Henry Hoey Hobson

Short-listed CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers

Short-listed WA Premier’s Book Awards: Children’s Fiction

Short-listed Qld Premier’s Literary Awards: Mary Ryan Award, Children’s Book.

‘Highly Recommended. A laugh out loud story of fitting in.’ ReadPlus.

‘Humour and heartache, trauma and triumph…This is truly a heart-warming story about growing up and getting on with what life throws your way.’ The Reading Stack

‘Original and quirky …This book will have strong appeal for both genders.’ Judges Report, CBCA Book of the Year Awards

‘Beautifully told by Christine Bongers using a clever mix of humour, spirit and very tight writing. It perfectly captures modern ‘tween angst and provides a cheeky commentary on the current gothic obsession in popular culture… Bongers’ voice shines through on every page and she is definitely a major new talent in Australian ‘tween and young adult writing. Henry Hoey Hobson should be on every school reading list because it’s one of those books that you just have to keep.’ M/C Reviews.

‘Henry Hoey Hobson by Christine Bongers is a funny, fast-paced story, built around a likeable protagonist. Henry is an engaging narrator, who learns the importance of having people on your side, no matter what they look like. The book tackles themes of judgement, acceptance and family, both biological and chosen. This is a recommended read.’ Australian Bookseller and Publisher

‘An amusing entertainment… a warm depiction of neighbourhood and community.’ Magpies Magazine

‘I greatly enjoyed reading Henry Hoey Hobson, and actually found myself laughing out loud in various places. It’s a fun, well-paced novel for young adults/children (the male protagonist is twelve) with lots of lovely jokes and references for adults as well. The humour is excellently mixed with the more serious aspects of the story.’ Kirstyn McDermott, Goodreads

‘In the Twilight age, it might be easy to think the Fright Night-style cover indicates yet another slipstreaming YA love-in-the-dark affair, but thankfully, it ain’t so. Chris grew up in the central west of Queensland and that dry, larrikin humour is tickling under the surface of this book, an affecting tale of a young fellah and his mum trying to cut it in the big smoke. It’s a yarn about family and fitting in and acceptance, the voice is spot-on, and the Addams Family elements made my day.’Vampires in the Sunburnt Country

Click here to buy Henry Hoey Hobson by Christine Bongers

Twelve-year-old Henry Hoey Hobson arrives at his sixth school, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, to discover he’s the only boy in Year Seven.

Friendless, fatherless and non-Catholic, Henry is not only a Perpetual Sucker, but a bloodsucker, according to his catty classmates.

When he’s caught moving a coffin into the creepy house next door, it drives a stake through the heart of his hopes of fitting in.

His only chance to fight back is the school swimming carnival – sink-or-swim time in the treacherous waters of Year Seven.

HHH is a hero to cheer for ’til your tonsils hang out on strings.

Links to articles about Henry Hoey Hobson:

Christine Bongers – Author Interview | The Australian Literature Review

Perpetually Adolescent » Christine Bongers on HENRY HOEY HOBSON

Book success thrills author | Central Telegraph

Story holds whispers of Bilo | Rockhampton Morning Bulletin

Novel idea about fitting in | Central Telegraph