Hank Hudson

Volume 1

Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
198 Pages
Reviewed on 03/03/2016
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Clark Chamberlain is a true son of the west. Born in northern Idaho during the nation's bicentennial, Clark has always been a man on the move. He’s lived in ten states and two countries on two continents. He’s been homeless, built houses, gone to war, and tore his lunch cooler from the mouth of a bear.
Clark has always been a wanderer in search of himself. On the way he’s met some of the most interesting people in the world, all of which gives him the ability to write about the incredible world he sees.
Clark is the author of three books, illustrator of two, and is an educator on story. He is currently living in Idaho Falls with his wife, two sons, two dogs, and one mean cat.
And yes, he does talk with his dog.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Chris Fischer for Readers' Favorite

Hank Hudson by Clark Chamberlain, the first volume in a new series aimed at middle grade readers, is an absolute triumph of a story, and one that will hook readers of all ages from the very start! Many people in the know in the world of literature are aware that books for middle grade readers are the new "it" place to be, the place to find truly inventive and fantastic work that isn't available in much of the work being released for adults right now. Clark Chamberlain's work certainly doesn't disappoint. Follow our young hero, Hank Hudson, and his unique pet dog, Dog, as they set out on an epic adventure to find Hank's family after they have inadvertently left him behind as they moved across the country in search of a better life during the Great Depression. This book is one that readers will not be able to put down. And throw in the duo's discovery of a secret, a hidden world where there are powers and treasures Hank had no inkling of, and you've got a story that you simply won't be able to forget.

I simply cannot recommend Hank Hudson: Volume One any more highly than I am. This book has all the elements of an absolute smash hit, and I could see it being made into an extremely fun and exciting movie. Many, many readers would enjoy author Clark Chamberlain's book, including his intended audience of young readers, all the way up to adults who love a great read in the fantasy genre. The story ends with an exciting cliffhanger, and I, for one, simply cannot wait to read the next volume. Clark Chamberlain, I hope you are hard at work on the next Hank Hudson book ... write fast!

Jack Magnus

Hank Hudson: Volume 1 is an historical fantasy for children and preteens written and illustrated by Clark Chamberlain. Hank understood that his parents had trouble keeping track of all their children, but the fact that they'd forgotten -- once again -- about his birthday and were celebrating his little sister's with a party and cake hurt. No one seemed to even notice he was there. In fact, after waiting in line with the other kids for a piece of cake, when he stood in front of his mother, he saw only crumbs left on the cake platter. She hadn't even saved him a piece. Hank had never had a party for his birthday, and the twelve-year-old would have been content with the knife he had hoped for as a present. But his brother, whose birthday also fell near his, got that knife instead. His parents did later realize that they had once again forgotten his birthday, but they were hoping Hank hadn't noticed or would understand. It was the early 1930s, times were hard, and money was tight. When Hank's father announced that he had found employment in California, Hank felt that he had a chance to finally be noticed: a new school, different surroundings. On the morning they were to set out for the west coast, however, he discovered that they had forgotten him once again. Only Dog, the canine who had become his closest companion, was there for him now.

Clark Chamberlain's historical adventure fantasy for children and preteens, Hank Hudson: Volume 1, follows a typically resourceful and resilient middle child and his uncannily sapient companion, Dog, as they travel across the country during the Great Depression. Hank comes of age as he rides the rails, apprentices as a butcher's helper, and searches for ley lines and treasure with Stin, the hobo, who turns the traveling duo into a remarkable trio. Hank Hudson is a magical and mysterious story that entertains on a number of levels. I savored the mystery of the buried treasure and found the evil entity, the Darkness, to be eerily chilling and malignant. Chamberlain captures the overlooked saga of Woody Guthrie's celebrated hobos riding the rails, pays tribute to the soldiers of WWI and has Hank and Dog act to save a town and its people. And after all this, you can't help but think that, perhaps, the middle child this time truly lucked out. I had a marvelous time reading Hank Hudson and fell in love with the author's masterful illustrations, which work so incredibly well with the story. Hank Hudson: Volume 1 is most highly recommended for children of all ages.

Samantha Dewitt (Rivera)

Life has never been quite normal for Hank. In fact, since the time he was little his family has ignored him completely, often not even seeing him when he’s right there. But he never thought for a moment that there was anything different about him until his family forgets him when they’re heading to California. It sets off an entirely new series of strange events as he travels through the country after them and meets characters like Julie and Steve and even Stin, the hobo. But the worst of all is the Darkness, which has its own plans for Hank, in Hank Hudson by Clark Chamberlain.

This book was one that really drew me in. I really liked the way that the characters and the plot developed. Hank was the type of character that you could relate to and he was someone that you wanted to know more about. I loved the story and I would really like to read even more about the adventures that Hank and Stin and all the rest go on while they’re attempting to overcome the Darkness. There’s a whole lot more to go with this story and plenty of adventure. It’s interesting that there’s a lot going on all at once, but it seems to work well together as the story continues, and you feel like you’re really involved. Hank Hudson is a great kid, and it’s a great book too.

Tracy Slowiak

Ahhh! That was me as I sighed with happiness after finishing Hank Hudson, Volume One, the new book in a planned series by author Clark Chamberlain. A truly unique and fantastic piece of children's literature will do that to me! Follow the story of protagonist Hank Hudson, a middle child who's always felt pretty invisible within his Depression-era family. But when his parents decide to move the family across the country, and actually forget to take Hank along, he has to take matters into his own hands to get back to them. But when he and his trusty dog, Dog, stumble into a secret world filled with hidden powers, people and treasures, his journey becomes that much more complicated.

I loved Hank Hudson. Loved. It. How's that for a review? It's absolutely how I feel about this book. A story that's not just for middle school aged children, although they will certainly delight in it, the magic, mystery and adventure of author Clark Chamberlain's story line will appeal greatly even to many adult readers who love an inventive work of fantasy. The author's characters, especially Hank and Dog, are ones that readers will connect with, relate to, and will care about. If that isn't a hallmark of a great author, I'm not sure what is. I highly recommend Hank Hudson, Volume One to virtually any reader looking for an intriguing and inventive read. I very much look forward to reading the next installment in this series from the incredibly talented and promising author Clark Chamberlain as soon as I possibly can.

Vernita Naylor

Life was not easy for the Hudson family during the Depression era, especially for Hank. In Hank Hudson (Volume 1) by Clark Chamberlain, Hank is the middle child amongst eight children. Hank seemed to always be invisible to everyone. Even though Hank’s birthday is between his brother Joseph and sister Helen's birthdays, his was always forgotten every year. One day it was decided that, for a better life, the family needed to relocate to California. Hank was excited about the new beginning and thought maybe in California he would no longer seem invisible to everyone. In the midst of preparing and helping his family get ready to travel across the country, ironically, Hank was forgotten and left behind. Follow Hank on his journey as he travels across the country to join his family in California.

Hank Hudson (Volume 1) by Clark Chamberlain is an interesting story because of its fantasy and sci-fi appeal. How would you feel if you were always treated as invisible or forgotten? Just like Hank, anyone would be initially sad and depressed if they were left behind by their family, but being invisible became an asset to Hank and his family in the end. Children of all ages will enjoy Hank Hudson (Volume 1) by Clark Chamberlain because of the twists and turns that happen throughout the story. You can read this to your children or it’s easy enough for children to read on their own; either way they will surely enjoy it. Happy reading!