Overview

For the eleven years since the death of her parents, fifteen-year old Harriet Henderson and her grandfather Max have made their home into something of a haven. But Harriet is no longer a little girl. There are changes, inevitable changes, changes that her grandfather finds himself resisting. Harriet - thoughtful and free-spirited - is restless. School, up until now, has been dull. But there's a new English teacher, Molly McInness, who encourages Harriet to see herself as a writer. And for Molly herself, there's nothing more satisfying than having a student like Harriet Henderson. This promises to be a special relationship for both of them. But not everyone shares their excitement. Zeph, the boy who in the dark of night paints on vacant walls, is untouched; nothing, it seems, penetrates the barriers he has erected around his solitary self. Tran, son of an influential politician, is confused and incensed. There are murmurings in the staffroom, too, and the school's Principal, glib Eliott Sullivan, sees potential threats to the smooth operation of his systems. Tensions build at home and at school. And then, in a single impulsive moment, Harriet makes a decision that changes everything. The Worlds of Harriet Henderson is a novel about writing, about the mythopoetic, about imagination and intuition, and about the role of stories and storytelling in our lives.

Full Product Details

9780648449102

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Reviews

"""I can't imagine having anything to read that would be more life-affirming or more in tune with the values that inform our work as educators."" Dr John Yandell, UCL Institute of Education, London, author & journal editor ""A novel that will appeal to English teachers because of the sophistication of the shifts in point of view and the beauty of the prose. A wonderful book."" - Emeritus Professor Brenton Doecke ""A beautifully written and sensitive novel that should be shared with every teacher, student, parent and principal you know."" - Rebecca Palethorpe (ACT teacher) ""This is a marvellous book which I found hard to put down. The book is full of twists and turns as the young characters pursue the creative paths that give them life. A must read!"" Dr. Mary Macken-Horarik, Senior Research Fellow, Australian Catholic University ""A story about a teacher, two students and a grandfather looking for the places where the openness can live, at least a little while, in an adult world of closures. A must for English teachers as they consider their commitments in these difficult teaching times."" - Dr Kim McCollum-Clark, Assoc Professor of English/English Education, Millersville University ""It's a story that has all sorts of stories inside it. It's a book in which worlds overlap, collide and intersect, and where truth is complex. Yet the book is full of hope. A great read."" - Dr Margaret Byrne, author, film maker & principal of UGM Consulting 'The worlds of Harriet Henderson' is a warm, whimsical and cleverly constructed tale about inclusion and the power of story telling. It is fun to read, unfolding itself like an Escher drawing, and carries a touching message about the capacity for all children to learn, not just the so-called 'good' kids. - Emily Yarra I finished the book at 2am - read in two straight settings with a meal and meeting in-between!! I haven't done that for years. The story was complex and mostly subtle. I was moved by Molly's passion for her subject and students, and by her struggle to be with people and systems who seemed to have lost (or not yet discovered) the soul of their vocation, as well as her struggle to be with herself. I'd definitely offer this as a text for reflection if I were working with teachers and educational administrators (as well as encouraging them into practitioner-learning circle, of course!!) - Dr Neil Millar, Center for Courage & Renewal, Canberra"

I can't imagine having anything to read that would be more life-affirming or more in tune with the values that inform our work as educators. Dr John Yandell, UCL Institute of Education, London, author & journal editor A novel that will appeal to English teachers because of the sophistication of the shifts in point of view and the beauty of the prose. A wonderful book. - Emeritus Professor Brenton Doecke A beautifully written and sensitive novel that should be shared with every teacher, student, parent and principal you know. - Rebecca Palethorpe (ACT teacher) This is a marvellous book which I found hard to put down. The book is full of twists and turns as the young characters pursue the creative paths that give them life. A must read! Dr. Mary Macken-Horarik, Senior Research Fellow, Australian Catholic University A story about a teacher, two students and a grandfather looking for the places where the openness can live, at least a little while, in an adult world of closures. A must for English teachers as they consider their commitments in these difficult teaching times. - Dr Kim McCollum-Clark, Assoc Professor of English/English Education, Millersville University It's a story that has all sorts of stories inside it. It's a book in which worlds overlap, collide and intersect, and where truth is complex. Yet the book is full of hope. A great read. - Dr Margaret Byrne, author, film maker & principal of UGM Consulting 'The worlds of Harriet Henderson' is a warm, whimsical and cleverly constructed tale about inclusion and the power of story telling. It is fun to read, unfolding itself like an Escher drawing, and carries a touching message about the capacity for all children to learn, not just the so-called 'good' kids. - Emily Yarra I finished the book at 2am - read in two straight settings with a meal and meeting in-between!! I haven't done that for years. The story was complex and mostly subtle. I was moved by Molly's passion for her subject and students, and by her struggle to be with people and systems who seemed to have lost (or not yet discovered) the soul of their vocation, as well as her struggle to be with herself. I'd definitely offer this as a text for reflection if I were working with teachers and educational administrators (as well as encouraging them into practitioner-learning circle, of course!!) - Dr Neil Millar, Center for Courage & Renewal, Canberra

Author Information

I'm 71, married, a father of four and grandfather of another four. I'm retired now, or semi-retired. I spend my days writing, gardening, cooking, reading, playing tennis, walking (with the dogs), and touring with my wife, now also retired.

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