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Bleakboy and Hunter Stand Out in the Rain
A new, laugh-out-loud novel from award-winning author Steven Herrick.
Some things are too big for a boy to solve.
Jesse is an eleven-year-old boy tackling many problems in life, especially fitting in to a new school.
Luckily he meets Kate. She has curly black hair, braces and an infectious smile. She wants to Save the Whales, and needs Jesse’s help.
Both haven’t counted on Hunter, the school bully, who is an endless font of meaningless names.
With Hunter’s catchphrase 'Ha!' echoing through their peaceful school, someone has to give.
But will it be Jesse? Kate? Or is there more to Hunter than everyone thinks?
An inspiring and funny story about the small gestures that help to make the world a better place.
Some things are too big for a boy to solve.
Jesse is an eleven-year-old boy tackling many problems in life, especially fitting in to a new school.
Luckily he meets Kate. She has curly black hair, braces and an infectious smile. She wants to Save the Whales, and needs Jesse’s help.
Both haven’t counted on Hunter, the school bully, who is an endless font of meaningless names.
With Hunter’s catchphrase 'Ha!' echoing through their peaceful school, someone has to give.
But will it be Jesse? Kate? Or is there more to Hunter than everyone thinks?
An inspiring and funny story about the small gestures that help to make the world a better place.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 2, 2014
I think Steven Herrick writes with a great deal of insight and subtlety, so I was really looking forward to reading Bleakboy and Hunter Stand Out in the Rain. I strongly recommend both Cold Skin and The Simple Gift (the only other Herrick novels I've read so far) - extraordinary verse novels with tough subject matter delicately handled, very powerful. They demonstrate beautifully the meaningfulness that can be achieved even when words are used economically.
Bleakboy and Hunter Stand Out in the Rain is written in prose rather than verse, and for a younger audience than other Herrick novels I've read, and it's both funny and thoughtful. I think it will really appeal to kids in upper primary school. It's positive and uplifting - a lovely little story with lots of nice messages, about environmental conservation and charitable causes (it's very message-dense). The story is told from the perspectives of both Jesse, who is well-meaning and quiet and a bit eccentric (he talks to a poster of Jesus that he refers to as Trevor, as his parents are atheist - the family dynamics are rather amusing), and Hunter, who is the school bully but gradually revealed as an endearing character - his interactions with the elderly man he befriends were some of my favourite in the book. As someone who was a bit eccentric and very thoughtful as an eleven-year-old, I really identified with Jesse, but both characters are likeable and authentic.
It's definitely a feel-good sort of novel, and one I think 9-12-year-olds will love, and anyone older who likes heartwarming stories about saving whales and making friends and the various awkwardnesses of being eleven.
Bleakboy and Hunter Stand Out in the Rain is written in prose rather than verse, and for a younger audience than other Herrick novels I've read, and it's both funny and thoughtful. I think it will really appeal to kids in upper primary school. It's positive and uplifting - a lovely little story with lots of nice messages, about environmental conservation and charitable causes (it's very message-dense). The story is told from the perspectives of both Jesse, who is well-meaning and quiet and a bit eccentric (he talks to a poster of Jesus that he refers to as Trevor, as his parents are atheist - the family dynamics are rather amusing), and Hunter, who is the school bully but gradually revealed as an endearing character - his interactions with the elderly man he befriends were some of my favourite in the book. As someone who was a bit eccentric and very thoughtful as an eleven-year-old, I really identified with Jesse, but both characters are likeable and authentic.
It's definitely a feel-good sort of novel, and one I think 9-12-year-olds will love, and anyone older who likes heartwarming stories about saving whales and making friends and the various awkwardnesses of being eleven.
October 26, 2015
Nothing like a Steven Herrick story to remind us that sometimes the important things in life really are family and good friends.
Jesse and Hunter both narrate the events of this books, Jesse (Bleakboy) in the first person, and Hunter in the third. This way, we have more access to Jesse's thoughts (& worries) and Hunter remains a bit elusive.
These kids seem to live in a small town where the people might appear to be 'hippies' or 'greenies', but it's underplayed, as are all the issues in the book.
And that's what good about Herrick - yes, he is dealing with bullying, and absent parents, and saving whales, and the plight of people in Africa, and yet, I never feel preached at, or talked down to, or overwhelmed with negativity or sadness.
(wish he would write more for a more YA audience (again)).
Just lovely.
Jesse and Hunter both narrate the events of this books, Jesse (Bleakboy) in the first person, and Hunter in the third. This way, we have more access to Jesse's thoughts (& worries) and Hunter remains a bit elusive.
