What do you think?
Rate this book
Helping Hands
The Benefit of Ductwork
Andy was six when he was adopted by the men he calls Dad and Pops. At seventeen, he has almost escaped his early years and found security in his dads' loving home. But his neglected early childhood taught Andy that nothing good can be his forever. When his parents decide to foster Kyle, a young gay teenager in need of a place to stay, Andy can't help wondering if he's going to lose his dads to the new kid.
The Helping Hands project is Featherweight Press's way of giving back to the community and helping those in need. These stories feature LGBT teens and issues they face. Some are contemporary stories that that deal with their sexuality and the issues around it, while others simply feature LGBT youth. There's a little bit of something for everyone. For every story published under the Helping Hands banner, its author and editor royalties are donated to a charity that helps LGBT youth that the author chooses.
The Helping Hands project is Featherweight Press's way of giving back to the community and helping those in need. These stories feature LGBT teens and issues they face. Some are contemporary stories that that deal with their sexuality and the issues around it, while others simply feature LGBT youth. There's a little bit of something for everyone. For every story published under the Helping Hands banner, its author and editor royalties are donated to a charity that helps LGBT youth that the author chooses.
46 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2012
1 person is currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Kira Harp
4 books21 followersI've been writing since I could put words together. Early stories were about dolls and horses and kids who surmounted the odds and came home with a kitten. Gradually I learned about punctuation and point-of-view and my characters grew up. But real life came along, with forays into psychology and teaching and then a biomedical career and children. Writing happened in my head, for my own amusement, but didn't make it to paper.
Then several years ago, my husband gave me a computer. And my two girls were getting older and developing their own interests. So I sat down and typed out a story. Or two. Or three. Now I have adult novels published, and my love of Young Adult fiction has led me to Featherweight, and the chance to share some of my YA stories.
I currently write constantly, read obsessively, and share my home with my younger teenager, my amazingly patient husband, and a crazy, omnivorous little white dog. I can be found at my author page here on Goodreads, and look forward to sharing many more stories with YA readers in the future. My first published YA story, Intervention, came out from Featherweight on January 1st 2012, and my second, The Benefit of Ductwork, will come out on January 5th. Both are part of the Helping Hands line of books with the profits going to LGBT charities.
Then several years ago, my husband gave me a computer. And my two girls were getting older and developing their own interests. So I sat down and typed out a story. Or two. Or three. Now I have adult novels published, and my love of Young Adult fiction has led me to Featherweight, and the chance to share some of my YA stories.
I currently write constantly, read obsessively, and share my home with my younger teenager, my amazingly patient husband, and a crazy, omnivorous little white dog. I can be found at my author page here on Goodreads, and look forward to sharing many more stories with YA readers in the future. My first published YA story, Intervention, came out from Featherweight on January 1st 2012, and my second, The Benefit of Ductwork, will come out on January 5th. Both are part of the Helping Hands line of books with the profits going to LGBT charities.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 23, 2013
The second Kira Harp ( Kaje Harper)story in the Helping Hands series and in this one the story revolves around two boys being fostered and adopted by gay dads. 17 yr old Andy's straight and has been with his dads for 11 years then he overhears them talking about adopting a 13 year old boy, Kyle, who's been thrown out by his patents for being gay. Andy is immediately jealous, he feels that his dad's will reject him in favour of Kyle because he's gay and more likely to fit in with his dads lifestyles so his reactions to Kyle aren't good. Kyles demeanor screams gay to Andy and even though obviously he's not homophobic his jealousy stops him from standing up for Kyle when he gets bullied at school. How this all pans out in the end you need to read for yourselves and first instincts are to dislike Andy but he has valid reasons for feeling so insecure and I actually filled up and cried for him. He touched me as did Kyle and his sad background. In the end its the love and wisdom of the dads who make a choice that makes Andy see that his fears are unfounded and there's enough love to share between them both. I love that these books highlight issues and support different causes. This helps towards Lambda Legal, an association that helps protect the civil rights of LGBTQ individuals and the message here is that loving and committed gay couples are just as qualified to raise children as any het couple and have just as much love and wisdom to give whether the kids are straight or gay! No getting away from the fact these are short but they pack powerful messages and are beautifully written. Top marks from me.
April 18, 2013
Not quite 5 stars due to length.
This is not a romance story, but one of family love. Its also a look at how often what’s on the surface is not the same as what is going on underneath.
There were times I felt horrified at Andy’s seemingly selfishness, but as you learn a little more you realise Andy has been more affected by his childhood than people realise. Some kids just don’t bounce back as well as others.
Kyle is another heartbreaking story, but of the, sadly, more usual kind. Kicked out for being Gay, we see him struggle to fit in. I did have a moment of real torment listening to Andy’s dad and pop While as a parent I can totally understand them, my heart just broke all over again for Kyle.
But never fear this is a HEA. A well worth read when you want a change from romance.
This is not a romance story, but one of family love. Its also a look at how often what’s on the surface is not the same as what is going on underneath.
There were times I felt horrified at Andy’s seemingly selfishness, but as you learn a little more you realise Andy has been more affected by his childhood than people realise. Some kids just don’t bounce back as well as others.
Kyle is another heartbreaking story, but of the, sadly, more usual kind. Kicked out for being Gay, we see him struggle to fit in. I did have a moment of real torment listening to Andy’s dad and pop While as a parent I can totally understand them, my heart just broke all over again for Kyle.
But never fear this is a HEA. A well worth read when you want a change from romance.
January 9, 2012
3.5 stars
This short YA story is interesting because it takes perspective of a straight 17-year-old boy, who is adopted by two gay men, and dealing with the fact that his Dad and Pops are going to adopt another gay kid.
The story feels different, because for once, the 'straight' kid is the odd one out. Andy is thinking how Kyle, the 13-year-old that his parents are going to adopt, is more perfect because Kyle is gay too. He wonders why he should share his family, his home. He wonders whether he is not "enough" for his parents. Andy also must deal with the 'straight' jokes that his parents' friend throws in, like the term 'breeders'; which actually can be hurtful for a straight teenager (just like 'fag' is hurtful for a gay teen).
So yeah, interesting read.
This short YA story is interesting because it takes perspective of a straight 17-year-old boy, who is adopted by two gay men, and dealing with the fact that his Dad and Pops are going to adopt another gay kid.
The story feels different, because for once, the 'straight' kid is the odd one out. Andy is thinking how Kyle, the 13-year-old that his parents are going to adopt, is more perfect because Kyle is gay too. He wonders why he should share his family, his home. He wonders whether he is not "enough" for his parents. Andy also must deal with the 'straight' jokes that his parents' friend throws in, like the term 'breeders'; which actually can be hurtful for a straight teenager (just like 'fag' is hurtful for a gay teen).
So yeah, interesting read.
January 9, 2012
Really adorable short story; well written (of course) and nice to read a story from a straght guy's point of view for a change. Plus the profit goes to a good LGBT cause.
February 3, 2012
Sweet, heart-warming story from the perspective of a straight boy adopted by gay parents. Andy has had love and safety for many years with his dads but the emotional damage done to him by his birth family as a child is still very much present in his psyche. Then Kyle makes an entrance, the "perfect gay kid" in need of a foster home, there to take over Andy's place in his dads' hearts.
Excellent peek at the joys and pains of adoption and fostering, demonstrating how irrelevant sexual orientation in the foster parents really is to the process and benefits for the children involved.
Excellent peek at the joys and pains of adoption and fostering, demonstrating how irrelevant sexual orientation in the foster parents really is to the process and benefits for the children involved.
March 5, 2018
This is a short and very sweet story about a young straight boy, adopted by two men years ago, who decide to foster another kid. As Andy's "new" brother Kyle is gay, Andy has a hard time believing that his parents do not plan to replace him, with a son who is much better for them, than him, the broken straight boy.
It is not a romance, but a really beautiful YA story, especially because it plays with the usual trope of parents having problems with their gay kids.
In this case, the kid is concerned, his parents might have a problem because he is straight. Quite funny but of course quite sad as well!
Very short read, less than an hour but still well above average for me.
3.5 stars.
It is not a romance, but a really beautiful YA story, especially because it plays with the usual trope of parents having problems with their gay kids.
In this case, the kid is concerned, his parents might have a problem because he is straight. Quite funny but of course quite sad as well!
Very short read, less than an hour but still well above average for me.
3.5 stars.
January 2, 2013
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
17 year old Andy lives with his two dads, is an average student, and has an average life. When Kyle comes onto the scene, Andy feels upset and abandoned - don't his parents love him enough to not replace him until he has moved out for college?
What I liked about this short story was that I caught the character dynamics really quickly, and was able to individualise each person in my mind really clearly. The characters were consistant, and the action was engaging enough that I didn't feel the pages passing by.
My complaint would be that it was too short! As a short story, it was great, but I felt that there could have been more! I wanted to know more about Andy's childhood (although what was mentioned of it was smoothly integrated), and more about how the family dynamics would change in the future.
This short story is a great one for also illuminating the plight of queer people in trying to adopt or foster children in need. Same sex parental units are no worse at parenting than 'traditional' couples, yet often they are ostracised and their children treated differently. I can imagine Andy's response and Kyle's bullying as being quite typical of what these people would experience.
I'm going to look out for other novels by this author in this genre, and perhaps branch out a bit too. I'd give it four stars, simply because although I loved it, I wanted more, more, more!
I received this novel from the author as part of a new Goodreads initiative by the group YA LGBT Books called 'Read-to-Review'. The requirement of this program is that you only ask for one novel at a time, and that reviews are posted within one month of receiving the copy. I was so excited to have something short and queer to read, I had to read it the same day!
17 year old Andy lives with his two dads, is an average student, and has an average life. When Kyle comes onto the scene, Andy feels upset and abandoned - don't his parents love him enough to not replace him until he has moved out for college?
What I liked about this short story was that I caught the character dynamics really quickly, and was able to individualise each person in my mind really clearly. The characters were consistant, and the action was engaging enough that I didn't feel the pages passing by.
My complaint would be that it was too short! As a short story, it was great, but I felt that there could have been more! I wanted to know more about Andy's childhood (although what was mentioned of it was smoothly integrated), and more about how the family dynamics would change in the future.
This short story is a great one for also illuminating the plight of queer people in trying to adopt or foster children in need. Same sex parental units are no worse at parenting than 'traditional' couples, yet often they are ostracised and their children treated differently. I can imagine Andy's response and Kyle's bullying as being quite typical of what these people would experience.
I'm going to look out for other novels by this author in this genre, and perhaps branch out a bit too. I'd give it four stars, simply because although I loved it, I wanted more, more, more!
I received this novel from the author as part of a new Goodreads initiative by the group YA LGBT Books called 'Read-to-Review'. The requirement of this program is that you only ask for one novel at a time, and that reviews are posted within one month of receiving the copy. I was so excited to have something short and queer to read, I had to read it the same day!
March 3, 2012
This books really opened up my eyes on some levels. I know prejudice does happen and it happens to everyone but I never thought of it in this way.
Andy is a straight kid who was adopted at a young age by two loving fathers. He's been taught at an early age to be opened minded towards homosexuality and is generally a good kid. Andy had a horrible childhood before his fathers adopted him and it kind of scarred him for life. When Kyle comes into the picture he believes he's being replaced and it just doesn't sit well with him. He tries to be accepting but his insecurities get in his way.
Well to get to my point, we see the things being said around Andy, who is by the way, a straight teenager living among homosexuals. We also get to see what prejudices Kyle is being exposed to for being gay teenager.
