Unpacking Harper Holt by Di Walker
Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781760650599
(Age: 11+) Recommended. Harper Holt never fully unpacks when her
family moves - they move sometimes two or three times a year! An
only child in an exclusively nuclear family, Harper follows her
father's contract work from city to city. Hugh and Helena have yet
to fully comprehend the negative impact upon Harper, leaving old
friends behind each time and having to start afresh at a new school.
However, the loss of a new school chum or two, doesn't compare with
the sudden loss of her mother in a car accident, shortly after their
latest move to Melbourne. As Hugh completely unravels, Harper starts
a new diary to vent her despair as she struggles with the loss of
Helena - the lynchpin of their little family. Dad and Harper have
the support of strangers - both the diligent hospital social worker,
Monica, and Leanne, the relocation agent; but especially her new
friend Eve and Eve's mother Victoria.
The school bully, Rowena, is no match for Harper's courage - in part
her mother's legacy and in part because Harper has hit rock bottom
and has no time for the games of teenage girls. Naturally there is a
showdown or two but Harper's forthright attitude soon makes her
popular and admired. We are angered by Rowena's lack of sympathy and
as suspense builds, the author provides solutions even if she cannot
bring Helena back.
Di Walker has taken an insular family, very new to the area, before
completely untethering them with a devastating loss. She has taught
us a great deal about our need for community. Whether extended
formally or voluntarily, the kindness of strangers made a difference
to this family rocked by sadness and loss of purpose. She also shows
that age is not a barrier to shouldering responsibility and that
people can process loss very differently. Given the currency of
Walker's two main themes, the end papers list both grief and
bullying websites for our interest or support.
Deborah Robins
