JUNIOR BOOKSHELF wrote... Publishers speak of books which will make you want to both laugh and cry, for once this one really does.  Gwen Grant's completely authentic recreation of her native North Nottinghamshire speech, thought and humour, unifies the everyday events of a year in the life of a girl, the youngest of five, growing up in the poor area of a market town with a colliery nearby.  The pathos comes unsought in the hardships of family life on a low income and the frustrations of the youngest trying to assert her identity in constant clashes with her older brothers and sisters, and the parents who must discipline her.   The reader senses the underlying bond of affection which ties together the family, even the older members who attempt to break away into adulthood.

PRIVATE-KEEP OUT is what the heroine writes on her box of treasures, including this book, written on clean paper bought for her by her mother at a jumble sale for three pence and therefore not to be wasted.   The characters are bursting with life, cheerfulness and a sense of humour constantly breaks through, and there is compassionate understanding of the adults, the chorus of the neighbours and above all, the narrator herself, dogged, naive, accident prone and delightful.   Children will enjoy the escapades of this female William but it is the adults who will see the significance of the picture painted and appreciate the minute observation which makes adventures out of little.                

PRIMARY HISTORY 16. wrote... 'Gwen Grant's PRIVATE-KEEP OUT is the story of a high spirited girl, the youngest of six children, growing up in the Midlands just after the war.   First published in 1978, the book is well worth seeking out - not solely because its plot centres around the device of the author's diary.  However, if you are looking for a counterpoint to ADRIAN MOLE, ANNE FRANK or SAMUEL PEPYS, look no further than this.   KNOCK AND WAIT sees the return of the heroine of PRIVATE-KEEP OUT, this time sent off to hospital in the first days of the NHS.  Again the text is simple and appealing and will be well within the compass of many upper KS2 pupils.'                        

Shortlisted - The Carnegie Medal

Shortlisted -  The Other Award