Andy is a straight kid who was adopted at a young age by two loving fathers. He's been taught at an early age to be opened minded towards homosexuality and is generally a good kid. Andy had a horrible childhood before his fathers adopted him and it kind of scarred him for life. When Kyle comes into the picture he believes he's being replaced and it just doesn't sit well with him. He tries to be accepting but his insecurities get in his way.
Well to get to my point, we see the things being said around Andy, who is by the way, a straight teenager living among homosexuals. We also get to see what prejudices Kyle is being exposed to for being gay teenager.
January 22, 2012
What an original story! There a number of stories out there in which teens who are GLBT ponder whether and how to come out to their parents, worry about their parents accepting them, and so on.
In The Benefit of Ductwork, Kira Harp flips that inside-out; Andy is a straight teenager with two gay parents and wonders whether his fathers will accept his sexuality. Especially when they choose to foster a younger teenage boy who is gay.
In such a short story, Ms. Harp presents fully-formed characters and a completely believable conflict. At first Andy struck me as selfish and self-centered, but the story reveals the reason behind the way he reacts to his new foster brother. Even before that reason is explained, Andy is a sympathetic character despite his reaction.
In The Benefit of Ductwork, Kira Harp flips that inside-out; Andy is a straight teenager with two gay parents and wonders whether his fathers will accept his sexuality. Especially when they choose to foster a younger teenage boy who is gay.
In such a short story, Ms. Harp presents fully-formed characters and a completely believable conflict. At first Andy struck me as selfish and self-centered, but the story reveals the reason behind the way he reacts to his new foster brother. Even before that reason is explained, Andy is a sympathetic character despite his reaction.
January 24, 2012
I loved the story even though Andy was quite selfish.
It reminds me of growing up and trying to get rid of my brother. Even though were are biological brother and sister I didn't want him. There were several times when mom was in the bathroom that I opened the door for him to leave.
I'm sure all siblings go through that.
It reminds me of growing up and trying to get rid of my brother. Even though were are biological brother and sister I didn't want him. There were several times when mom was in the bathroom that I opened the door for him to leave.
I'm sure all siblings go through that.
March 3, 2012
A short and sweet story from kira harp
I like that it was from the perspective of a straight boy addopted by gay parents. so often in storys its the gay characters that are insecure unsure of whether they are loved or not. and this is definately a story about love and being loved.
definately woth a read, especialy with the money going to a worth cause
I like that it was from the perspective of a straight boy addopted by gay parents. so often in storys its the gay characters that are insecure unsure of whether they are loved or not. and this is definately a story about love and being loved.
definately woth a read, especialy with the money going to a worth cause
February 13, 2012
I'm a huge fan of this writer - in any genre. In fact she is an auto-buy for me. Here we have yet another example of authentic voices in this story. Beautifully written. Kudos to you Kira.
June 18, 2013
4.5 stars
February 13, 2012
Andy and Kyle totally broke my heart.
January 28, 2012
Wow. I cried. This story was amazingly intense and riveting, especially for a short story.
April 3, 2015
I was given this book to read by the author for an honest review, thank you.
This review may contain spoilers.
This review may contain spoilers.
January 1, 2013
Sticks and stones will break my bones
But words will never harm me.
If only those words published in 1862 were true. Despite our best efforts to ignore them words do hurt. In The Benefit of Ductwork 17 year old Andy is stunned when he hears his fathers are planning to begin fostering 13 year old Kyle.
Andy was adopted into Rob (Dad) and Geoff (Pops) home at six, an orphan of a single mother. Andy had been hurt by the words and actions of his Aunt who had made him feel less worthy than his cousins, letting him know he was damaged goods. Andy is still dealing with the insecurities that these words and actions have caused not sure whether Kyle will become the new flavour of the month and see him out on his ear.
Kyle has been disowned by his parents after coming out to them, kicked out with only the clothes on his back. After being driven from his hiding place Kyle shows up at a local shelter and thus into the foster system when his parents will not take him back.
Discrimination can work both ways, Kyle is marked for teasing and bullying by his sexual orientation by the straight community as much as Andy is by the homosexual community, being the straight kid in a gay household. Words do hurt. The two boys must learn navigate their way through the minefield of life and to see that no matter what happens they are loved by their fathers and each other.
This really is a great read; it really illustrates the power of language on young impressionable minds. We do the best we can to raise our children to be best they can be, but the language we use affects them more than we know. All the anti-bullying training that we might give is no guarantee that it will be acted on when the time comes. Will our children stand up when it really counts? Will we stand up?
February 13, 2014
Great YA story..
4.5 stars
I am never disappointed with anything from this author. This story is not a romance; it’s a family story more than anything else. A story with a great message about love, tolerance, and acceptance, and also a reminder that there are plenty of people out there that need help and we should try and do our part when and where we can – like the fathers did in this book by fostering Kyle. This story also serves to spread the awareness of the difficult circumstances the gay population has to endure, especially the young when acceptance is already a struggle without fearing rejection from one’s own parents and family. Also, the difficulty loving gay couples face in trying to foster and adopt – with so many children needing homes, it is upsetting that eligible and willing gay couples encounter such a hurdle.
I felt Andy’s reaction to be believable. Even legitimate children feel threatened when a new baby is born so I can imagine how an adopted child would feel especially when the new kid has more in common with the parents. I loved all the characters here..though I have to say that all the other character other than Andy (and Shane) were flawless – but then again, this was just a short story so there wasn’t time to develop and make the characters more developed. For what we got, it was fantastic!! I was sucked in from the first page and before I knew it, it was over and I wanted MORE! I want to know what happens to Andy and Emily and I want to know what happens to Kyle (he would be a great character to have his own romance book!) I loved both Andy and Kyle and the book ended with an image of a loving family living happily ever after -- and we know that Andy and Kyle are going to be close and devoted brothers the rest of their lives.
4.5 stars
I am never disappointed with anything from this author. This story is not a romance; it’s a family story more than anything else. A story with a great message about love, tolerance, and acceptance, and also a reminder that there are plenty of people out there that need help and we should try and do our part when and where we can – like the fathers did in this book by fostering Kyle. This story also serves to spread the awareness of the difficult circumstances the gay population has to endure, especially the young when acceptance is already a struggle without fearing rejection from one’s own parents and family. Also, the difficulty loving gay couples face in trying to foster and adopt – with so many children needing homes, it is upsetting that eligible and willing gay couples encounter such a hurdle.
I felt Andy’s reaction to be believable. Even legitimate children feel threatened when a new baby is born so I can imagine how an adopted child would feel especially when the new kid has more in common with the parents. I loved all the characters here..though I have to say that all the other character other than Andy (and Shane) were flawless – but then again, this was just a short story so there wasn’t time to develop and make the characters more developed. For what we got, it was fantastic!! I was sucked in from the first page and before I knew it, it was over and I wanted MORE! I want to know what happens to Andy and Emily and I want to know what happens to Kyle (he would be a great character to have his own romance book!) I loved both Andy and Kyle and the book ended with an image of a loving family living happily ever after -- and we know that Andy and Kyle are going to be close and devoted brothers the rest of their lives.
March 12, 2013
The Benefit of Ductwork by Kira Harp is a young adult story with gay themes.
Andy was adopted by Dad and Pops when he was six years old. With a lot of love and help he managed to overcome the abuse and neglect he received from his aunt after his parents died. It wasn’t always easy for a straight guy growing up in a household with gay men, but he was secure in their love until he overheard them talking one night. Andy always listened to his father’s talk though to air vent in his room, but he never expected to hear his dad’s talk about fostering another kid into their home. To make it worst, the kid, Kyle is everything he could never be, gay! Andy struggles to find his place in his home that is no longer just his. Things at home get more difficult when Kyle instantly bonds with his dads leaving Andy feeling alone and deserted. Will Andy and Kyle find their place in their new world?
This was a wonderful story about two men who lovingly opened their home giving two boys a chance to find the family they so desperately needed. Andy’s confusion and distrust were understandable when his past was revealed. He may be older than Kyle, but everyone needs to know that their family loves and cares for them. Kyle appeared to fit in perfectly, but in his own way he was just trying to fit in. I thought it was admirable how Kyle was willing to leave so he wouldn’t interfere with Andy’s life. It was wonderful how in the end the two boys were willing to compromise as they became friends.
Andy was adopted by Dad and Pops when he was six years old. With a lot of love and help he managed to overcome the abuse and neglect he received from his aunt after his parents died. It wasn’t always easy for a straight guy growing up in a household with gay men, but he was secure in their love until he overheard them talking one night. Andy always listened to his father’s talk though to air vent in his room, but he never expected to hear his dad’s talk about fostering another kid into their home. To make it worst, the kid, Kyle is everything he could never be, gay! Andy struggles to find his place in his home that is no longer just his. Things at home get more difficult when Kyle instantly bonds with his dads leaving Andy feeling alone and deserted. Will Andy and Kyle find their place in their new world?
This was a wonderful story about two men who lovingly opened their home giving two boys a chance to find the family they so desperately needed. Andy’s confusion and distrust were understandable when his past was revealed. He may be older than Kyle, but everyone needs to know that their family loves and cares for them. Kyle appeared to fit in perfectly, but in his own way he was just trying to fit in. I thought it was admirable how Kyle was willing to leave so he wouldn’t interfere with Andy’s life. It was wonderful how in the end the two boys were willing to compromise as they became friends.
January 1, 2013
*WARNING: Possible spoilers in this review.*
Favourite character: Kyle
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review from the YA LGBT Books group.
I am so glad I was able to read this book. I absolutely loved it from the first page and it definitely kept me reading. I have to first say that I haven't read many Glbt books, the closest I think is The Perks of Being a Wallflower. And this was an excellent way to start reading this genre.
I'll admit- I cried when I read the letter from Kyle and I kind of begged that he wouldn't go. The characters were so loveable that the thought of any of them leaving was heartbreaking. By the end of the book you understand why Andy acts the way he does and why everyone else around him deals with it.
So, yeah, an excellent way to start off 2013 and I am definitely looking out for some other books from this author.
Favourite character: Kyle
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review from the YA LGBT Books group.
I am so glad I was able to read this book. I absolutely loved it from the first page and it definitely kept me reading. I have to first say that I haven't read many Glbt books, the closest I think is The Perks of Being a Wallflower. And this was an excellent way to start reading this genre.
I'll admit- I cried when I read the letter from Kyle and I kind of begged that he wouldn't go. The characters were so loveable that the thought of any of them leaving was heartbreaking. By the end of the book you understand why Andy acts the way he does and why everyone else around him deals with it.
So, yeah, an excellent way to start off 2013 and I am definitely looking out for some other books from this author.
February 9, 2015
I bought it, read it in one setting, ignoring all other demands on my time, and loved every detail of it, except one. It's only 60 pages of make you tear up and stay that way right to the very end.
The struggles of the straight adopted son to feel important after his two dads decided to adopt a homeless gay boy gives special insight into the hearts and minds of those caring couples who make a difference in the lives of teens everyday, but in a way that does not preach and thoroughly entertains.
The struggles of the straight adopted son to feel important after his two dads decided to adopt a homeless gay boy gives special insight into the hearts and minds of those caring couples who make a difference in the lives of teens everyday, but in a way that does not preach and thoroughly entertains.
November 13, 2014
Family themed LGBT short story (by Kaje Harper apparently?) about how an adopted, straight 17 year old deals with the additon of a new gay kid to his family. Emotional and clever. Andy as a character was 100% believable IMO.
Extra star because proceedings go to Lambda Legal.
August 3, 2015
Lovely story of the insecurities of two high-school boys - one adopted and the other being fostered. Nicely done.
June 30, 2014
It was all right, however, I had higher expectation. I wanted to see more interactions between Andy and his parents. The story was short, therefore, this aspect of it was not very developed.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews