H. J. Harper

"Written in a fast-paced, energetic style, Star League is an ideal series for hesitant readers, especially boys."

When H.J. Harper was a young child growing up in Perth, Western Australia, the only thing she wanted to be more than an author was a mad scientist.She enjoyed mixing potions from various household goods and dreamed of one day owning a computer book like Penny from Inspector Gadget (also a yellow jumpsuit like April O’Neil from TMNT.)

However, when H.J. reached high school she realised that being a Mad Scientist might actually involve being half decent at science, and so she turned her efforts to her other dream: becoming an author. Thankfully, her brain seemed to comprehend English much better than Science, and so, in a misguided attempt to get paid for converting thoughts to words, she studied Journalism at university.

While university was perhaps one of the most wonderful places on earth, H.J. quickly found that journalism required a lot of knowledge of things like football, politicians, and the capital of Australia, knowledge which she sadly did not possess. Her passion lay more in things like what type of weapon you would use to slay a dragon (magic sword), a demon (magic flaming sword) and the kind of food unicorns eat (marbles). Which is why, when she graduated, H.J. went to work in a bookshop, where that type of knowledge kind-of-sort-of-not-really has a purpose.

Two bookshops and a library later, H.J. now lives in Melbourne where she works in another wonderful bookshop. It was here that she first discovered how mindblowingly awesome kids’ and YA books are, and that she would dearly love to add to the many excellent titles out there that are expanding/shaping/warping young minds everywhere.

H.J. has written a series called Star League, the first four books of which were published by Random House in June 2011. Star League is for readers seven and up, and follows the adventures of an action movie star, a ninja, a werewolf, a zombie, an animancer and a robot as they fight against evil. Look for the next four books to come out in September. H.J. is also working on her next book, a Steampunk puzzle adventure which will be published in 2012.

What age group and genres does H. J. Harper write for?

H. J. Harper writes for children and younger readers, with Star League aimed at readers seven and up. Her work blends action, humour and light supernatural and sci fi elements; she has also worked on a steampunk puzzle adventure.

What is the Star League series about?

Star League follows a team made up of an action movie star, a ninja, a werewolf, a zombie, an animancer and a robot as they team up to fight evil. The series is fast paced and geared toward reluctant or hesitant readers.

What is the recommended reading order for the Star League series?

Reading order by book number: 1 Lights, Camera, Action Hero! 2 Curse of the Werewolf 3 Raising the Dead 4 The Ninja Code 5 Monkey Business 6 Robot Reboot 7 Box Office Smash 8 The Final Cut.

Do I need to read the Star League books in order?

Many of the books work as fun, episodic adventures, so individual volumes can be enjoyed on their own. Reading in order is recommended to follow ongoing character development and story progressions across the series.

Does H. J. Harper have other standalone titles?

Yes. In addition to the Star League series she has written Bureau of Mysteries and has worked on a steampunk puzzle-adventure project noted as forthcoming in earlier listings.