Pattison, which ended in divorce, and another daughter, Chantal, and a son, Richard, from her second marriage, to Allan Kemp, who died in 1990. She had three grandchildren and two great-grandsons. Kemp died at the age of 88 on 4 January 2015.
Kemp won two awards for The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler (1997): the annual Carnegie Medal from the Library Association, for the year's best children's book by a British subject, and one from the Children's Rights Workshop.
She made the Smarties Prize shortlist four times, in (1981) for The Clock Tower Ghost, (1985) for Charlie Lewis Plays for Time, (1986) for Juniper and (1990) for Just Ferret.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
October 16, 2022
Gene Kemp's 1977 Carnegie Medal winning novel The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler has for me and to me first and foremost been a fun and entertaining school themed tale, and that as such The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler shows a text where especially the setting feels totally and delightfully authentic (and is also not one of those traditional and generally "one size fits all" British boarding school type of stories), is supposedly based on St. Sidwell's Primary School in Exeter where Gene Kemp herself taught from 1963 until 1979, and that Kemp's presented characters for The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiker and in particular the schoolchildren and teachers equally feel totally, wonderfully flesh and blood real (booth positively and negatively). And while I actually was already aware what the plot twist at the end of The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler would feature before even starting with The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler (from prior perusals of some articles on British children's literature I read decades ago, in the early 1990s), well, without that prior knowledge, the revelatory gender surprise at the end of the novel would definitely be totally and also delightfully unexpected.
And yes, for Gene Kemp's presented narrative in The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler, while my inner child has found her story fun, diverting and Tyke and Danny's friendship cheering and wish-fulfilling, in particular because Tyke Tiler (well actually, Theodora Tiler as is revealed at the end of the novel) will do basically pretty much anything to help out Dan Price (including fighting and cheating so that she will not be separated from Danny whom his teachers want to send away to a "special" type of school), my adult self also totally appreciates just how much there is below the surface of The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler and that Gene Kemp textually proceeds in a pretty contemporary and forward thinking manner for 1977 regarding gender and disability issues.
For with regard to questions of ability and disability, while in The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler, Gene Kemp textually (and also with surprising deftness and insight) clearly but also by necessity painfully demonstrates that Dan Price's teachers all seem to think the boy should be sent "away" because he has a speech impediment and is considered a bit slow, Danny's best friend Tyke Tiler (and in fact also quite a number of Danny's schoolmates at lest to a point) do not want this enforced adult-imposed segregation to occur, and is something which should be fought against (but that in fact, this is only attempted, this is done by Dan's friend Tyke, that in particular all of the adults and in particular all of the teachers inhabiting the pages of The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler are shown by Gene Kemp as rather wanting the "problem" of Danny Price and his learning issues simply be gotten rid of by removing him from school).
And finally, with regard to questions of gender, yes, the majority of The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler is related by Tyke in a completely un-gendered first person narrative (through Gene Kemp's penmanship of course), and that neither Tyke nor any of the other characters ever reveal Tyke Tiler's gender as being female until this is revealed in a third person postscript by one of the teachers, with this in my humble opinion not only making the reader totally and readily assume due to how Tyke acts and behaves throughout The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler that she is a boy and not a girl, but also that looking at The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler with mid 21st century eyes Tyke Tiler is not just a typical tomboy but in fact just might be transgender (and that this certainly makes even with there being some natural and to be expected datedness in The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler Gene Kemp's presented story most definitely still readable, relatable and interesting in today's world, and for today's middle grade readers, as long as they also realise and accept that a novel published in 1977 will of course not feature ANY 21st century technology).
And yes, for Gene Kemp's presented narrative in The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler, while my inner child has found her story fun, diverting and Tyke and Danny's friendship cheering and wish-fulfilling, in particular because Tyke Tiler (well actually, Theodora Tiler as is revealed at the end of the novel) will do basically pretty much anything to help out Dan Price (including fighting and cheating so that she will not be separated from Danny whom his teachers want to send away to a "special" type of school), my adult self also totally appreciates just how much there is below the surface of The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler and that Gene Kemp textually proceeds in a pretty contemporary and forward thinking manner for 1977 regarding gender and disability issues.
