Donna M. Henningson
August 27th, 2025
A key part of long lasting human relationships is overcoming conflict. In her debut book for young adults, White Space, Gray Areas, and Black Swans (FriesenPress US$8.99) Donna M. Henningson seeks to answer why people get into conflict and how they can get out. The titular characters in her book (White Space, Gray Area and Black Swan) work to transform conflict. Their quest takes them to different time periods and different places–from an isolated Himalayan village to a principal and teacher disagreeing on the subject of leadership styles, to an exploration of The Beatles’ career (and the fights between band members). Throughout, the issue of people overcoming common conflict and finding a way back to harmony is at the forefront. Henningson is a high school teacher, a vocal ensemble alto and a former dragon boat coach. She has had her fair share of conflicts in different environments. She taught high school English in China just as COVID-19 hit. Before then, she worked with non-profit groups, and also was a full-time regional daily print journalist. She has an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Gonzaga University, and a journalism certificate from Langara. Henningson currently lives in Summerland. 9781038303318
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