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Henry Hoey Hobson
Henry is drowning in the dangerous waters of Year Seven—can he and his motley crew of creeps and weirdos prove themselves to his catty classmates once and for all?
Twelve-year-old Henry Hoey Hobson arrives at his sixth school, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, to discover that he is the only boy in Year Seven. Friendless, fatherless, and non-Catholic, Henry is not only a Perpetual Sucker, but a bloodsucker, according to his 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.
Twelve-year-old Henry Hoey Hobson arrives at his sixth school, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, to discover that he is the only boy in Year Seven. Friendless, fatherless, and non-Catholic, Henry is not only a Perpetual Sucker, but a bloodsucker, according to his 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.
303 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2010
1 person is currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Christine Bongers
4 books56 followersChristine Bongers is a former radio and television journalist who is now happier writing fiction.
Christine's latest YA novel "Intruder" won the 2015 Davitt Award for Best Debut Crime Book and was shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers. Her debut novel "Dust" is a CBCA Notable Book for Older Readers and was Highly Commended in the Prime Minister's Literary Awards for Children's Fiction. Her middle-grade novel "Henry Hoey Hobson" was short-listed for the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers, the Qld Premier's Literary Awards and the WA Premier's Book Awards. "Drongoes" for newly independent readers is published by Scholastic.
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband, kids, and a very bad beaglish fur-boy called Huggy.
Christine's latest YA novel "Intruder" won the 2015 Davitt Award for Best Debut Crime Book and was shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers. Her debut novel "Dust" is a CBCA Notable Book for Older Readers and was Highly Commended in the Prime Minister's Literary Awards for Children's Fiction. Her middle-grade novel "Henry Hoey Hobson" was short-listed for the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers, the Qld Premier's Literary Awards and the WA Premier's Book Awards. "Drongoes" for newly independent readers is published by Scholastic.
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband, kids, and a very bad beaglish fur-boy called Huggy.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 15, 2016
The inspiration for 'Henry Hoey Hobson' came from disparate sources: the local swim club, lovely talented friends who are Goths, and the little Catholic school at the end of our street. These groups, while outwardly dissimilar, each enjoy a remarkable level of community. They engender the connections, the sense of belonging, that lies at the heart of what makes us happy as human beings.
The story came together in my head as a three-way collision between close-knit groups with seemingly nothing in common, and a boy who doesn’t fit in.
How children deal with issues, and build resilience in the face of adversity, interests me. Henry interested me. He had never been anywhere long enough to put down roots, so he needed a secret weapon against the loneliness and upheaval of his life. I gave him a passion for swimming to smooth the rough edges of his life and provide a much-needed constant in an otherwise uncertain existence.
I’ve never been a swimmer, myself. I can manage a stately breaststroke in a flowered bathing cap, and am a dab hand on the megaphone at our neighbourhood swim club meets, but the rest of my family has gills. Because I love them I have spent the best part of fifteen summers poolside.
The mesmerising drills of swim training work a kind of magic with some kids. It’s not about winning, but about learning to be the best that they can be. They shine with enthusiasm, inspire others and have such courage, taking on challenges that would spook many adults. They remind me every day that anything is possible.
I wanted Henry Hoey Hobson to capture some of that magic, that determination, and that sense of empowerment that comes from applied effort, from learning to believe in yourself and from having people around you who believe in you too.
I wrote Henry Hoey Hobson for the same reason that I hope others will read it. I cared about Henry and I wanted to know what happens next...
The story came together in my head as a three-way collision between close-knit groups with seemingly nothing in common, and a boy who doesn’t fit in.
How children deal with issues, and build resilience in the face of adversity, interests me. Henry interested me. He had never been anywhere long enough to put down roots, so he needed a secret weapon against the loneliness and upheaval of his life. I gave him a passion for swimming to smooth the rough edges of his life and provide a much-needed constant in an otherwise uncertain existence.
I’ve never been a swimmer, myself. I can manage a stately breaststroke in a flowered bathing cap, and am a dab hand on the megaphone at our neighbourhood swim club meets, but the rest of my family has gills. Because I love them I have spent the best part of fifteen summers poolside.
The mesmerising drills of swim training work a kind of magic with some kids. It’s not about winning, but about learning to be the best that they can be. They shine with enthusiasm, inspire others and have such courage, taking on challenges that would spook many adults. They remind me every day that anything is possible.
I wanted Henry Hoey Hobson to capture some of that magic, that determination, and that sense of empowerment that comes from applied effort, from learning to believe in yourself and from having people around you who believe in you too.
I wrote Henry Hoey Hobson for the same reason that I hope others will read it. I cared about Henry and I wanted to know what happens next...
November 17, 2014
I don't understand why I haven't already said something about this book. I think it's because it was a judging book for me.
Anyhoo, I loved it.
Still think about it.
Anyhoo, I loved it.
Still think about it.
August 17, 2012
I absolutely love this book.
The story is well crafted; I laughed aloud and I cried 'a-quietly'.
I found it impossible not to love HHH and sympathised with him immediately, but Henry did not hold exclusive rights to my sympathies for long. Soon I found myself empathising with the very same people who had and did (inadvertently or otherwise) cause my poor Henry to hurt.
There were moments (the photograph scene....you know) that were so perfect. An author whom I love once said a book should be predictable not in the sense of the reader knows whats coming, but that when it comes the reader thinks to themselves that nothing else could have happened; that what the writer chose to write was so perfectly wonderful/hideous to the character that it was inevitable that it would happen. The photograph in the truch scene was one of those for me. I thought to myself: 'Poor, poor, Henry. But of course that would happen to you.'
I read this book in two parts (and the housework and chores suffered as a result) because it was exceptionally hard to put it down. The pacing was great. The 'sweet' moments were not drawn out and boring; no lazy writing here. Christine Bongers relied on her story to ensure that we, the reader, FEEL - and feel I did - so that when the time came for a softer, sadder moment, a few careful words were all it took to squeeze out my tears.
I'm so glad I read this book and enjoyed that it was layered and filled with the complexities of life.
The story is well crafted; I laughed aloud and I cried 'a-quietly'.
I found it impossible not to love HHH and sympathised with him immediately, but Henry did not hold exclusive rights to my sympathies for long. Soon I found myself empathising with the very same people who had and did (inadvertently or otherwise) cause my poor Henry to hurt.
There were moments (the photograph scene....you know) that were so perfect. An author whom I love once said a book should be predictable not in the sense of the reader knows whats coming, but that when it comes the reader thinks to themselves that nothing else could have happened; that what the writer chose to write was so perfectly wonderful/hideous to the character that it was inevitable that it would happen. The photograph in the truch scene was one of those for me. I thought to myself: 'Poor, poor, Henry. But of course that would happen to you.'
I read this book in two parts (and the housework and chores suffered as a result) because it was exceptionally hard to put it down. The pacing was great. The 'sweet' moments were not drawn out and boring; no lazy writing here. Christine Bongers relied on her story to ensure that we, the reader, FEEL - and feel I did - so that when the time came for a softer, sadder moment, a few careful words were all it took to squeeze out my tears.
I'm so glad I read this book and enjoyed that it was layered and filled with the complexities of life.
January 10, 2019
It is a good story about fitting in and not giving up hope
January 20, 2022
20/01/2022
3 ⭐️
It’s amazing the difference reading a book set somewhere familiar to you can make to the reading experience! I actually knew what the characters were talking about and it was such a relief to actually be on the same page as them!
May 2016
5 ⭐️
I love this book, it's quick, familiar and full of nostalgia.
I'm sick at the moment and don't seem to be able to stick to one book and this made me feel soo much better. Henry Hoey Hobson is set in the city I live in, this is a very rare occurrence. I love that about this book because I can picture, really well, what places are meant to look like, unlike most novels which are set in the US or the UK. Some of the novel actually takes place just down the road from where I live so that's super cool.