For with regard to questions of ability and disability, while in The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler, Gene Kemp textually (and also with surprising deftness and insight) clearly but also by necessity painfully demonstrates that Dan Price's teachers all seem to think the boy should be sent "away" because he has a speech impediment and is considered a bit slow, Danny's best friend Tyke Tiler (and in fact also quite a number of Danny's schoolmates at lest to a point) do not want this enforced adult-imposed segregation to occur, and is something which should be fought against (but that in fact, this is only attempted, this is done by Dan's friend Tyke, that in particular all of the adults and in particular all of the teachers inhabiting the pages of The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler are shown by Gene Kemp as rather wanting the "problem" of Danny Price and his learning issues simply be gotten rid of by removing him from school).
And finally, with regard to questions of gender, yes, the majority of The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler is related by Tyke in a completely un-gendered first person narrative (through Gene Kemp's penmanship of course), and that neither Tyke nor any of the other characters ever reveal Tyke Tiler's gender as being female until this is revealed in a third person postscript by one of the teachers, with this in my humble opinion not only making the reader totally and readily assume due to how Tyke acts and behaves throughout The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler that she is a boy and not a girl, but also that looking at The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler with mid 21st century eyes Tyke Tiler is not just a typical tomboy but in fact just might be transgender (and that this certainly makes even with there being some natural and to be expected datedness in The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler Gene Kemp's presented story most definitely still readable, relatable and interesting in today's world, and for today's middle grade readers, as long as they also realise and accept that a novel published in 1977 will of course not feature ANY 21st century technology).
May 28, 2019
An interesting children's book from the 1970s, which succeeds largely on the strength of it's fine grasp of child psychology and language, and its naturalistically rambling, inconclusive plot. I liked it as a child because it felt less like a "story", and more like a slice of life of a real person - albeit an interesting slice. And re-reading it as an adult, I feel much the same way.
Oh, it's simplistic by the standards of adult novels. It's a little dated here and there, and the world it depicts - the 1970s, in which young children wander around among urban back alleys, weirs, rockfalls, deserted industrial facilities and so on without the slightest parental oversight, while occasionally being beaten by authority figures - may as well be Narnia by comparison with children's lives today (indeed, Narnia is probably easier to understand today than the 1970s are...).... and yet, for the right child, I think Tyke Tiler could still be an engaging read. And for an adult in the right frame of mind, there's still something to enjoy here - this isn't mindless or patronising, it's a genuinely insightful look at a person's psychology. That person just happens to be a child, and that child happens also to be the narrator, but that doesn't make their story any less interesting.
It's also become timely again, because of its central gimmick - which, to its credit, never feels like a gimmick: the twist ending, in which it is revealed that . To be honest, I don't think, as a child, that I even recognised this as a twist - why wouldn't they be? - but it's the sort of thing that feels very in line with modern concerns. And, to be fair, will genuinely make it a more appealing/important read for some children.
For slightly fuller thought, my review is up on my blog.
Oh, it's simplistic by the standards of adult novels. It's a little dated here and there, and the world it depicts - the 1970s, in which young children wander around among urban back alleys, weirs, rockfalls, deserted industrial facilities and so on without the slightest parental oversight, while occasionally being beaten by authority figures - may as well be Narnia by comparison with children's lives today (indeed, Narnia is probably easier to understand today than the 1970s are...).... and yet, for the right child, I think Tyke Tiler could still be an engaging read. And for an adult in the right frame of mind, there's still something to enjoy here - this isn't mindless or patronising, it's a genuinely insightful look at a person's psychology. That person just happens to be a child, and that child happens also to be the narrator, but that doesn't make their story any less interesting.
It's also become timely again, because of its central gimmick - which, to its credit, never feels like a gimmick: the twist ending, in which it is revealed that . To be honest, I don't think, as a child, that I even recognised this as a twist - why wouldn't they be? - but it's the sort of thing that feels very in line with modern concerns. And, to be fair, will genuinely make it a more appealing/important read for some children.
For slightly fuller thought, my review is up on my blog.
July 25, 2012
The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler is a first person account of primary school child Tyke Tiler. Tyke is often ending up in mischievous situations in and outside of school, due in no small part down to her loyalty to her friend Danny. What is fantastic about the book is how the sex of Tyke is not known until the end of the story. The reader throughout presumes Tyke is male however due to displaying the personality one would expect of a boy rather than a girl.
The author of the book; Gene Kemp is a retired teacher. As such the books narrative feels genuine and realistic of a primary school environment. Ultimately the book deals with issues of friendships inside school and the battles children face between loyalty to their friends and owning up to a teacher when honesty is required over loyalty.
