Throughout the book, Erica grows more and more jealous of her. Erica was assigned to show Ashley around, and of course she had to act like the know-it-all she claims to be, but she exaggerated her knowledge to a whole different level around Alison Ashley. Ashley is beautifully polished, and in Erica’s words, “the most beautiful, graceful, elegant thing you ever saw in your life” (Klein 17). Unfortunately, a tiny part of one of the wealthier streets had been submerged into the school district divide line, and the parents who lived in those 3-4 houses had to send their children to the dreaded Barringa East Primary School.Įrica Yurken’s whole world turns upside down when Alison Ashley, a preppy girl that was forced to join Barringa East, walks through the doors. Everyone in the areas surrounding Barringa East kept their distance until a new freeway was built, and one of the roads that was part of the framework for keeping Barringa East in its place, was divided. The town of Barringa East is sectioned off from the wealthier, more elegant suburbs.

There were multiple instances where Klein really emphasized Australian slang terms, such as “biro” for a ballpoint pen, “wholemeal” bread instead of whole wheat bread, and “bubblers” instead of drinking fountains. The “sick-bay” is her second home I found it interesting that the Australian word for “clinic” is “sick-bay” in Australia. Orlando, the school secretary, if she can lie down because she is suffering from one of her many “illnesses.” This is very commonly seen in elementary school students kids often use the excuse of being sick to get out of doing things they do not want to do. Instead of playing with the other kids, she asks Mrs. Erica does not subject herself to going out to the playground for recess, because she “never cared to associate with all the riff-raff” (Klein 5).

She claims to be best friends with all of the teachers and staff, and if a student needs help with anything that has to do with Barringa East Primary, she is the person to come to. Erica Yurken is the definition of confidence, as she strides through the halls of Barringa East Primary like she is a famous celebrity. Erica is a sixth-grade student growing up in the town of Barringa East, attending “Barringa East Primary School,” the town’s Australian grade school, and is known for containing “Disadvantaged kids.” Barringa East is the complete opposite of classy, as well as everyone in it. It’s not difficult to find yourself falling off of your chair with laughter while reading the narration of the main character, Erica Yurken. Hating Alison Ashley, written by Australian author, Robin Klein, could not be a more entertaining novel for young readers, or any age for that matter.

Hating Alison Ashley by Robin Klein