These kids seem to live in a small town where the people might appear to be 'hippies' or 'greenies', but it's underplayed, as are all the issues in the book.
And that's what good about Herrick - yes, he is dealing with bullying, and absent parents, and saving whales, and the plight of people in Africa, and yet, I never feel preached at, or talked down to, or overwhelmed with negativity or sadness.
(wish he would write more for a more YA audience (again)).
Just lovely.
June 19, 2014
Absolutely loved characters, plot and resolution in this feel good book.
December 22, 2016
Really enjoying Herrick's humour and thoughtful narratives. A great G5 or G6 book.
January 20, 2019
An easy read and an good story with some important themes and issues - handling parental separation and loss, bullying and friendship. I had hoped to use this as a literature circle text for Grades 5/6 but I’m not sure it has enough weight to it - not particularly rich vocabulary (as around half of it is written in first person from the perspective of one of the boys) and quite slow to get moving.
I don’t want to sound too negative - as I said, it’s a good story in itself, just not convinced about how I’d use it in the classroom.
I don’t want to sound too negative - as I said, it’s a good story in itself, just not convinced about how I’d use it in the classroom.
August 14, 2021
I was so disappointed to read old cultural and gender tropes which honestly belong in another decade to a generation who know better. I’m so glad I read this before handing it over to my kids or students. It contains old fashioned stereotypes and honestly just plain, lazy and offensive cultural generalisations. I’m a huge fan of Steven Herrick’s other works and will continue to promote those texts. But not this one.
February 20, 2021
A cute story told from two different boys about family, growing up and trying to make the world a bit better. The third person perspective of Hunter was a bit more successful in my opinion than Jesse’s story which was told in first person. Adolescent readers would probably enjoy this one.
July 16, 2019
Decent book, used for Year 7 English - students mostly enjoyed the book
July 10, 2017
they all lived
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2015
Jesse is an idealistic and slightly odd newcomer to an alternative school. Hunter is also idealistic – but only under a very thick layer of protective (which might look like destructive) behaviour.
I really enjoyed this book. It would be very easy to dismiss it as relatively simplistic – it is a shorter book – but there are a lot of layers to discuss when you look more closely. One of the most striking things is how although both the main characters have a streak of idealism, things just don’t work the way they should (one of those things you definitely learn as you grow up). Jesse’s discussions with his picture of Jesus (or Trevor to appease his family’s declared atheism) don’t get the results he think they should. His family wants to do their part to ‘save the world’ but their finances are just too tight. Hunter’s father refuses to act in a way that Hunter feels a father should act. Even the alternative school – with a democratic leadership and teachers who are known by their first names – sees Hunter as a disruption and nuisance, rather than seeing what’s really bothering him.
The school, with its named buildings, vegetarian canteen and outward commitment to alternative values amused me – I’d love to read other stories in the same setting. I really liked the way that it seemed very different from ‘normal’ schools on the outside, yet the interactions between students and between students and teachers were very familiar.
Although I enjoyed Jesse’s story (especially when he gets enthused about his friend Kate’s commitment to saving the whales), Hunter’s story was the highlight of the book for me. His friendship with a local elderly man, the actions he takes to move on from his father moving away, the way he becomes a part of Jesse’s life is all fabulous. He’s definitely a character I wish I could read more of.
I would highly recommend this book as a Year 5 or 6 classroom read aloud. The chapters are short and would fit well into a reading session and there’s a lot to explore. One of the most striking things (something which took a little to get used to) was the way the story moved from a first-person narration for Jesse’s chapters to a third-person narration for Hunter’s chapters – there would be a huge amount to discuss there in terms of both reading and writing in the classroom.
Originally reviewed at Subversive Reader
I really enjoyed this book. It would be very easy to dismiss it as relatively simplistic – it is a shorter book – but there are a lot of layers to discuss when you look more closely. One of the most striking things is how although both the main characters have a streak of idealism, things just don’t work the way they should (one of those things you definitely learn as you grow up). Jesse’s discussions with his picture of Jesus (or Trevor to appease his family’s declared atheism) don’t get the results he think they should. His family wants to do their part to ‘save the world’ but their finances are just too tight. Hunter’s father refuses to act in a way that Hunter feels a father should act. Even the alternative school – with a democratic leadership and teachers who are known by their first names – sees Hunter as a disruption and nuisance, rather than seeing what’s really bothering him.
The school, with its named buildings, vegetarian canteen and outward commitment to alternative values amused me – I’d love to read other stories in the same setting. I really liked the way that it seemed very different from ‘normal’ schools on the outside, yet the interactions between students and between students and teachers were very familiar.
