ABANDONED. Book about a poor boy at school prior to 1987

[Alexander]

I read it about 10 years ago, it is a children's story set prior to 1987 (I am pretty certain the protagonist is caned at some point in it). He comes from a very poor family, he wants the shoes that all the other kids have (possibly black suede loafers) and by the time his mother can afford them they have been banned. At another point there is discussion about a sibling having a pen pal coming to stay but the mother writes to the school and says she could organise for the exchange student to have their own bed, but not their own room. So they cannot come. I'm sorry this isnt much to go on but I have it in my head all the time and cannot find it!

[Alexander]

I'm still looking for this book, anyone any idea's?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

What country is it set in? Is it children's or YA?

[Alexander]

Britain, pretty sure its children's but could have been young adult because I didn't have much respect for the sticker age system in my local library!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Alexander, are you still looking for this or did you find it?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Lobstergirl wrote: "Alexander, are you still looking for this or did you find it?"

No response in 2 years. Moving to Abandoned.