This book has a lot of twists and turns. Full of surprising moments that changes this boys life!!!

Set just after the end of World War II, this book is the story of Henry, son of a dead war hero, and his growing realisation that some things are not as he believed them to be. He is in his last year of school and his new teacher has a different way of teaching. The class is divided into groups of 3 to research particular topics. Henry is in the cinema group because of his love of the movies. The only problem is that the other 2 members of the group are people his grandmother has told him not to associate with.
This book is a great read featuring a very believable main character. The setting is realistic and gives good insight into conditions in Britain just after the war.
Suitable for teen readers wanting something meaty but enjoyable. ( )

I was in Matric when I discovered that reading too much of the same author's work can prove disappointing. In fact, more than disappointing, I found it quite disturbing to discover the repetitive themes, ideas and even repetitive hobby horses. I began to discover that frequently, there seemed to be one core message expressed in many ways, and that, at least with the authors I was reading, it was like there was no ability to or interest in moving on. Each book was a bit like seeing the same person in a different dress. The idea that we are all stuck in our one groove, endlessly repeating the same song, was quite chilling for me, and I quickly dropped the idea of "author extensions" in Matric English in favour of "subject extensions" where I was faced once more with the illusion of infinite ideas, perspectives and possibilities.

So I am always nervous when I pick up a new book by a favourite author. I have already been disappointed by David Almond which is a great shame after the astonishing revelation of Skellig. And, while Back home is one of my favourite books ever, the last three Michelle Magorian titles I have found to be good but not great (from my own personal point of interest). For several years I have watched the shelves, just in case a new title would appear, and then at last, it did and I had very mixed feelings. I picked it up with great apprehension. I had to buy it, but I couldn't bring it right to the front of my reading list. Nor could I put it at the back. I compromised and put it about a little way in.

Finally, the time of truth arrived and I picked up Just Henry with no less nervousness. And it was absolute magic from start to finish. I have loved every moment of my time with this book which is true Michelle Magorian ("True?" An interesting statement in light of my earlier meanderings about needles stuck in grooves!). Yes, all her standard themes and even character types are present, and there are obvious plot devices like the odd give-away surname and the serendipitous overhearing of critical conversations. But somehow, none of these detract from the freshness and power of the narrative. In fact, the plot devices appear to be a subtle and clever ghosting of the movie world by which Henry is so captivated, seeming deliberate rather than amateurish.

It was absolute joy to rediscover the magic I originally found in Back home. I am now faced with a real dilemma - is it possible that I actually like Just Henry even more than Back home? ( )

Henry's father died a hero during World War II. His father's grandmother lives with them, keeps his memory alive, and disparages Henry's stepfather and half-brother. His grandmother's prejudices which have influenced Henry, cause him trouble at school. A popular teacher assigns him to work with students that he would rather shun. This assignment and a woman he meets through his love of cinema begin to broaden Henry's life and mind and he begins to see his father, grandmother and step father in a new light.

Michelle Magorian has done it again.

Its just after WWII in an English seaside town, but the war isn't over within so many homes. Henry's is one of those. His father was killed during the war, rescuing another man who then deserted. He is reminded of this every day in school, where the man's son is ostracized and hated for the sins of his father.
Also in the same class is Pip, born 'on the wrong side of the sheets' and so condemned as the lowest of the low, not the type of boy to be seen with. And at home, the battleground continues. He hates his stepfather, his young half-sister irritates him and the only person he has to turn to is his father's mother, Gran.

But when Henry discovers the two boys and he share a passion for cinema, both modern and in its beginnings, they are forced together, and Henry discovers that absolutely nothing in his life is as it seemed.

This was a YA novel that was impossible to put down, as I find with all her novels. Her writing is simple and easy to read, but she deals extremely well with the difficult subjects of life during and just after WWII for the children and parents who are facing the aftermath of bombed out streets and destroyed families.

Another wonderful YA book dealing with the complexities of family life after WWII ( )