Although I enjoyed Jesse’s story (especially when he gets enthused about his friend Kate’s commitment to saving the whales), Hunter’s story was the highlight of the book for me. His friendship with a local elderly man, the actions he takes to move on from his father moving away, the way he becomes a part of Jesse’s life is all fabulous. He’s definitely a character I wish I could read more of.
I would highly recommend this book as a Year 5 or 6 classroom read aloud. The chapters are short and would fit well into a reading session and there’s a lot to explore. One of the most striking things (something which took a little to get used to) was the way the story moved from a first-person narration for Jesse’s chapters to a third-person narration for Hunter’s chapters – there would be a huge amount to discuss there in terms of both reading and writing in the classroom.
Originally reviewed at Subversive Reader
July 9, 2016
Jesse is an awkward 11 year old boy, who is concerned about environmental issues, and talks to a poster of Jesus he has stuck on his bedroom wall – but he has to call Him Trevor because his parents are atheists. He goes to an alternative school, where everything is a bit informal; teachers and buildings get called by their first names, and there is a different message of positivity each day on a sign out the front. It’s here that he gets called ‘Bleakboy’ – just because he wears black clothing – by Hunter, the school bully. But there might be more to Hunter than meets the eye.
Bleakboy and Hunter Stand Out in the Rain is kind-hearted, positive and hopeful novel for younger readers and early teens, about trying to make a difference in the world when you’re only 11 years old. The dynamic of Jesse’s family is often humorous and quirky, and the chapters from Hunter’s point of view show a deeper, more thoughtful side to him. Jesse is caring and patient, surprisingly so, given Hunter’s persistent comments and outbursts of his catchphrase ‘Ha!’. The switches between first and third person narration jarred a little with me, but this probably wouldn’t concern younger readers. Herrick concludes the book with a list of links to charitable causes, should readers feel inspired to contribute to a social justice or environmental cause. While this book encourages its young readers to be compassionate, as well as more aware of larger global issues, it does so gently and without preaching.
Bleakboy and Hunter Stand Out in the Rain is kind-hearted, positive and hopeful novel for younger readers and early teens, about trying to make a difference in the world when you’re only 11 years old. The dynamic of Jesse’s family is often humorous and quirky, and the chapters from Hunter’s point of view show a deeper, more thoughtful side to him. Jesse is caring and patient, surprisingly so, given Hunter’s persistent comments and outbursts of his catchphrase ‘Ha!’. The switches between first and third person narration jarred a little with me, but this probably wouldn’t concern younger readers. Herrick concludes the book with a list of links to charitable causes, should readers feel inspired to contribute to a social justice or environmental cause. While this book encourages its young readers to be compassionate, as well as more aware of larger global issues, it does so gently and without preaching.
February 15, 2017
very interesting book
November 24, 2015
Interesting book that I warmed to increasingly as I read further. The first few chapters were hard to get into with their depiction of a household and school embracing an alternative hippy type lifestyle - which was admirable, but one had to wonder if the author was mocking it or pointing it out as a viable alternative, Within this crunchy granola reality, Hunter, the "bully" appears to be a Jekyll and Hyde type character - sweet and normal at home and a monster at school - I had some problems with that - often a child in distress will withdraw and become inconspicuous at school and act out at home or at least be consistently badly behaved all round.
Jesse is an equally strange character (Bleakboy) - one wonders if the author is saying all teenagers are strange and awkward?
One has to wonder whether part of the strangeness is that it is an Australian voice and that most of our MS / YA literature is US / UK based so we are not accustomed to this style / way of writing.
Suitable for 10-14 year olds with high levels of reading comprehension as there's a lot going on behind the words.
Jesse is an equally strange character (Bleakboy) - one wonders if the author is saying all teenagers are strange and awkward?
One has to wonder whether part of the strangeness is that it is an Australian voice and that most of our MS / YA literature is US / UK based so we are not accustomed to this style / way of writing.
Suitable for 10-14 year olds with high levels of reading comprehension as there's a lot going on behind the words.
December 22, 2015
Good book, with some interesting themes popping up here and there. However, throughout the book, I did not really feel totally engaged. I though that the problems that the characters had were ones that could have been shown a bit more through inner thinking, and maybe a 1st person view.
I liked the two points to view, opening my eyes to show me that people percieve you different than you think, and you have to be open minded to this.
Something I have been thinking about in life and through this book is the fact that sometimes, you do something, but it does not turn out the way that you want. You want to forcus on the intent, but sometimes it is very hard to look outside of the outcome, because society in the present day is all about the outcome. How do we allow ourselves to look outside of what everyone lese percieves us as, and focus on the positives of our actions?
