Henry Hoey Hobson

9781925324921_HenryHoeyHobson_300dpiShort-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

HHH cover 9781864719956‘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

Comments
  1. Lisa Peters says:

    Hi Christine,
    I am Lisa Peters from Jambin, i would like to read your book. Where would i be able to obtain a copy?

    Thanks
    Lisa 🙂

    • chrisbongers says:

      Hi Lisa, you just missed my Bilo launch! Glenda at the Jambin Shop has copies, so you’ll see HHH on the counter next time you’re in there. Or if you’re shopping in Rocky, Angus &Robertson in City Centre Plaza has heaps! Cheers, Chris

      • Lisa Peters says:

        Thank you, mama (Joan Peters) got me it that thursday morning, so happy started reading it and loving it!

        Lisa

  2. chrisbongers says:

    That’s what I like to hear Lisa. 🙂

  3. Emily says:

    Hi Christine!
    I’m going to be your student chair for the morning session on wednesday at the writers festival and I would like to ask you some questions for my speech.
    1. what do you like about writing?
    2. what do you dislike about writing?
    3. what were you favourite books when you were a kid?
    4. what do you like writing about most?
    I think I have seen you at the dog park at the botom of the big hill with your dog Huggy. have you ever seen a black dog with white paws and a purple collar? that’s my dog Charli!!!

    • chrisbongers says:

      Hi Emily, I’ll send you an email and answer all those questions. But tell me, did you volunteer for the job because you know Huggy (he’s so much more famous than I could ever hope to be. :))

  4. Emily says:

    Hi Christine!
    Yes I did volenteer to be student chair but not because I know Huggy. I don’t know that it is YOUR huggy but there was a beagle called huggy down at the dog park and when i saw your photo at the top of the page, I thought you looked familiar……
    So, have you seen a black dog with white paws and a purple collar, because if you have that means it probably was you that I saw down at the dog park!
    By the way, how do you get the smiley faces?

  5. chrisbongers says:

    My daughter remembers Charlie. We’re regulars at the dog park, so come and say hello next time you’re down there. (You get a smiley by doing a : followed by a ) 🙂

  6. Natasha says:

    Hi Christine
    Before I go on, do you remember me? I was the one at jambin who asked for your autograph. I recently got Henry Hoey Hobson out from the library. I absolutely ADORED it !!!!!!!!!!

    From, Natasha

  7. chrisbongers says:

    Yes Natasha, I do. Glad to hear you loved Henry as much as I do, and please, tell all your friends!

  8. Hi Christine, Wanted to let you know that I have finally had the pleasure to become acquainted with HHH (was so intrigued by the wildebeest intro!) What an entertaining read. But what I really like best about Henry is his appreciation of soggy Weetbix, with brown sugar and sultanas!! One of my fave breakkie combos. On ya Henry. On you Chris. More please.

  9. chrisbongers says:

    Thanks Dimity, will get those fingers tapping for you. 🙂

  10. Helen Shorrocks says:

    Hi Chris,

    Finally had the pleasure to read HHH recently and found it absolutely delightful and uplifting. Being in the management consultancy business I was particularly tickled by young Henry’s use of the SWOT analysis tool – it is funny how those little touches can resonate so much with your readers – will bear this in mind while digging through my own quagmire. Thanks again for your help and encouragement – it is priceless.

    Helen Shorrocks

  11. […] on WritingBioHenry Hoey HobsonDustOn writing DustOn Writing Henry […]

  12. Logan Boyd says:

    Hello Christine my name is Logan Boyd 11
    While you visited taranganba state school I was in your reading workshop and really enjoyed the opportunity and remember all the tips and technics used to make stories better and perfect. I appreciate it that you took it out of your time to help children who love to read and write and just let me thank for all you have done for children in Australia and maybe world over. I deffenetly hope you get the honor to Have one of your books turned into a movie.

  13. […] on WritingBioHenry Hoey HobsonDustOn writing DustOn Writing Henry […]

  14. […] on WritingBioHenry Hoey HobsonDustOn writing DustOn Writing Henry […]

  15. Christine says:

    I loved your book! It greatly moved me. I laughed at some parts. I was just wondering if you could write a part two to that book????????

    • chrisbongers says:

      Thanks so much for taking the time to get in touch, Christine. Something tells me I haven’t finished with those characters just yet, so maybe there is another book in high school….stay tuned!

  16. […] flew there with fellow author and friend Chris Bongers (Dust, Henry Hoey Hobson, Drongoes) to be part of the inaugural St Mary’s Primary School Writers’ […]

  17. matylda agius says:

    I’ve just started reading Henry Hoey Hobson and absolutely adore it. It makes me want to keep reading more every time I have to stop.

    Do you remember me I’m the one that walked you to the library today at our schools Literature Day?

    Kind Regards Matylda

    • chrisbongers says:

      Of course I remember you Matylda! I’m so glad you’re loving HHH. He is one of my all-time favourite characters – funny, thoughtful and resilient. I hope you enjoy reading his story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thanks so much for getting in touch and good luck with school!

  18. agius says:

    wow just finished it. Was one of the most amazing books I’ve read and actually finished. Can’t wait to read Dust and Intruder.

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