Being with Henry

by Martha Brooks

Provides the touching story of an abandoned teenager and a grouchy old widow whose lives were forever changed when their paths unexpectedly crossed.

Genres: Young Adult, Canada

224 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1999

About the author

Martha Brooks is an award-winning novelist, playwright and jazz singer whose books have been published in Spain, Italy, Japan, Denmark, England, Germany and Australia, as well as in Canada and the United States. She is a three-time winner of the Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book of the Year, as well as the Ruth Schwartz Award, the Mr. Christie’s Book Award, the Governor General’s Award, and the Vicky Metcalf Award for her body of work. Letters to Brian is her first book for adult readers. She lives in Winnipeg.

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laker's mother throws him out after he fights with his stepfather. He leaves town, ending up on the street in Bemidji, MN. That's when Henry finds him, and against his daughter's wishes, takes Laker home. Soon, Laker is doing yard work, paying rent and becoming infatuated with Charlene, Henry's granddaughter. Laker is also starting to have memories of his childhood that seem to explain the anger that he has toward his stepfather.

[Kim Benouski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story of relationship between homeless teen and elderly man, but unrealistic.

[Katrina Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is my favorite book of all time! I first read it in grade five and I'm 23 now and still love it!