Changes At Melling

About this book: This story is the final one in a series about Melling School and is the follow-up to Kate at Melling. Events continue at school and home, but as in real life, events don't come to a dramatic and definite conclusion. The continuing theme in this novel is the growth and gradual maturing of the main characters. Kate and Becky are in the foreground, the firmest of friends, and they meet various problems. But there are plenty of other strands in the story - Miss Pickering and Miss Scott continue to try to widen Melling's intake of pupils with, somewhat surprisingly, the increasing help of Miss Mann, whose opinions are gradually changing. Kate Lacey, daughter of Helen, is beginning to find her feet now that she enters the summer term. It ought to be a lovely time, but it brings with it some surprising changes, particularly for her friend becky, who is having a difficult time at home and may have to leave Melling altogether. Kate is horrified at the thought of losing her, but Becky's troubles seem to be driving a rift between them; and then Kate finds a new friend in an unexpected place. Can she and Becky regain their old friendship and resolve their difficulties? Change is a major theme of the book, including the environmental change that has driven away some of the most beautiful Fen butterflies. A trip to Wicken Fen is an important part of what Kate comes to think of as 'the butterfly summer'. School days are punctuated by her weekends at home, when she enjoys discussing butterflies with her father, sharing in the extended visit of her Aunt Susan and, best of all, acting as bridesmaid at Phil and Libby's summer wedding. Kate's family have always enjoyed celebrations and the wedding provides the perfect excuse as the Blake and Lacey families come together for a wonderful weekend of partying. The summer turns out to be a time when many people have to adjust to changes in their lives and Kate's Aunt Susan finds she has to do some growing up...


Genre: Children's Fiction