Harriet versus the Galaxy by Samantha Baines

As we have come to expect, 'Knights of' publishing company has published in debut novelist Samantha Baine's Harriet versus the universe, another novel that enhances the voice of people with disability. In this instance it is the first person narrative of Harriet, a ten-year-old girl with a hearing disability that we hear.  The reader is immersed, through Harriet's chatty voice and access to her thinking, into her world. The text is accompanied by the cheerful cartoon-like artwork of Ella Masters (cover art) and Jessica Flores (interior artwork). The font is large with the combination of text and artwork making Harriet versus the universe a simple and engaging read for young readers.

The plot is reassuringly predictable. Harriet normalises and describes the use of hearing aids and the origin of her deafness. She describes school, bullying, friendships and living with her dad. When she stays with her grandma, her life changes as aliens, an alien organisation and new friends enter her life. As a result of the discovery of a special skill associated with her hearing aids, Harriet is able to save the world - with the help of her friends.

There is a warmth and wisdom exuded through the authorial voice. Quotable quotes include...'The house actually reminded me of Robin as it was all chilled out on the surface but you could see there was stuff going on underneath...' and ...'maybe the ground flowers were like the horrible kids at my old school and I was like a plant in a pot because I didn't fit in.'  Any child who feels on the outer would find comfort in the sassiness and quirkiness of Harriet.

Harriet meets a person called Robin who can't decide whether 'they' is a girl or a boy. 'On Monday I felt like a girl and today I feel like a boy and so I'm both. Sometimes I don't want to be a boy or a girl.' Harriet accepts this thoughtfully by employing the analogy of comparing Robin's admission to her own wanting to be grown up sometimes and a child at other times. From then on Robin is referred to by the pronoun 'they' and the possessive 'their'. This is new for this reader and most children. Teachers and librarians should have a 'heads up' re this aspect of the book in order to avoid possible issues in the hands of the wrong reader. At the same time, this book treats the subject of gender identity issues with a gentle nonchalance and this would be comforting for children with the same issue who need to see themselves represented in literature.

Each chapter is bookended by a double-page spread of one of Harriet's imaginary planets. This interrupts the flow of the narrative but may be enjoyed by some readers who might be encouraged to make up imaginary lands of their own.

Harriet versus the universe is a humorous first novel for well-known English comedian and actor Samantha Baines. It could be particularly enjoyed by children with gender identity issues and /or hearing disabilities and could provide awareness about the current correct use of gender specific pronouns.

Themes: Gender identity, Hearing disability, Bullying, Family, Aliens and space.

Wendy Jeffrey