HHH Reviews

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.

‘Henry Hoey Hobson is triple hilarious… There’s plenty of action and humour in Henry Hoey Hobson to keep readers aged 9-12 hooked to the last page.’ Kids’ Book Capers

“Original and quirky … This book will have strong appeal for both genders.” Judges’ Report, CBCA Book of the Year Awards, 2011

‘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.

‘Henry Hoey Hobson by Brisbane author Christine Bongers is an exciting, funny and entertaining ‘tween novel about family, friendship, and doing what you’re good at…

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 for upper-primary readers.’ Australian Bookseller and Publisher

‘An amusing entertainment for the sub-teens, 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