Description - Stuff Happens: Harry by Alex McDiarmid
All Harry wants is to fly through Monvale Primary under the radar. He's done the maths and come to a conclusion- to be good at something means attention - and in Harry's case, that attention is more than unwanted. But standing out from the crowd isn't about all the attention that comes with it. It's about enjoying what you do, and being yourself. Can Harry see that for himself?
Stuff Happens is an important new series for boys aged between 7 and 11 about everyday challenges. Created by series editor, Susannah McFarlane, and written by established authors Tony Wilson, Andrew Daddo, Philip Gwynne, Will Kostakis, Scot Gardner, Justin D'Ath, James Roy, Pat Flynn and Alex McDiarmid, each book features a different character and follows them as they overcome a particular everyday challenge. It explores those everyday struggles in life that boys can sometimes be reluctant to express- quarrels with mates, a bad day at school, fear of disappointing mum and dad, rejection and not fitting in.
Stuff Happens. Real-life stories for boys. Suitable for beginner and newly confident readers.
Stuff happens sometimes. Everyday stuff.
At school, at home, with sport, with mates.
For Harry it happened in art class.
All Harry wants is to fly through Monvale Primary under the radar. He doesn't want to be like Jack. Playing football on the oval only leads to cheering crowds. He doesn't want to be like Ethan, because after that advertisement he showed at assembly he's got more friends now than he ever did. He especially doesn't want to be like Fadi, who decided to dance in the quiet time quad one day and now has an entire school of adoring fans. Harry's done the maths and come to a conclusion- to be good at something means attention - and in Harry's case, that attention is more than unwanted.
During an excursion to an art gallery, Harry and his friend Lou are amongst the many students in Mr Slater's art class that are unenthusiastic about the excursion. If nobody else cares about it, Harry doesn't see a reason to either. That is, until he sees a certain painting. Amongst the splotches of colourful paint, Harry imagines Cosmic Samurai, an awesome made-up space ranger who blasts away evil green aliens with a sweet laser gun.
Harry is inspired to paint him. Will he listen to Mr Slater and display his art for all to see? Standing out from the crowd isn't about all the attention that comes with it. It's about enjoying what you do, and being yourself. Can Harry see that for himself?
Praise for Stuff Happens
'Stories about boys, aimed at boys and containing real-life stories of their school and home life are rare. Even rarer are those that have readily identifiable characters and situations, and engage, amuse and inform. But here they are.'
'An exciting new series written specifically for boys aged from seven to eleven . . . great additions for school libraries and for engaging reluctant boy readers. Outstanding!' Read Plus
'The fantastic Stuff Happens series.' reviewZOO
'I love a book that talks in a kid's voice. It makes us feel important and special. The thing I like the most about these books are that they tell different perspectives of everyday things in life.' Mr 10 - Readingtree.com.au
'The awareness of the emotional life of boys is slowly being recognised as a critical factor into the development of boys to be strong and courageous sensitive men. Stuff Happens explores feelings and emotions in an entertaining and humorous way, allowing boys to understand that it is OK to express emotion. This can only be positive! I highly recommend and love the books!' Deborah Jepsen, Educational and Developmental Psychologist - Melbourne Child Psychology / School Psychology Services
'As a mum to two boys aged 8 and 10, I was thrilled to find a book series that provided very real 'boy dilemmas' and connected feelings and behaviours, which can be really confusing for boys. What was even more exciting was how much the boys ate it up. My eldest read the first book in one sitting and I was back at the bookshop the next day to buy the entire series! My youngest loved being read to and was so engaged and interested in all the characters and their issues. Can't wait for the next instalment.' Marita Evans - Mum to Rupert, 10, and Henry, 8
Buy Stuff Happens: Harry by Alex McDiarmid from Australia's Online Independent Bookstore, BooksDirect.
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