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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, There’s A Monkey On Your Shoulder by Tana Macpherson-Smith is a powerful story of inner battles, personal growth, and triumph over trauma, offering both a compelling narrative and a poignant call for empathy.
There’s A Monkey On Your Shoulder
As Children’s Mental Health Week kicks off, a timely and powerful new novel hits shelves: There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder by mental health advocate Tana Macpherson-Smith. This isn’t just another book; it’s a groundbreaking exploration of the challenges facing today’s youth, wrapped in a thrilling adventure story set against the rugged beauty of a remote Scottish island.

Imagine eight teenagers, each carrying a hidden burden, a “monkey” on their shoulder representing their deepest fears and self-doubt. This metaphorical monkey is at the heart of Macpherson-Smith’s compelling narrative, a constant reminder of the internal struggles many young people face.
We’re introduced to Jack, a 16-year-old battling abuse, dyslexia, and a volatile temper. His story, and the stories of seven other teens, unfolds as they participate in a unique personal development program. Winners of the prestigious SOS Award for mental health awareness, they find themselves at a remote camp led by the visionary entrepreneur Justin Bloom.
This isn’t your average summer camp. Justin and his team—Mags, Rob, and the wonderfully eccentric Mrs. Winterbottom—guide the teens through a series of eye-opening and exhilarating challenges. Picture this: 24 hours of solo survival on a deserted island, a heart-pounding escape from deep sea caves. Each experience pushes them to their limits, forcing them to confront their “monkeys” head-on.
The “monkey” becomes a powerful symbol for self-reflection. Armed with crayons, the teens give their “monkeys” form, illustrating the complex emotions that shape their lives. Through this creative process, they begin to understand how these internal voices influence their thoughts and behaviors, often reinforcing negative beliefs.
There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder isn’t just about overcoming challenges; it’s about discovering inner strength. Amidst the drama, laughter, and tears, Jack, Sienna-May, Alfie, Charlie, Tinda, Eloise, Millie, and Celeste embark on a journey of self-discovery. They learn to listen to their “monkeys,” to understand the messages they carry, and to tap into their own resilience. They discover the transformative power of mindset, imagination, and kindness—not only towards others, but also towards themselves.
Macpherson-Smith’s novel delves into the complexities of young minds with sensitivity and insight. It highlights the profound impact of self-awareness and empathy, offering a message of hope and the potential for profound personal growth. This is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages, reminding us that we all have the power to tame our “monkeys” and unlock our full potential. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the challenges young people face today and the power of connection, self-compassion, and resilience. Look for There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder this Children’s Mental Health Week and discover the power within.
Tana Macpherson-Smith
When I began writing ‘There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder,’ my goal was to create something that bridged the gap between entertainment and real-world impact.
For years, I’ve worked with young people facing enormous difficulties, and I wanted to tell a story that felt authentic to their experiences—one that resonated with their struggles but also provided light at the end of the tunnel. This book is deeply personal; it’s inspired by the spirit I’ve witnessed in teenagers learning to face their fears and find their strength. I hope it sparks conversations, encourages empathy, and offers a pathway to understanding both for young people and the adults in their lives.
-Tana Macpherson-Smith
Tana Macpherson-Smith isn’t just a mental health advocate; she’s a force of nature. With 25 years in education, a lifetime as a mother and grandmother, and lived experience navigating profound personal challenges, Tana brings a unique blend of expertise and empathy to the global mental health crisis. Her focus? Prevention, starting from the earliest stages of life.
As a former drama teacher, boarding housemistress, and senior school leader, Tana witnessed firsthand the daily struggles young people face and the immense pressures on parents and educators. She dedicated her career to creating transformational experiences that build emotional resilience, equipping young people to navigate an increasingly complex world.
But her impact extends far beyond the classroom. A life-altering mental health episode in 2013 propelled Tana on a new path. Retraining as a trauma therapist and mindset transformation coach, she founded ClearMinds Education in 2015. Her groundbreaking Monkey Wisdom program, delivered in schools and universities across the UK, empowers individuals from age four to their twenties to understand and address the root causes of emotional struggles. This innovative approach has made her a sought-after mental health consultant, speaker, and trainer, uniting communities in the pursuit of well-being.
Tana’s passion is deeply personal. Her mother became quadriplegic before Tana turned two and passed away when she was just seven. Navigating grief alone, Tana internalized a sense of invisibility, later compounded by emotional abuse and workplace bullying. In 2013, following major surgery, a passing ambulance triggered a catastrophic mental breakdown, leading to a six-month stay in a London psychiatric hospital. Tana calls this experience “the greatest privilege of my life,” the catalyst for her mission: early intervention and support for children, helping them process trauma and find their voice.
A gifted writer and performer, Tana has honed her craft at the prestigious Rocaberti Writers Retreat and the Story Summit Her Spirit Writers Retreat in Santa Fe. In 2020, she co-wrote a one-woman play, That It Should Come To This, based on her life, which was unfortunately sidelined by the pandemic.
Tana’s raw honesty and unique perspective captivate audiences as she shares her journey from childhood trauma to mental health advocate. Her story resonates deeply, inspiring vulnerability and authentic living. Her impact has been recognized with awards like the LoveBiz Inspirational Businesswoman of the Year (2024), and finalist nominations for the International Speaker Awards (Best Newcomer, 2024) and the Best Businesswoman Awards (2016).
Her book, There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder, is a cornerstone of her work, providing a powerful tool for navigating today’s mental health challenges. A lifelong learner, Tana enjoys reading, researching, inspiring others, and connecting with nature. She loves international cuisine, travel, theatre, and above all, her family and her transformative work with children. And for a fun fact: at fifteen, Tana was invited to train with the British Olympic fencing coaches, and at twenty-nine, she was ranked fifteenth in the world as an Olympic weightlifter!
Find more from Tana Macpherson-Smith now:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4gx0BU2
Paperback: https://amzn.to/42Doqq4
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