Overall though, not as engaging as it could have been, but I can see why it is a Red Dot.
On to the rest of the Red Dots!
I liked the two points to view, opening my eyes to show me that people percieve you different than you think, and you have to be open minded to this.
Something I have been thinking about in life and through this book is the fact that sometimes, you do something, but it does not turn out the way that you want. You want to forcus on the intent, but sometimes it is very hard to look outside of the outcome, because society in the present day is all about the outcome. How do we allow ourselves to look outside of what everyone lese percieves us as, and focus on the positives of our actions?
Overall though, not as engaging as it could have been, but I can see why it is a Red Dot.
On to the rest of the Red Dots!
February 3, 2016
Herrick remains one of my favourite verse novelists for young people but when he decides to write prose, the results are frequently just as good. This is no exception. Here, he is writing for a slightly younger audience than teen, those children on the verge of becoming teens but still finding their way around families, other children and school. Jesse and Hunter attend an independent school and even though they are “enemies”, we come to see that each of them has characteristics and a story which makes them unique and worth caring about.
My only criticism is that the book finishes almost in a hurry and I would have liked to have seen more of the next phase of their almost-friendship. But this is a minor complaint. As usual, the characters are well-drawn and human and Herrick’s skill in drawing a picture of a character with only a few words or an image are impressive.
Highly recommended!
My only criticism is that the book finishes almost in a hurry and I would have liked to have seen more of the next phase of their almost-friendship. But this is a minor complaint. As usual, the characters are well-drawn and human and Herrick’s skill in drawing a picture of a character with only a few words or an image are impressive.
Highly recommended!
February 3, 2016
Herrick remains one of my favourite verse novelists for young people but when he decides to write prose, the results are frequently just as good. This is no exception. Here, he is writing for a slightly younger audience than teen, those children on the verge of becoming teens but still finding their way around families, other children and school. Jesse and Hunter attend an independent school and even though they are “enemies”, we come to see that each of them has characteristics and a story which makes them unique and worth caring about.
My only criticism is that the book finishes almost in a hurry and I would have liked to have seen more of the next phase of their almost-friendship. But this is a minor complaint. As usual, the characters are well-drawn and human and Herrick’s skill in drawing a picture of a character with only a few words or an image are impressive.
Highly recommended!
My only criticism is that the book finishes almost in a hurry and I would have liked to have seen more of the next phase of their almost-friendship. But this is a minor complaint. As usual, the characters are well-drawn and human and Herrick’s skill in drawing a picture of a character with only a few words or an image are impressive.
Highly recommended!
January 28, 2014
PRAISE FOR STEVEN HERRICK
‘His verse has the ability to instantly put you in someone else’s shoes with very few words.’ Books+Publishing
‘Australia's master of free verse.’ Buzz Words
‘Herrick is a master of word economy.’ Magpies
‘Herrick is an expert writer.’ Weekend Australian
‘The king of poetry for children is Steven Herrick. Herrick's poems … are so well balanced. On the one hand there's humour and light-heartedness; on the other there's depth and thoughtful care.’ Sydney Morning Herald
‘Herrick hones in on the emotion of the moment and traps it like a bug in a jar.’ Sunday Age
‘Highly recommended for home, school and children's library collections.’ Viewpoint
‘His verse has the ability to instantly put you in someone else’s shoes with very few words.’ Books+Publishing
‘Australia's master of free verse.’ Buzz Words
‘Herrick is a master of word economy.’ Magpies
‘Herrick is an expert writer.’ Weekend Australian
‘The king of poetry for children is Steven Herrick. Herrick's poems … are so well balanced. On the one hand there's humour and light-heartedness; on the other there's depth and thoughtful care.’ Sydney Morning Herald
‘Herrick hones in on the emotion of the moment and traps it like a bug in a jar.’ Sunday Age
‘Highly recommended for home, school and children's library collections.’ Viewpoint
June 29, 2016
Thank you to UQP for this review copy!
Really there's an incredible amount of issues that are tried to be tackled in this (reasonably short) book, from divorce, bullying, environment issues, faith and judgement, and I think that made the book fall a bit short of it's possibilities, at least for me. The characters didn't feel like they got fleshed out enough, and with all these problems they were facing and trying to figure out how to solve it suffered. They suffered, closure for the problems, in some cases, suffered. There were some really great moments, but all in all it didn't feel, to me, like everything had been given quite enough time.
Really there's an incredible amount of issues that are tried to be tackled in this (reasonably short) book, from divorce, bullying, environment issues, faith and judgement, and I think that made the book fall a bit short of it's possibilities, at least for me. The characters didn't feel like they got fleshed out enough, and with all these problems they were facing and trying to figure out how to solve it suffered. They suffered, closure for the problems, in some cases, suffered. There were some really great moments, but all in all it didn't feel, to me, like everything had been given quite enough time.
July 17, 2015
Nice little novel for Upper Primary School age.
Jesse (Bleakboy) & Hunter (the school bully) attend an 'alternative' school.
Jesse is a sensitive, caring eleven year old boy. He talks to a 'poster of a long-haired bearded man standing in front of a religious cross'. His parents are atheist, so to keep his Mum and Dad happy, he calls 'the dude on the wall', Trevor.
Hunter is also sensitive, but hides this and his sadness behind a bluff exterior.
Friends and lessons can come from unexpected places.
Making other people happy can have surprising results.
Jesse (Bleakboy) & Hunter (the school bully) attend an 'alternative' school.
Jesse is a sensitive, caring eleven year old boy. He talks to a 'poster of a long-haired bearded man standing in front of a religious cross'. His parents are atheist, so to keep his Mum and Dad happy, he calls 'the dude on the wall', Trevor.
Hunter is also sensitive, but hides this and his sadness behind a bluff exterior.
Friends and lessons can come from unexpected places.
Making other people happy can have surprising results.
December 4, 2016
I liked it but didn't love it. Maybe there were too many ideas packed into one story for my liking. Most interesting I found the development of Hunter's character. He showed more growth and seemed overall better developed than what I assumed to be the main character, Jesse. And I loved Les, of course :) Only when coming to the end of the book and discovering advertising for Pookie Aleera is not my boyfriend, I realized I had read a book by this author already.
"We miss what we don't have, without being thankful for what we've got."
"We miss what we don't have, without being thankful for what we've got."
May 8, 2014
I love Herrick's writing. His stories are lovely and have such a positive message. Not just the themes of friendship/bullying but also the plight of third world children, family structures/values and the killing of whales by the Japanese.
Although this tale felt like it only just introduced the characters, and didn't contain much of a 'story', I was happy just getting to know the kind Jesse and quirky Hunter. I would love it to continue!
Although this tale felt like it only just introduced the characters, and didn't contain much of a 'story', I was happy just getting to know the kind Jesse and quirky Hunter. I would love it to continue!
June 5, 2015
Loved it. Beautiful. Wish I wrote it. Although as a Christian who would be keen to use it in the Christian school I teach at, Trevor might be a little problematic.
I love the way Herrick does empathy and poetry. This book is so rich and so clear even for quite young people in its themes and images. I love how the relationships build, the authentic voices and I love that Hunter finds a mate and a mentor.
I love the way Herrick does empathy and poetry. This book is so rich and so clear even for quite young people in its themes and images. I love how the relationships build, the authentic voices and I love that Hunter finds a mate and a mentor.
December 14, 2014
Suitable for Years 6 - 8 (it's in PF). Interesting characters deal with everyday life. The synopsis says 'laugh out loud' but I didn't find it funny. Part of a review from Steph Bowe: 'for anyone who likes heartwarming stories about saving whales and making friends and the various awkwardnesses of being eleven.'
June 11, 2015
A delightful read, that has some very funny, but also poignant moments. The story is written from the point of view of both boys, Jesse and Hunter. It follows Jesse trying to fit into his new school and do the right thing. It tackles issues such as bullying, empathy, working for a cause and single parenting. The characters are well drawn and realistic.
August 21, 2014
Slightly eccentric, more than a little funny, warm and witty. The back cover blurb meandered on a bit like the story but I don't think it will stop primary aged boys and girls thoroughly enjoying this sometimes acerbic but mostly uplifting read. I certainly did.
December 4, 2014
What a delightful book. I've never read Steven Herrick but after this book I intend to read some more of his work. This book made me smile, it was a great story. I have recomended it to many kids and they have all enjoyed it.
September 18, 2015
An insightful read, ideal for Stage 3, which addresses themes such as family, friends, bullying, charity and working together to make a difference.
Slightly slow in pace, but includes a great mix of relatable characters for younger readers.
Slightly slow in pace, but includes a great mix of relatable characters for younger readers.
November 15, 2016
To be honest, I decided to abandon this book at about the halfway mark. The characters didn't excite me and I found the plot to be slow. This isn't book that I'd actively promote to students as a "must-read" though I will certainly encourage students to read it and get their opinion afterwards.
September 11, 2016
This was a great book about a bully and one of his victims becoming friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews