What Tana Macpherson-Smith has achieved with this extraordinary book is the power to take all the key elements that make up our mental health issues in the young today – and to deliver them in a truly intriguing, entertaining, thoughtful, inspirational and original book. We should all be reading this creative and informed gift of a book – to inspire each and every one of us as we journey through life. Kate Blewett, Multi Award-Winning Documentary Producer and Director (& former Haileybury parent)

Tana Macpherson-Smith (Former staff 1999 – 2013, Senior Mistress, HM Allenby) is a mental health advocate, speaker, and storyteller dedicated to transforming the global mental health landscape by focusing on prevention and early intervention. With over 25 years of experience as an educator and as a mother and grandmother, Tana understands the immense challenges faced by young people, parents, and educators. Her work as a drama teacher, boarding housemistress, and senior school leader has left a lasting impact, helping young people build emotional resilience in an increasingly complex world.

After experiencing a life-altering mental health crisis in 2013, Tana retrained as a trauma therapist and mindset transformation coach, founding ClearMinds Education in 2015. Through programmes like her groundbreaking Monkey Wisdom initiative, she has empowered individuals from as young as four to their twenties, providing essential tools to process emotions and overcome trauma. Her work has made her a sought-after consultant and speaker, uniting communities in the pursuit of mental wellbeing.

Tana’s passion for mental health is deeply rooted in personal experience. After losing her quadriplegic mother at age seven and enduring years of emotional abuse, Tana’s breakdown in 2013 became a turning point, inspiring her mission to help others find their voice and heal.

Tana has published her debut YA novel, There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder, in November 2024 as a transformative resource for young readers and adults alike.

Recognised for her impact, Tana has received numerous accolades, including the LoveBiz Inspirational Businesswoman of the Year Award in 2024 and was a Finalist in the international Speakers Awards 2024.

The Society is delighted to extend Tana’s invitation to her book launch in central London on Thursday 12^th December at 10.30am, which is being hosted by Kate Blewett, a former Haileybury parent of two OH children. If you are interested in attending please complete the Eventbrite link here: https://bit.ly/3ZbqJi2

Here is also the link to purchase the book on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/5cpc3j9x

The story – Surviving the island is one thing. Surviving yourself? That’s the real adventure!

Sixteen-year-old Jack has an overbearing brute of a dad, a reputation as the school bully, and dyslexia that makes every day in the classroom feel like a war zone. Just when it seems like he’s hit rock bottom, he’s invited to a mysterious retreat on a remote Scottish island, alongside seven other teens, each with their own life baggage. But this is no ordinary retreat. Jack’s not just battling the wild—he’s fighting the monkey on his shoulder.

Every teen has their own “monkey,” a creature born from their deepest traumas that whispers doubts, insecurities, and fears into their ears. At first, they think it’s a joke—until the monkeys start showing up for real.

Jack is used to fighting, but can he battle his way to the truth behind his anger and unlock the future he never thought possible? Why is he drawn to Sienna-May, the fragile beauty haunted by her childhood? Can she unlock the door to his deepest feelings? Or will the whispers of Ortner, Jack’s monkey, keep him trapped forever?

There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder is a pulse-pounding adventure that tackles the battles we face within. Perfect for anyone who’s ever wrestled with their inner demons, this book will take you on a wild ride into the heart of what it means to truly overcome the voices, fears, and beliefs

In Praise of There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder

In There’s A Monkey On Your Shoulder, Tana Macpherson-Smith delves into the inner world of teenagers grappling with psychological struggles, offering a deeply thought-provoking exploration of mental health, self-awareness, and personal growth. The novel is not only a compelling read but also serves as an important resource for understanding the complex emotions that shape the lives of teenagers. It is a must-read for anyone interested in young adult literature that tackles serious issues with empathy and insight.

The strength of the novel lies in its character development. Each teenager is portrayed with depth and realism, making their struggles with mental health, familial relationships, and self-acceptance both relatable and profound. The growth they experience throughout the story is not only satisfying but also reflective of the novel’s broader commentary on personal development.

The “monkeys” serve as an effective metaphor for the burdens each character carries, making abstract concepts like guilt, fear, and self-doubt tangible and relatable for the reader. The themes of mental health, family dynamics, and self-acceptance are explored with nuance and care, adding depth to the story.

“Overall, There’s A Monkey On Your Shoulder is a compelling and insightful read that will resonate with both young adults and anyone interested in mental health and personal growth. Its sensitive handling of difficult emotions and the effective use of metaphors make it a must-read for those looking to better understand the inner lives of teenagers.” Dr Zina Alhilali, General Practitioner / mental health specialist

“I really enjoyed this book – it is honestly one of the best books i have ever read! I could not put it down: it is definitely going to go far. It really helped me understand the concept of Monkey’s and made me actually believe it too.

I feel very connected to Sienna-May, we have very, very similar experiences. The book is full of cliffhangers that will make you sit on the edge of your seat. The book made me really change the way I see life and that I need to tell my monkey to stop living my life for me! I’m very sure that reading this will change so many people’s lives. There are a variety of emotions that come along with this book. (some parts made me really cry), this shows how hard life can be and the many problems with the world. It teaches you to never give up and to always keep going! Thank you for letting me read such a brilliant book!” L-R Butler (12yrs)

“This is not only a brilliantly clever, original and skillfully written book for young adults navigating their way through an increasingly challenging world, but a deeply important one too. I absolutely loved it!” Santa Montefiore, Sunday Times Best Selling Author

“What Tana Macpherson-Smith has achieved with this extraordinary book is the power to take all the key elements that make up our mental health issues in the young today – and to deliver them in a truly intriguing, entertaining, thoughtful, inspirational and original book. We should all be reading this creative and informed gift of a book – to inspire each and every one of us as we journey through life.” Kate Blewett, Multi Award-Winning Documentary Producer and Director

“I can’t say enough for this book, except that every child, parent, educator and health professional would do well to read it. Tana Macpherson-Smith has devised a brilliant way for young people to understand their inner strengths and gifts, then turned it into a captivating story. For any child—or adult—who struggles with a sense of self-worth and purpose (and that means all of us), There’s A Monkey On Your Shoulder will give you a new way of looking at yourself and the world. A must read.” Debra Engle, Executive Director: Story Summit, international lecturer, writing mentor and best-selling Author

“Faced with serious issues regarding their mental health, eight troubled teens are given a challenging week-long trip off the coast of Scotland which will test their physical and most of all, their emotional limits. Traveling with them are their “inner monkeys” who will accompany each of their teens on a life and death journey to face their fears and provide them with the much-needed strength they need for self-survival and a promising future. Written by acclaimed coach and therapist Tara Macpherson-Smith, There’s A Monkey On Your Shoulder is a truly riveting, page-turning story that will seize the soul of young and old alike.” Kathie Fong Yoneda, Author of The Script-Selling Game; Exec Producer, former studio executive at Disney and Touchstone