I read Henry Hoey Hobson when the year it came out. I read it once and then I read it nonstop for a month or two, I went slightly crazy. I haven't had the chance to read it since and that's okay because there are a lot of books waiting out there for me to read, so maybe it's a good thing I was in a bit of a slump.
I love this book now and I loved it when I was younger, it's a great book for people of all ages.
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3 ⭐️
It’s amazing the difference reading a book set somewhere familiar to you can make to the reading experience! I actually knew what the characters were talking about and it was such a relief to actually be on the same page as them!
May 2016
5 ⭐️
I love this book, it's quick, familiar and full of nostalgia.
I'm sick at the moment and don't seem to be able to stick to one book and this made me feel soo much better. Henry Hoey Hobson is set in the city I live in, this is a very rare occurrence. I love that about this book because I can picture, really well, what places are meant to look like, unlike most novels which are set in the US or the UK. Some of the novel actually takes place just down the road from where I live so that's super cool.
I read Henry Hoey Hobson when the year it came out. I read it once and then I read it nonstop for a month or two, I went slightly crazy. I haven't had the chance to read it since and that's okay because there are a lot of books waiting out there for me to read, so maybe it's a good thing I was in a bit of a slump.
I love this book now and I loved it when I was younger, it's a great book for people of all ages.
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August 2, 2011
This is a wonderful book, heart-warming without being soppy.
Twelve-year old Henry and his mum have moved house yet again, and this time his mum has enrolled him in a school where he is the only boy in year 7. He's a resilient kid, but this disaster really tests him as none of his other problems do.
The teasing that bothers him more than anything else is triggered when he's caught moving a coffin into the creepy house next door. His only consolation is swimming: he loves to power through the water and forget about his worries, and it's at the pool that he meets a little kid called Hero who helps him see the world in a different way.
The narrator, Henry, has a great self-deprecating sense of humour. The dialogue is snappy and smart. The settings - especially for Aussie kids - are utterly convincing.
But what lifts this book above the run-of-the-mill coming-of-age relationships story is the compelling plot. The blurb gives no hint of the surprises and I'm not going to either - suffice to say that this is a great book for both boys and girls, recommended for ages 10-14.
Henry Hoey Hobson is shortlisted for the 2011 CBCA Book of the Year Award.
Twelve-year old Henry and his mum have moved house yet again, and this time his mum has enrolled him in a school where he is the only boy in year 7. He's a resilient kid, but this disaster really tests him as none of his other problems do.
The teasing that bothers him more than anything else is triggered when he's caught moving a coffin into the creepy house next door. His only consolation is swimming: he loves to power through the water and forget about his worries, and it's at the pool that he meets a little kid called Hero who helps him see the world in a different way.
The narrator, Henry, has a great self-deprecating sense of humour. The dialogue is snappy and smart. The settings - especially for Aussie kids - are utterly convincing.
But what lifts this book above the run-of-the-mill coming-of-age relationships story is the compelling plot. The blurb gives no hint of the surprises and I'm not going to either - suffice to say that this is a great book for both boys and girls, recommended for ages 10-14.
Henry Hoey Hobson is shortlisted for the 2011 CBCA Book of the Year Award.
October 24, 2015
A gorgeous book about the difficulties of finding your tribe. Triple H is so vividly drawn I could see him up on the starting blocks in his Funky Trunks. As a Brisvegas gal, I felt like I was walking along beside Hoey, and cheering him on all the way.
November 22, 2019
Thoroughly awful dreadful nothing special and cost 15$ at my local book store character is supposed to be relatable and a kid with a hard life but instead he comes of annoying and bland I found many of the “bad guys” more relatable and interesting than Henry seeing as atleast they go through character development while Henry doesnt change at all gave it to my brother who graduated from Harvard and he described it as boring schlock written by a lackie who has never put pen to paper all and all its shit
November 11, 2022
Henry Hoey Hobson just started at a new school and he feels utterly alone once again. Henry and his mum Lydia live a nomadic life, moving from town to town never stopping for long. As well as struggling to fit in and find his tribe, Henry is also burdened with the worry of their limited finances, his mum’s long working hours, and flying solo. When vampires move in next door, coffin and all, a strange series of events unfold. This is a witty (and sarcastic), quick-paced story about family, friendship and finding your place.
11-13 Years
11-13 Years
January 23, 2022
By far the most interesting aspect of this book was the authors weird name.
Bongers?
Is that a real name?
Well lets agree it is
I reckon at some point she must have been called Old Bonkers Bongers
Old Bonky Bongy Bonkers Bongers
anyway the book itself - meh
But that name!
Bongers?
Is that a real name?
Well lets agree it is
I reckon at some point she must have been called Old Bonkers Bongers
Old Bonky Bongy Bonkers Bongers
anyway the book itself - meh
But that name!
September 5, 2011
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, which I picked up for my son and ended up reading myself. It was funny, and I love hearing an aussie voice, and places I actually recognised. What was surprising was that it had some real story to it, I think I was expecting boys and monsters and girl germs and toilet humour. But it really told the story of how hard it can be to be a kid, with the hassles of the school yard, and wondering what's going on all around you, and having no power to change anything. Throw in a single parent family and you have a story that kids can really relate to. And it did all that while being entertaining. A great book to get your boys to read. I can see why this book was shortlisted by the Childrens Book Council for Book of the Year.
July 10, 2010
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, and the first-person voice is spot on. Loved the "creepy" next door neighbours who have a coffin as part of their general household furniture ... that, I can certainly identify with!
December 17, 2012
Wow, I was amazed at how involved I became in this book which is written for pre-teens. Christine Bongers has done a phenomenal job of capturing the voice of a 12 year old facing issues of great importance to people of all ages. Her skills at describing the world of Henry, both external and internal, are inspiring, and made the story all the more authentic. I sincerely hope that there are more books on the way from the desk of this author.
May 10, 2025
While it certainly isn't my usual genre of choice, I had the privilege of meeting the author at a book signing, and bought the book while I was there. It really is a great work, compelling enough to keep my interest and the ending is wonderfully thought out and implemented.
I would recommend this book to anyone, even if you think you're a little too old to meet the target audience.
I would recommend this book to anyone, even if you think you're a little too old to meet the target audience.
Read
November 25, 2013Don't judge a book by it's cover...
I have to admit - the last half of this book is nothing like the beginning. Christine's writing kept me glued, page turning to the end.
A heart warming story. Worth the read
I have to admit - the last half of this book is nothing like the beginning. Christine's writing kept me glued, page turning to the end.
A heart warming story. Worth the read
December 21, 2012
I started reading this book to my son. We got 100 pages in and decided not to continue. It was a nice read, lovely premise but sadly we both lost interest. Perhaps it is more suited to a private read than a read aloud.
March 20, 2013
What a fun book! You'll love 12 yr. old Henry Hoey Hobson... he's such a deep thinker. Hillarious story about a boy who doesn't fit in finally finding a place where he does. Lots of feel-good messages mixed in the pot as well.
May 2, 2011
Some very funny lines. After teaching Grade 7 in Catholic Schools and knowing how the boys disappear I could really appreciate the story line!
Good fun read with happy outcome!
Good fun read with happy outcome!
May 25, 2011
A cute story, dealing with family relationships and friendships. In one word "nice".
June 14, 2011
Good book for Human Diversity. Shortlisted in the CBCA 2011 book Week Awards
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June 14, 2011Recently short-listed for the CBCA Younger Readers Book of the Year.
May 11, 2012
good book. I recommend it.
September 5, 2012
A fantastic young adult book. Well written and managed to be both funny and touching at times. Great Australiana too. Highly recommend!
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August 3, 2017"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 u sink-or-swim time in the treacherous waters of Year Seven.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews