Author(s): Steven Herrick

Young Adult Novels (A-Z)

Jesse is an eleven-year-old boy tackling many problems in life, especially fitting into 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. But they haven't counted on Hunter, the school bully, who appears to enjoy hurling insults at random. With Hunter's catchphrase 'Ha!' echoing through the school, something or someone has to give. But will it be Jesse? Kate? Or is there more to Hunter than everyone thinks?

Steven Herrick wrote this book as a way of exploring the complex and immediate problems that are facing humankind – starvation, loss of environment and social dislocation – for both young and old. His novel makes these big issues accessible to children who will be the ones facing these issues in the future as well as issues kids face day to day like wanting to fit in, being bullied, family dynamics and friendships.

“Bleakboy and Hunter Stand Out in the Rain” uses a dual narrative: Jesse narrates in first person, present tense, while Hunter’s chapters are told in third person. Jesse is the new kid at school trying to fit in. He makes friends with Kate who wants him to help her save the whales. Hunter is the school bully. Is he trying to foil Jesse and Kate’s efforts or is he misunderstood.

This book covers big global issues as well as all the awkwardness of being 11. It’s also a story to remind us that sometimes the important things in life really are family and good friends.