I believe it would appeal to children as it deals with the problems they face in school. It would be appropriate reading for upper KS2 and could be used to deal with issues of honesty against loyalty. It would be a great tool to inspire creative writing, getting children to write a first person account of a typical day in school.
The author of the book; Gene Kemp is a retired teacher. As such the books narrative feels genuine and realistic of a primary school environment. Ultimately the book deals with issues of friendships inside school and the battles children face between loyalty to their friends and owning up to a teacher when honesty is required over loyalty.
I believe it would appeal to children as it deals with the problems they face in school. It would be appropriate reading for upper KS2 and could be used to deal with issues of honesty against loyalty. It would be a great tool to inspire creative writing, getting children to write a first person account of a typical day in school.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2015
Buy this book for your child immediately. I was a bit worried when I first started the book because it is written for a very young audience but I soon became absorbed by the content. I adore the characters of Tyke and Danny. Tyke is such a caring wee soul who regularly gets into trouble for helping Danny.
The book is laugh out loud funny and I particularly liked the battle scene and the new (good looking teacher) scene. I am not going to spoil the end of the book but Gene Kemp is a genius. Its not often I gasp or am shocked at a book let alone a child's book but I applaud this well thought out and brilliant twist.
Seriously!!!!! Go out and buy this right now or your child will be missing out on some literary genius.
The book is laugh out loud funny and I particularly liked the battle scene and the new (good looking teacher) scene. I am not going to spoil the end of the book but Gene Kemp is a genius. Its not often I gasp or am shocked at a book let alone a child's book but I applaud this well thought out and brilliant twist.
Seriously!!!!! Go out and buy this right now or your child will be missing out on some literary genius.
September 4, 2011
The book tells the story of ‘Tyke’ Tiler who is a 12 year old who has a notorious reputation for always being in and around trouble. We follow Tyke and best friend Danny Price in their last term at school. Danny suffers from a speech impediment which means Tyke has to interpret for him. When Tyke overhears teachers discussing the possibility of Danny being sent to a Special Needs School, he concocts a plan to keep him there. This plan does not pay off.
On Tyke’s last day of school he decides to follow in the footsteps of a relative Thomas Tiler. Tyke climbs up the outside of the school and rings the school bell which has remained silent for three decades.
The audience is always kept guessing as the book is written in such a way that we are not aware of Tyke’s gender until the second last chapter. Tyke’s behavior leads us to believe that he is a boy but is that really the case?
This was one of my favourite books at primary school. It was while I was in year six that my class teacher read the book to us bit by bit over the course of a few weeks. The book was so exciting and had numerous twists and turns that guaranteed to always keep you on the edge of your seat.
On Tyke’s last day of school he decides to follow in the footsteps of a relative Thomas Tiler. Tyke climbs up the outside of the school and rings the school bell which has remained silent for three decades.
The audience is always kept guessing as the book is written in such a way that we are not aware of Tyke’s gender until the second last chapter. Tyke’s behavior leads us to believe that he is a boy but is that really the case?
This was one of my favourite books at primary school. It was while I was in year six that my class teacher read the book to us bit by bit over the course of a few weeks. The book was so exciting and had numerous twists and turns that guaranteed to always keep you on the edge of your seat.
April 10, 2021
(Possible spoilers ahead)
Follows the ups and downs of a school year for Tyke Tiler, including taking care of a friend, Danny, who has much more trouble at school than Tyke, both mean and kind teachers, a hectic but loving home, and adventures in an abandoned mill.
Above-average entry in the genre of first-person school narratives. The story was fun and the characters believable; I was particularly impressed with how I was completely fooled until the very end into thinking Tyke was a boy. (I assume this was the point and not that I was just weirdly dense about it, because it *did* seem to be a purpose-filled reveal, with no indication of her gender previous to the last couple of pages).
Follows the ups and downs of a school year for Tyke Tiler, including taking care of a friend, Danny, who has much more trouble at school than Tyke, both mean and kind teachers, a hectic but loving home, and adventures in an abandoned mill.
Above-average entry in the genre of first-person school narratives. The story was fun and the characters believable; I was particularly impressed with how I was completely fooled until the very end into thinking Tyke was a boy. (I assume this was the point and not that I was just weirdly dense about it, because it *did* seem to be a purpose-filled reveal, with no indication of her gender previous to the last couple of pages).
June 7, 2018
A realistic and informative story set in a UK primary school. Tyke Tiler is a character to remember. Wonderful surprise in the last chapter, giving the whole book an extra social significance. I'd recommend it to all over the age of ten.
Read
February 14, 2023Going into this story, I already knew the "reveal" at the end - I think that's what originally piqued my interest, although I don't remember how I happened to hear about it - but it turned out to be irrelevant to my enjoyment of the book, which was just very funny and warm. I'm glad that I requested it.
That said, it was different in feel from what I was expecting. For some reason I thought that Tyke and Danny were going to be younger and a little more "Dennis the Menace" in sensibility - not that Tyke and Dennis aren't kin! - and that Danny was the POV character. The book is actually written in the first person from Tyke's POV, with a little more gravitas underlying the hi-jinks, and they're supposed to be about 12.
Jokes are used as Chapter Lead-ins throughout, many of them funny or at least worth a pleasant groan, and some of which I may even remember later. ;) I also enjoyed the portrayals of the various adults in Tyke's story, including Sir and Chief Sir.
That bell tower scene at the end was EPIC.
That said, it was different in feel from what I was expecting. For some reason I thought that Tyke and Danny were going to be younger and a little more "Dennis the Menace" in sensibility - not that Tyke and Dennis aren't kin! - and that Danny was the POV character. The book is actually written in the first person from Tyke's POV, with a little more gravitas underlying the hi-jinks, and they're supposed to be about 12.
Jokes are used as Chapter Lead-ins throughout, many of them funny or at least worth a pleasant groan, and some of which I may even remember later. ;) I also enjoyed the portrayals of the various adults in Tyke's story, including Sir and Chief Sir.
That bell tower scene at the end was EPIC.
April 14, 2017
I didn't really like this book very much but I think that was because I didn't understand it very much. It was a very easy read in the sense that the words were very easy and it was very short so I could fly through it easily. The way that I didn't understand it was because apparently you're meant to know a lot more stuff about Danny Price and so on. Anyway, I discovered at the end of the book that Tyke is a girl. I think I prefer much harder, older, easier-and-harder-type-thing books.
The plot was all a bit of a mish-mash. In each chapter there was a different sort of story-line. I would choose not to read it again and I would quite like to pick up an older, more hard classic next.
The plot was all a bit of a mish-mash. In each chapter there was a different sort of story-line. I would choose not to read it again and I would quite like to pick up an older, more hard classic next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2019
Nonsensical!
December 26, 2025
Rubbish. Obviously for a particular age group, and very much of its time (incredibly offensive and ignorant) but even considering that, it still felt like a pointless non-story.
That said, I fell for the 'twist' (iykyk) so quite cleverly written in that sense.
That said, I fell for the 'twist' (iykyk) so quite cleverly written in that sense.
October 9, 2017
This is a school-based novel that follows the adventures of Tyke Tiler and Danny Price.
The book is written in first person and predominantly narrated by Tyke. It is really interesting to note that Tyke's gender is not revealed until the very end of the book. This is a really fascinating move by Gene Kemp and helps to highlight to the reader how important it is to avoid gender stereotyping. It is very likely that most readers will assume Tyke is male as she gets up to a lot of mischief and engages in activities that are more commonly associated with boys. It is great to see a book that, despite its age (published 1977), attempts to challenge expected gender roles.
It is heartwarming to see the connection between Tyke and her best friend Danny. Danny has a speech impediment and the teachers are considering sending him to a special school. Tyke doesn't want to be separated from her friend and her determination to prevent this from happening drives the plot in the latter half of the book. This book encourages children to see past their differences and champions individuality.
Each chapter of the text begins with a joke. This is a great way to engage readers and also helps to break up the text up a little.
In terms of use in the classroom, it is worth mentioning that this text might seem a little bit dated to some children, which could present a few issues with meaning. However, I still think this book is good to use with children, most likely KS2. The book's themes which include bravery, friendship, determination and gender stereotypes still stand strong today.
The book is written in first person and predominantly narrated by Tyke. It is really interesting to note that Tyke's gender is not revealed until the very end of the book. This is a really fascinating move by Gene Kemp and helps to highlight to the reader how important it is to avoid gender stereotyping. It is very likely that most readers will assume Tyke is male as she gets up to a lot of mischief and engages in activities that are more commonly associated with boys. It is great to see a book that, despite its age (published 1977), attempts to challenge expected gender roles.
It is heartwarming to see the connection between Tyke and her best friend Danny. Danny has a speech impediment and the teachers are considering sending him to a special school. Tyke doesn't want to be separated from her friend and her determination to prevent this from happening drives the plot in the latter half of the book. This book encourages children to see past their differences and champions individuality.
Each chapter of the text begins with a joke. This is a great way to engage readers and also helps to break up the text up a little.
In terms of use in the classroom, it is worth mentioning that this text might seem a little bit dated to some children, which could present a few issues with meaning. However, I still think this book is good to use with children, most likely KS2. The book's themes which include bravery, friendship, determination and gender stereotypes still stand strong today.
February 9, 2020
This book meant an incredible amount to me as a kid, and it still gives me something of a shiver now. I won't spoil it, but if you know me, it all makes a lot of sense.
I loved Kemp's school stories, and was fascinated by the 1970's then-contemporary setting, already able to see the difference between then, and my school days fifteen or so years later. I read a lot of school stories, and a lot of boarding school stories, and these comprehensive tales were the perfect, relatable antidote to the infinite worlds away of grand old, complex boards. The bullying felt known and real, the variety of teachers - kind, dull, or cruel - resonated, and the blandness of life and complete background of outside characters and family members absorbed me utterly.
I was delighted to find that, whilst absolutely a book reflecting the attitudes of the time, let's say, the central characters truly are still my Good Guys, they're still endearing and brilliant, and it's still very much a book I'm glad exists.
I loved Kemp's school stories, and was fascinated by the 1970's then-contemporary setting, already able to see the difference between then, and my school days fifteen or so years later. I read a lot of school stories, and a lot of boarding school stories, and these comprehensive tales were the perfect, relatable antidote to the infinite worlds away of grand old, complex boards. The bullying felt known and real, the variety of teachers - kind, dull, or cruel - resonated, and the blandness of life and complete background of outside characters and family members absorbed me utterly.
I was delighted to find that, whilst absolutely a book reflecting the attitudes of the time, let's say, the central characters truly are still my Good Guys, they're still endearing and brilliant, and it's still very much a book I'm glad exists.
March 2, 2021
Wow, it was good! I didn't like it at first; because of the very wavering narration. But then again, it was the narration of a twelve-year old protagonist. So, I swallowed my misgivings and kept on. And it was worth it! This is a good book for a reader of the 10-15 age range. It was funny and adventurous of the sort that kids get up to. The protagonist is so very adorable in action. The friends and family work very well in combination.
PS : Some words might be a little inappropriate for an Indian reader. Parents, please moderate if necessary. But, I think it is perfect.
Read 2 : I do not want to gush about things here that WILL be spoilers.
PS : Some words might be a little inappropriate for an Indian reader. Parents, please moderate if necessary. But, I think it is perfect.
Read 2 : I do not want to gush about things here that WILL be spoilers.
February 5, 2013
Ha ha! I know its a children's book before you all guffaw but so is Harry Potter and I know many of you are reading away! This is one from my childhood that I remember vividly, so when I saw it on the shelf of my local library I just had to. Hilarious shenanegans (check spelling) and some raw prejudice. And a sweet twist at the end, that was very well disguised throughout the book!!
First read around about 8 years old (1979). Took me back to my old primary school in Scotland.
First read around about 8 years old (1979). Took me back to my old primary school in Scotland.
January 5, 2017
Really good book now I've stuck with it to the end. Some old fashioned vocabulary which isn't too appropriate for nowadays. Some of the plots children can relate to all about friendship and standing up for what you believe in!
Lovely that the main troublesome character is a girl all along. Proving that it's not just boys who are boisterous and troublemakers. Girls enjoy climbing, getting muddy and have a sense of adventure all the same!
Lovely that the main troublesome character is a girl all along. Proving that it's not just boys who are boisterous and troublemakers. Girls enjoy climbing, getting muddy and have a sense of adventure all the same!
August 13, 2019
Quick, read-friendly play about a benign hellraiser about to finish Primary school. The range of characters and depth of theme are expressively concise, offering a range of subtle talking points. There is an interesting one about gender (especially pronouns) which would fit well in today’s climate.
September 26, 2017
Reasons this book is excellent:
1. Crumble (every book should have a dog in it).
2. Danny Price.
3. The jokes at the beginning of each chapter.
4. An ending that defies gender expectations and was pure brilliance.
1. Crumble (every book should have a dog in it).
2. Danny Price.
3. The jokes at the beginning of each chapter.
4. An ending that defies gender expectations and was pure brilliance.
January 6, 2022
I read this book as a child and absolutely adored it. Mostly because I wanted to be like Tyke. Now I’ve re-read it as an adult I find my love of it has not gone away. Still a brilliant book from start to finish, and I still want to be just like Tyke.
April 23, 2014
one of those enforced school books that got me into trouble for finishing the damn book instead of waiting for the rest of the class and thus ruining the plot twist. It's not like I told anyone
Read
August 1, 2017The twist at the end - and the subsequent questioning of our assumptions that throws upon us - is perhaps worth the sometimes stodgy plot and the unlikeliness of the identity of the writer.
June 3, 2018
A highly amusing and realistic story of a troublesome UK class in its final primary-school year, narrated by one them. Highly recommended for the age group. Remarkable revelation at the end!
September 21, 2019
Some parts of it were interesting others really dull and confusing
February 20, 2024
for the most part, the turbulent term of tyke tiler is a typical school story. the protagonist, tyke, gets up to various escapades with their best friend danny, including stealing money from teachers, rescuing an escaped pet mouse and setting up a bunker in a disused paper mill.
the plot is very straightforward. there are pets and chaotic families, a myriad of teachers, class clowns and ruthless bullies. the reader follows tyke through the last term at primary school, which adds a nice coming-of-age element to the story.
tyke's issue (and perhaps their downfall) is their inability to stay out of trouble. in one last act of defiance, they climb onto the roof to ring the school bell, which has lay dormant since 1945. when their most-hated teacher catches them in the act, she screams at 'theodora tiler' to come down, revealing to the reader that the assumed male protagonist is, [SPOILER] infact, a girl. shock horror.
being called by their birth name evokes a 'black rage' in the child, causing them to fall off the roof and sustain various injuries. although it isn't 'revealed' until the end of the text, the ambiguity of the protagonist's identity is hinted at several times throughout, and each time tyke expresses similar feelings of anger and annoyance. the first-person narration used by kemp ensures that tyke has control of the narrative (at least until the last chapter).
this book is very of its time (it was written in the 1970s). there are jokes at the beginning of each chapter which wouldn't really make sense to a modern audience. furthermore, although this was probably considered progressive when published, the big 'reveal' falls flat by today's standards.
firstly, the fact that tyke's gender is part of the 'plot twist' of the novel suggests that the reader is meant to be shocked by this, because the protagonist has engaged in typically 'masculine' activities throughout. the shock factor of this reveal relies on the assumption that the reader will have engaged with outdated stereotypes about masculinity/femininity when reading.
after the 'reveal,' i was hoping there would be a conversation where tyke explained why they didn't like their birth name, but that didn't happen. (nevertheless, i wasn't too surprised given how long ago it was published).
the last chapter was also uncomfortable to read as a 21st-century reader. unlike the rest of the book, it is written from the perspective of tyke's teacher, mr merchant. it was quite disappointing to not hear tyke's side of the story after the accident. furthermore, whilst mr merchant has always used tyke's preferred name to their face, he uses she/her pronouns when talking about tyke in the last chapter. somehow, this felt wrong, as it starkly juxtaposes how tyke views themself and how they are viewed by others.
although we never get to hear from tyke about how they prefer to identify, the disgust they feel towards their birth name is made explicitly clear. this allows the reader to empathise with tyke's discomfort when it is used towards them in moments of anger.
i think if this book was written nowadays, the ending would be very different & the conversation about how tyke prefers to identify would probably take place.
i think this book can be read in two different ways: it is either an accurate depiction of the experience of a gender-non-conforming young person in the 1970s, OR it is a feminist text which encourages the reader to assume that tyke is male based on their behaviour, and then pokes fun at them when they come to that conclusion, since doing so relies on outdated stereotypes.
this book also features a disabled character in the form of tyke's best friend, danny. whilst this depiction lacks nuance, it is refreshing to see it in a book written almost fifty years ago.
this is an entertaining and easily readable middle-grade book, which becomes more interesting the more you think about it. i am so curious as to how children responded to it in the 1970s, and how they would respond to it today!
the plot is very straightforward. there are pets and chaotic families, a myriad of teachers, class clowns and ruthless bullies. the reader follows tyke through the last term at primary school, which adds a nice coming-of-age element to the story.
tyke's issue (and perhaps their downfall) is their inability to stay out of trouble. in one last act of defiance, they climb onto the roof to ring the school bell, which has lay dormant since 1945. when their most-hated teacher catches them in the act, she screams at 'theodora tiler' to come down, revealing to the reader that the assumed male protagonist is, [SPOILER] infact, a girl. shock horror.
being called by their birth name evokes a 'black rage' in the child, causing them to fall off the roof and sustain various injuries. although it isn't 'revealed' until the end of the text, the ambiguity of the protagonist's identity is hinted at several times throughout, and each time tyke expresses similar feelings of anger and annoyance. the first-person narration used by kemp ensures that tyke has control of the narrative (at least until the last chapter).
this book is very of its time (it was written in the 1970s). there are jokes at the beginning of each chapter which wouldn't really make sense to a modern audience. furthermore, although this was probably considered progressive when published, the big 'reveal' falls flat by today's standards.
firstly, the fact that tyke's gender is part of the 'plot twist' of the novel suggests that the reader is meant to be shocked by this, because the protagonist has engaged in typically 'masculine' activities throughout. the shock factor of this reveal relies on the assumption that the reader will have engaged with outdated stereotypes about masculinity/femininity when reading.
after the 'reveal,' i was hoping there would be a conversation where tyke explained why they didn't like their birth name, but that didn't happen. (nevertheless, i wasn't too surprised given how long ago it was published).
the last chapter was also uncomfortable to read as a 21st-century reader. unlike the rest of the book, it is written from the perspective of tyke's teacher, mr merchant. it was quite disappointing to not hear tyke's side of the story after the accident. furthermore, whilst mr merchant has always used tyke's preferred name to their face, he uses she/her pronouns when talking about tyke in the last chapter. somehow, this felt wrong, as it starkly juxtaposes how tyke views themself and how they are viewed by others.
although we never get to hear from tyke about how they prefer to identify, the disgust they feel towards their birth name is made explicitly clear. this allows the reader to empathise with tyke's discomfort when it is used towards them in moments of anger.
i think if this book was written nowadays, the ending would be very different & the conversation about how tyke prefers to identify would probably take place.
i think this book can be read in two different ways: it is either an accurate depiction of the experience of a gender-non-conforming young person in the 1970s, OR it is a feminist text which encourages the reader to assume that tyke is male based on their behaviour, and then pokes fun at them when they come to that conclusion, since doing so relies on outdated stereotypes.
this book also features a disabled character in the form of tyke's best friend, danny. whilst this depiction lacks nuance, it is refreshing to see it in a book written almost fifty years ago.
this is an entertaining and easily readable middle-grade book, which becomes more interesting the more you think about it. i am so curious as to how children responded to it in the 1970s, and how they would respond to it today!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2024
Just brilliant. From the first sentence I was back in the seventies warts and all. It was a poignant reminder for an older reader of how life used to be BUT I think the story and characters are ,to some extent, timeless. The last year at junior school setting, the bully , the misunderstood child with the feckless mother, the vituperative deputy head , the intelligent head teacher who really cares ( Mr Glyn from Okehamton school you taught me a lot when I was a trainee teacher there ) the talented odd ball teacher who is loved by his classes, the student who is living up - or down- to the memories of siblings at the school all are here and all have a place . It’s a rough and ready hothouse of education in an urban setting but with a real sense of the history that made them.
And there in the middle of it all is Tyke , loyal and true even when events conspire to make life very difficult - but with a core of integrity and the intelligence to know when the word mendacity will come in handy. It brought back the innocence and cruelty of childhood - and the fact that we’d all like to be the roof climber who not only reaches the school bell but brings it crashing down.
I really hope the BBC don’t make it into a series …
And there in the middle of it all is Tyke , loyal and true even when events conspire to make life very difficult - but with a core of integrity and the intelligence to know when the word mendacity will come in handy. It brought back the innocence and cruelty of childhood - and the fact that we’d all like to be the roof climber who not only reaches the school bell but brings it crashing down.
I really hope the BBC don’t make it into a series …
May 26, 2025
A very well written children's book which will also appeal to many adults (except perhaps some backwoods conservatives and radical feminists, see below).
Written in the late 1970's and set within a settled working-class community in an unidentified provincial British city, we follow the adventures of Tyke, a junior school pupil whose ambitions are to own a proper climbing rope and to prevent a classmate from getting sent to a special school.
The feeling of the period is very well captured, and the relationships among the children and between them and the adults are very believable.
There is a surprise ending, which does explain a few apparent oddities, but opens a new interpretation problem for adult readers. I was party to an impassioned debate over this book, between some liberal feminists who loved it and a radical feminist who was much less keen on it. It is impossible to go into much detail over the debate without giving away the ending. Suffice to say that the radical feminist disliked the depiction of a girl character who had successfully refused to conform to stereotypes as being supported and inspired by men (her father and two male teachers) while being oppressed and pressured to conform to sexist norms by women (her mother and a female teacher).
Written in the late 1970's and set within a settled working-class community in an unidentified provincial British city, we follow the adventures of Tyke, a junior school pupil whose ambitions are to own a proper climbing rope and to prevent a classmate from getting sent to a special school.
The feeling of the period is very well captured, and the relationships among the children and between them and the adults are very believable.
There is a surprise ending, which does explain a few apparent oddities, but opens a new interpretation problem for adult readers. I was party to an impassioned debate over this book, between some liberal feminists who loved it and a radical feminist who was much less keen on it. It is impossible to go into much detail over the debate without giving away the ending. Suffice to say that the radical feminist disliked the depiction of a girl character who had successfully refused to conform to stereotypes as being supported and inspired by men (her father and two male teachers) while being oppressed and pressured to conform to sexist norms by women (her mother and a female teacher).
October 24, 2017
The Turbulent Term of Tkye Tiler follows the story of two best friends through their final year of primary school. Tkye finds mischief where ever she goes and as her gender is not revealed until the penultimate chapter, we associate this cheeky and somewhat 'naughty' behaviour with that of a boystorious boy.
Tyke's story is told in first person, driven by her determination to support her friend Danny, who had a speech impediment and finds school life a challenge. Danny relies on Tyke to translate his speech on a daily basis.
The story deals with themes of courage, bravery, friendship and gender stereotypes. This story would be ideal to introduce to an UKS2 class as part of a whole class read. Despite being written in 1977 the story is still relevant to children of UKS2 age. The book lends itself well to building literary skills such as predicting future events and empathising with characters.
Tyke's story is told in first person, driven by her determination to support her friend Danny, who had a speech impediment and finds school life a challenge. Danny relies on Tyke to translate his speech on a daily basis.
The story deals with themes of courage, bravery, friendship and gender stereotypes. This story would be ideal to introduce to an UKS2 class as part of a whole class read. Despite being written in 1977 the story is still relevant to children of UKS2 age. The book lends itself well to building literary skills such as predicting future events and empathising with characters.
February 1, 2018
This book was about a person called tyke tyler who was a bully and that person tried to climb a bell which hadn’t been wrung since the war had happened. Eventually tyke tyler fell off the bell tower and got injured but Tyke was still alive. There was a twist at the end of the book which said that she was a girl. I liked this book because she was still menacing even though that she might be a risk taker or something like that. You should read this book because if you are getting bullied you can just bully them back just by reading this book just like when Danny put a mouse on a girls head then she started screaming and the crowd started screaming as well except Danny and Tyke and the others of their group.
February 5, 2024
Tyke Tiler and best buddy Danny Price are always getting into mischief at school. Danny is threatened with being sent to a special school, and Tyke must find ways to keep Danny out of trouble and to keep the bullies who pick on Danny and Tyke from causing real harm.
The story reads true, with family squabbles and quick recoveries, with overbearing teachers and teachers a kid can confide in.
I liked this story, and I wasn't sure what to make of the last chapter---but perhaps that's the point and maybe one of the great strengths of the book.
On the list of the 1001 Children's Books Y0u Must Read BYGU.
The story reads true, with family squabbles and quick recoveries, with overbearing teachers and teachers a kid can confide in.
I liked this story, and I wasn't sure what to make of the last chapter---but perhaps that's the point and maybe one of the great strengths of the book.
On the list of the 1001 Children's Books Y0u Must Read BYGU.
August 29, 2019
This was one of my favourite books as a child. Most memorable for the jaw dropping twist right at the end. I really enjoyed revisiting this classic with my adult eyes. There’s some really subtle funny bits that probably I didn’t get as a child. Chapter 6 has got to be my favourite - the full on history lesson. It was very entertaining. I also had no idea this was the first book of a series. I will have to hunt the next book down.
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