Award-winning University of Queensland alumnus Steven Herrick has released his much-anticipated children’s fiction book, Bleakboy and Hunter Stand Out in the Rain, published by the University of Queensland Press.
Herrick’s concerns about the complex problems facing humanity – starvation, loss of the environment and social dislocation for both young and old – was the catalyst for the book.
His awareness that today’s young people will have to address these issues in the future led him to create a story about the small gestures that can help to make the world a better place.
Books+Publishing said the book was a “heartfelt story about friendship and family, doing the right thing and being yourself”.
Jesse is an eleven-year-old boy tackling many problems in life, from helping the starving and poor in Africa to fitting in to a new school.
Luckily he meets Kate, who wants to save the whales and needs Jesse’s help.
However, 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. Will it be Jesse? Kate? Or is there more to Hunter than everyone thinks?
Herrick hopes his book will show how optimistic and thoughtful people can make a difference in all sorts of ways.
Inspiring and funny, Bleakboy and Hunter Stand Out in the Rain is destined to become a favourite novel that’s read again and again.
Herrick is the author of 21 books for children and young adults.
Pookie Aleera is Not My Boyfriend co-won the 2013 WA Pre-Literary Award and his verse-novels have twice won the NSW Pre-Literary Award.
His books have also been shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia book of the year awards and he regularly performs his work in schools throughout the world.
Steven lives in the Blue Mountains with his partner Cathie, a belly dance teacher, and has two adult sons, Jack and Joe.
Media: UQP Marketing and Publicity Manager Meredene Hill, 3346 7932, meredeneh@uqp.up.edu.au.
