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David Almond
Bobbie's life is pretty good – his only problem is starting after the holidays. That is, until America and the USSR look like they're going to war. It's the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis, when the world held its breath, waiting to be annihilated in a nuclear conflict. For Bobbie, and his family and friends, it's also the time of the Fire-Eater - Mr McNulty.
Recommended for 10+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Neil Arksey
Kai has a plan to escape Downtown. He could die in the attempt - but anything's better than staying in Portobello. So when he has the chance to move to Nebula, he wants it. All he has to do is find two Nebulese escapees and, if necessary, kill them. It's not much different to other jobs he's done in the past - so why is this one such a problem?
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Bernard Ashley
Kaninda watches, his arm bleeding from a bullet wound, as his parents and his little sister are shot down by government troops in Lasai.
Laura, feeling rebellious, takes the wheel of an unmarked car and drives through the streets of London.
East African civil war and the housing estates of Great Britain. Worlds apart, but the two teenagers find that war is everywhere, and the triggers for war can come from the smallest things.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Anne.
Brian Azzarello, Eduardo Risso
I was initially drawn to this trade paperback because of its urban slant, more than anything. Ignoring the fact that it was part of an overall series, I was happy to read for its setting and its artwork, which is something I don’t often do. But in the case of Hang up on the hang low, not knowing background to this now 8 book series didn’t ruin the enjoyment. It’s a great one off story, with hints of an intriguing larger picture.
The premise of the 100 Bullets series is a solid one. If you were offered 100 untraceable bullets, would you use them? Beyond that, if you were told that you would be ignored by the police while using them, would you use them? That is the basis for a number of stories in the series, with various people approached with that exact offer by a mysterious Agent Graves.
One such story is rather well contained in this volume. ‘Loop’ Hughes is a youth whose father abandoned him and his mother at a young age. After being visited by Agent Graves, Loop has not only an identity, but a means to exact his revenge on person whose absence has dominated his life. The story is strongly a father-son one, diverging later to draw on characters from the previous two books. The artwork is one of the book’s strong points. Whether you’re looking for a one off, or even a hook into the wider 100 Bullets series, this is a good place to start.
Reviewed by Tama, Central Library.
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Dominic Barker
The chance to be a hero is something that most people dream of - but Blart fought the whole idea kicking and screaming. Dragged along on a great adventure to stop an evil immortal being from being released back into the world, Blart proves that you don't have to be smart, good looking, or strong to be a hero in waiting. In a series of hilarious incidents, Blart heads towards his final confrontation with the enemy he never knew he had.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Fleur Beale 
16 year-old Lincoln reluctantly agrees to go to a motorcross event with his Uncle. Linc is not in the least bit interested in bikes, until Gary takes him on a hair-raising ride. But, bike riding is not without its dangers, especially when your younger brother is going off the rails....
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Fleur Beale
Greg is not like the rest of his family. They are all brainy and do well at school. Greg likes cars, he wants to be a rally driver and this does not go down well with his parents. When Mum wants him to repeat his fifth form year, that is it. It’s time to rebel and make a stand.
Fate intervenes, and Greg finds some likeminded grownup friends who mentor him, give him work after school in their workshop and yes, eventually he gets to be in the car rally. It takes a bit of time but as the story unfolds it is great to see him reach his goals, gain meaningful employment and be seen as a valued member of the rally team. It’s not until his rally driving skills save the family that everyone comes to appreciate what a talented person he is. Most importantly, Dad must have been written for all those people who don’t fit into the main stream of school and have wonderful talents in other areas that are of equal value. We need our trades people and rally drivers and need to celebrate our differences, especially within families.
Recommended by Doreen.
David Belbin
Jon Crier was new in town, but he had already managed to get a girlfriend - and be accused of murder. Jon insists that he is not guilty, but the evidence against him starts to mount. His friends and family believe that he is innocent, but as more and more evidence mounts they begin to have doubts. As Jon works to clear his name he uncovers what appears to be a massive conspiracy against him. Did Jon commit the murder, or is he innocent?
A fast paced murder mystery.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Malorie Blackman
Based on the racism and disruption of early America except reversed. This time the black crosses rule over the white noughts. But the whites are retaliating. Amidst the violence and hatred, Sephy, a rich Cross, falls in love with a nought boy called Callum.
Heart stopping and thrilling, recommended to 14+, You will love this book.
Ali, 15.
Ian Bone
Tom roams the city streets while his father works nightshift at a local factory. If he is caught child welfare will get involved so Tom slinks along in the shadows. His steps often lead him to a park with a block of flats nearby - a block of flats where a young girl sits at the window. Then one night Tom sees a fight that ends in murder. Now Tom has to tell the police what he knows without getting his father in trouble.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Martin Booth
Jacob lives with his grandparents - his dad's in the army, stationed in India, and he hasn't seen his mum in months. It is only when a telegram arrives that he finds out his mum is a Special Operations Executive agent - working with the French Resistance against the Germans. His mum's been captured by the Gestapo - so Jacob smuggles himself into France to save her.
Recommended for ages 10+.
Reviewed by Annie.
David Borgenicht and Joe Borgenicht
Advice on how to do anything an action hero does - like how to catch a great white shark, spyproof your hotel room, or predict the future.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Tim Bowler
Ella hates her house and the storm. When her brother, Fin, leaves her alone to babysit their little brother, Sam, no one believed this is day revenge would come. Ella is kidnapped and Sam starts acting even more weird than normal. Who is responsible for the disaster the family finds themselves in? And what sort of kidnapper would demand a ransom and then demand it is thrown into the wind?
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
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Theresa Breslin
Marty's ended up in Alcatraz - the toughest prison in America - and he's only a kid. Because he's so small, he gets caught up in an escape attempt. And those who want his help aren't the sort of guys you turn down - and live.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Theresa Breslin
Remembrance is the story of five teenagers who lived during World War I. Charlotte falls in love with John Malcolm. Who as soon as he is of age enlists to fight in the War. Charlotte herself along with Maggie (John Malcolm's twin sister) become nurses, in a hospital treating the wounded from the front. Charlotte's brother Francis is forced to fight near the end and sends back horrifying images of the front. And while all this is happening Maggie's younger brother Alex, the only one who's underage by the end of the book, pulls off a wild goose chase for his family by making up a lavish plot to sign up for the front.
Based on true facts and experiences the book is so horrifyingly good you can't put it down. It is the story behind the front and you truly feel the pain that the loss of those dear brings.
Tracy, 14.
N.M. Browne
Attacked by a jealous girl and her friends Karen ends up in a comma. But her spirit runs free - as a fox in an ancient, alternative world. In this world she finds Mowl, who realises there's something different about the fox. They become part of a rebellion to free the land from its oppressors. Meanwhile her grandmother watches over her body, waiting for Karen to return.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Walter Buchignani
Regine spent the war in hiding with a false identity. This book tells what it was like to have to move from one safe house to another, never knowing what had happened to her true family and never able to use her real name.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Helen.
A.J. Butcher
To the outside world Deveraux College looks like any other school, but to the students and teachers it is known as Spy High.
This year's Bond Team is made up of Ben, Jake, Lori, Cally, Eddie, and Jennifer - they were hand picked to be the best, but they are having some serious problems. Packed with high tech gadgets and action packed missions - this series makes Charlie's Angels look like walk in the park.
Recommended for ages 13+.
Reviewed by Erika.
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Edward Red (Spy High series 2; book 1)
A.J. Butcher
After graduating from Spy High Eddie Nelligan couldn't wait to become a super spy, saving the world while having a really cool code name. He didn't expect the name Edward Red and what seems like a dead end assignment in Europa. But Eddie should have known that life is never boring for a spy, especially when there are bad guys on the loose. Eddie is going to have to maintain his cover, solve the mystery, and stay alive all without the rest of the Spy High gang - how hard can that be?
The other graduates all have their own adventures - keep on reading the series to find out more.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Michael Cadnum 
Jennifer Thayer has always been the little sister who can't quite live up to the expectation that she will be as good as her older sister Cass. Now just weeks before Cass is to get married, Jennifer has been attacked. The police think she is the key to the investigation into a serial attacker, but Jennifer is not telling the truth about something.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Michael Carroll
It’s been ten years since the superheroes vanished. When Colin’s friend Danny does something amazing Colin begins to learn the story behind the vanishing. But the knowledge threatens his life – and Danny’s – and their parents. The new heroes are maturing and coming into their own power.
Recommended for 10+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Ken Catran
Jamestown is famous for the baby killer, Amy Duncan, who they hanged - a baby killer who cursed the town that killed her for her crimes. 100 years later Joe Redmond is searching for a fresh angle on the case, a new angle that could win him a scholarship to university - if he lives that long. Black sister has come to Jamestown, a part of the Amy Duncan story that involves a giant black dog that brings disaster and can not be killed.
A twisted tale that will leave you guessing until the last pages from the pen of a New Zealand storyteller.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Ken Catran
She was the youngest axe-murderer ever and everyone thought she died after escaping from the loony bin - but did she really? Now Danny has a new girl at his school, one who looks a lot like Liggie Tanner. Danny tries to convince himself that it is not true, but he can't resist digging deeper into her life.
Another short, but high impact novel from this great New Zealand author that will pull you in, twist you round, and spit you out.
Recommended for ages 13+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Ken Catran
The war in front of the God-built walls of Troy has continued for nine years. The Greek confederation has lost one of its most valuable members in Pyrrhus' father, the God-descended Achilles. Pyrrhus, a boy of sixteen, left behind at home with his mother, eagerly answers the call from his countrymen to fulfill a prophecy. One that says that Troy will never fall unless he leads his people there. But things are never simple in battle and truce, and Pyrrhus must learn much before he can walk through the streets of Troy.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Anne.
Ken Catran
Matt is haunted by his grandfather’s past – literally. Vivid dreams of his grandad’s wartime experiences fuse with his diary and, when some of his grandad’s wartime comrades bail up Matt, he’s determined to find out what happened, and let his grandad rest.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Ken Catran
Jack has only one dream - to ride his restored Harley motorcycle in a big race with his girlfriend Susan. Those plans take some serious damage when Jack finds a body in the school library after a school function. On the same night his favourite teacher dies in a terrible accident. Now someone is stalking Jack and Susan - someone who wants the secret they are carrying - the only problem is that Jack and Susan have no idea what the secret is.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Ken Catran
Mike Connors has a lot of things on his mind. He's the local rich kid, living with his Aunt Janet after the tragic death of his parents. Now he has something else to worry about - Blue. Because of Blue – a serial killer – Mike’s home town lives in terror. Blue has someone to talk to now – Mike. Mike has to figure out who Blue is – before Blue strikes again.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Ken Catran
It's the end of the world - Bruce's uncle has been saying it for ages. But no-one listened and now Earth is unprepared for the impact of Comet Gabriel. Only the strong will survive.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
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Ken Catran
Out of nowhere they came - the Dry Ones & the Wet Ones. They terrorise humanity. They kill and eat people. Civilisation is in ruins. Chaos replaces order. When some question the methods used to deal with the threat - they are executed. What hope for people?
Recommended for 14+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Published to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the war this is an anthology of diaries written by children in Nazi-occupied Europe and England. The 23 diary extracts are by children from ten to eighteen years old and provide a record of their various experiences: in hiding, in the ghettos and concentration camps, in Resistance movements and during the Blitz.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Helen.
Eoin Colfer
Fletcher Moon has a badge and certificate saying he’s a private investigator. Now he has to put his learning to really good use. There’s been some weird things happening around the town. He starts investigating one crime only to end up in hospital and being blamed for arson!
Recommended for ages 10+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Eoin Colfer
Cosmo's waited for his chance to escape the orphanage - they use the orphans as test subjects for experiments. His chance comes - and he runs. But escape isn't that easy and he almost dies. But because of that his rescuers take him as one of them - a Supernaturalist - one who can see supernatural beings - and kill them.
Recommended for ages 10+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Patrick Cooper
Sarah is 13 during World War One. An accident introduces her to the Birdman, Julian, an injured ex-fighter pilot. Normal life takes second stage to the environmental danger when the storms come.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Shirley Corlett
Kenny and his sister Char are trying to survive in the orphanage their mother put them in months ago - and it doesn't look like she's coming back to get them. It's the 1920s, and the affects of the First World War are still being felt, and the world is heading towards the Great Depression. Kenny wonders why everyone's against him and his family - particularly Gutsache, the head of the Orphanage, and Mr Smelly - his new teacher. Can Kenny find the courage to survive and prove himself?
Recommended for 10+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Joy Cowley
Now – Jordan and her younger brothers struggle to survive in the wilderness after a plane crash.
Then – Hunter struggles to escape his future as a slave, while trying to send messages to the girl he sees in his visions.
Recommended for ages 10+.
Reviewed by Annie.
The dark ground (The dark ground trilogy; book 1)
Gillian Cross
Robert remembers being on the plane. He remembers brushing his teeth on the plane. He remembers seeing a man on the plane. Now he is naked and trapped in a jungle. Did the plane crash? What it is that he is trying not to remember? Someone is watching him. How did it happen? What’s going on?
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
John has to start his life again - this time at the choir school and recently lamed. The head chorister, Matthew, hates him, then there's the terrifying canon Senan. It seems only Hugh and Reuben the Jew listen to him - and it's illegal for John to associate with Jews. When both Hugh and Reuben aren't around, who will listen to John and help him solve a murder?
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Lindsey Davis
Marcus Didius Falco is a private informer in Ancient Rome, just trying to earn a living. He is hired to prove that Severina Zotica not only killed her first three husbands, but is preparing to kill her next husband, Hortensius Novus. Falco has enough on his plate trying to stay out of jail, and keeping his girlfriend and his family happy. He cleverly unravels a series of clues, but now he must work out whether his loyalties lie with the family of Hortensius Novus who recently dismissed him from the case, or Severina Zotica herself.
To find out more about Falco and his world, visit Lindsey Davis' homepage.
Reviewed by Rita, 16.
Ted Dawe
What I love about K. Road is its authenticity. Craftily entwined in one novel are exciting and frightening tales of shady businessmen, dodgy cops, street-kids and taggers. Behind it all lies K. Rd, where these characters could certainly exist in real life. I can walk down K. Rd and feel like I’m in the book. As each character’s story bumps into another, the book gets harder to put down!
Recommended for ages 16+.
Reviewed by Matthew.
Ted Dawe
Trace moved to Auckland and met Devon - another country boy living the life he wants in the city. At first the friendship is easy, but then Devon hatches a plan to get the ultimate wheels for driving on the Thunder Road - the home of the illegal street-racing scene. At the centre of his ambitious and dangerous plan is a stash of stolen weed. As Devon and Trace get dragged further and further into the underworld they find themselves rapidly running out of time.
This first time novel is an amazing read and hopefully the first of many more.
Recommended for ages 13+.
Reviewed by Erika.
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Author Philip Pullman has put together a varied collection of detective stories. From an Italian folktale of terror and fear; to a Sherlock Holmes story; not to mention one of the original stories about Simon Templar – the Saint. There’s an appearance by Hercule Poirot and a ghost (and that one’s a true story!).
Recommended for 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
The Kin series
Peter Dickinson
Two hundred thousand years ago people who were our ancestors walked this earth. These are stories of what might have been.
Their stories are told in four books:
Recommended for ages 10+.
Reviewed by Jim, aged 15.
Frances O'Roark Dowell
Dovey's been accused of murdering her sister's suitor - and she didn't do it. Now she's on trial for murder, with a lawyer facing his first case.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Hazel Edwards
Lily's being stalked. She's alone at night in the radio studio. And someone's out there. They know where she lives. They know her life. What do they want?
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
and
Deborah Ellis
The Taliban has changed Parvana's country forever. Parvana's only known war in her life - but now she must fight a battle of her own - dressing as a boy to earn money to support her family.
The sequel continues Parvana's journey through Afghanistan trying to find her mother. Along the way she finds two extra brothers and a new sister, but cannot find peace, nor an escape from war.
Parvana’s friend, Shauzia, has her own story in Mud city.
Recommended for 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Janet Evanovich
Stephanie was out of work and desperate when she asked her cousin Vinnie for a job at his Bail Bonding Company - it seemed like a good idea at the time. Now she is on the trail of Joe Morelli, a former vice cop who has found himself on the wrong side of the law. To say he and Stephanie have a history is a bit of an understatement - and Stephanie is determined to catch him.
A fast paced book loaded with humour and adventure by turns as Stephanie tries to do a job that she isn't prepared for.
The first of a great series that gets better with each book.
Recommended 16+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Nancy Farmer
Jack is an apprentice bard and is slowly learning his master’s secrets when Vikings raid and he, and his sister Lucy, are captured and taken to the court of Ivar the Boneless. Ivar’s wife, Frith – who is half-troll – controls the court and when Jack, accidentally, puts a charm on her he must voyage across the Sea of Trolls to Frith’s mother. There he must seek help from the Norns and gain access to Mirmir’s Well for knowledge. Accompanying Jack are Olaf One-Brow, a berseker, Thorgill who wishes to become a shield maiden – and Bold Heart, a very strange crow.
Followed by The land of the silver apples.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
(The Ranger's Apprentice series; book 1)
John Flanagan
Young Will is a Ward, an orphan raised by the castle’s community. When his turn comes to be apprenticed, he is desperate to be accepted in Battleschool. Rejected as too small, it seems like his only option to is work on the farm. But his curiosity gets the better of him – just like Halt, the Ranger, thought. Will becomes apprentice to a Ranger, a mysterious group of people with extraordinary skills. And it’s all just in time for Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night to begin his conquest.
Recommended for ages 10+.
Reviewed by Annie.
John Flanagan
Will and Evanlyn are trying to survive in the wilds while Will recovers from his time as a slave. Halt and Horace travel in disguise to Skandia to find them. When the two groups meet they also find the Temujai in force – ready to invade Skandia. The only way to save their own country is to join with their Skandian enemies.
This is the last book in the current series – but don’t panic! There are another couple of books planned that are set a few years after this.
Recommended for ages 10+.
Reviewed by Annie.
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Vince Ford
Callum Jackson is an adventurous teen. He has an impulsive streak which gets him into trouble all the time. He’s really done it now, he’s been sent home from school. It must also be Callum’s lucky day because Dad is now offering to include him in his annual bike ride, which happens to be taking place tomorrow. Callum gets to meet Dads mates and see the way the grownups behave. Some of what goes on is not too much different, perhaps adventurous boys become adventurous men. Like when Baz was throwing the can of beer to Callum, he missed the catch and the can ended up inside the television set!
Along the way, Callum discovers that Mum wasn’t always the only woman in Dad’s life and that he is lucky enough to have an older sister that he has never met. Now he knows why Mum isn’t too keen on these weekends away! Dad’s mate died on the road, and this is another reason for the anniversary ride. Blokes need a bit of time together and this is time to remember the past and look forward to the future.
A thoroughly good read if you like adventure, motorbike riding and stories about families coming together. This read cracks a good pace from beginning to end.
Recommended age 12+.
Reviewed by Doreen.
Michael Foreman
Foreman uses a picture book format and a combination of full page and double spread water colours, sketches, reproductions of posters, cigarette cards, government notices and posters to show the wartime world of his childhood.
There is a sequel called After the war was over.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Helen.
Jackie French
Hekja is reasonably content with her life – she has a loving mother and a hunting dog of her own, Snarf. All that ends when Vikings raid her village and take her and Snarf. Hekja begins a new, harder, life as a thrall (slave) to Freydis, daughter of Erika the Red (discoverer of Greenland), and sister to Leif Eriksson, explorer. Freydis wants to earn fame and respect on her own terms, for her own actions, and Hekja must journey with her mistress.
Recommended for ages 10+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Susan Gates
Dusk is the result of an illegal and unethical medical experiment - she's more, and less, than human. Due to a series of events Jay ends up needing to save Dusk's live. But can Jay trust his dad to help?
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Maurice Gee
Twelve-year-old Rex lives in a small New Zealand town during World War II. His mother has offered to take in a convalescent American soldier and his father is into black marketing. Not only does the soldier turn out to be black but he destroys Rex's ideas of heroic soldiers by admitting to be afraid in battle.
Recommended for ages 10+.
Reviewed by Helen.
Clive Gifford
Xuan's life and his village hasn't been the same since the war, but which war? Vietnam's been in conflict for most of his life, but now the war has come right into the village.
A devastating look at the impact of war on the lives of everyday people.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Kira is used to the quiet life that she lives with her mom - complete with weird mom things like not using the car or computers. But then Kira is hypnotised by a friend and a weird memory surfaces - one that creates a ripple efect where her mother vanishes and her Aunt Memory appears to take her back to a place that she never remembers being. Now Kira has to sort through everything she knows, or thinks she knows, in this fast paced science fiction thriller.
Another must read novel from this fantastic author.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Margaret Peterson Haddix
This book's about a girl who lives in a village that's trapped in time and they receive medicine until someone plants diphtheria to see which kids are the strongest and this one girl (Jessie) goes out the only exit to seek help. Her voyage is long and you can step into her shoes quite easily so you get her emotion as you carry on. It's quite scary at times. It is more a teenage book, and teenagers will relate to it.
Reviewed by Emily, aged 12.
Dennis Hamley
Journey through medieval England with Joslin as he tries to make sense of his life following the brutal murder of his father. Joslin's quest is to discover the identity of his mother, without being murdered himself in the process! It's a time of fear as the Great Plague, or the Black Death, stalks the land, and the sounds of rebellion begin.
Recommended for ages 14+ .
Reviewed by Annie.
Mark Harris 
10,000 children, mostly Jewish, were evacuated from Europe to Great Britain before the outbreak of war in August 1939. 18 of these children, parents and rescuers tell their stories in this book.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Helen.
Robert J. Harris
Leonardo dreams of becoming a great artist – but life as a lowly apprentice isn’t living up to his expectations. But then he learns of a plot to overthrow Piero de’ Medici – and only his inquiring mind can figure out what the plans mean.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Rosanne Hawke
Jaime has spent most of her life in war-torn Pakistan. But then suddenly she leaves Pakistan and heads back to Australia. Will she ever adjust back to her own culture or will she forever be stuck in the borderland?
Part two: Jaime is headed back to Pakistan to tie some old strings and say goodbye to her beloved Pakistan. Then she is kidnapped and taken to Afghanistan. Who will survive? And will Jaime ever go back to Australia?
This book is fab and I totally recommend it!
Katherine, 14.
Lian Hearn
This is the tale of Tomasu, sole survivor of an attack that left everyone else in his village dead. Rescued and adopted by Lord Otori, Tomasu is renamed Takeo. With a new name comes new abilities, new responsibilities, and a new life. Set in a world very similar to feudal Mediaeval Japan.
For more information, visit the series' website The Otori.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Jack Heath
Agent Six of Hearts is the best operative for the Deck, but he also hides a secret that would see the Deck destroy him if they found out. Six is a designer person, created in The Lab to be the perfect assassin and agent - but now he is fighting against The Lab and the monster corporation behind it that controls the world. When his secret and his job come too close for comfort, Six must make choices that could change things forever.
A gripping action novel with just the right mix of sci-fi and thriller thrown in the mix.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Erika.
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Carol Hedges
Bryn's trying to figure out the truth behind his father's death. Globalcorp have taken over the world. But is it for the better?
Recommended for 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Carol Hedges
Jazmin Dawson is everything a secret agent should be – she’s smart, beautiful, and has all the special gadgets you could ever want. Actually she is clumsy, has a passion for junk food, and has a mother who is a secret agent. When her mother goes missing on an assignment, it is up to Jazmin to find her mother and bring her home. How hard and dangerous can that be? A fantastic series featuring the perfect anti-hero who is lovable and believable in more ways than one.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Frances Hendry
Victoria/Victrix continues her quest to revenge Boadica and the Iceni. When she is unexpectedly reunited with her cousin Cram she must explain herself as her methods of revenge are not his. When her chance comes to kill Nero, author of the Iceni defeat, she hesitates – is she losing her edge and resolve?
Recommended for ages 13+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Michael Hoeye
Hermux Tanamoq, a watchmaker by trade, sets out on an adventure in an attempt to unmask a theatrical scandal for Fluster Varmit who is ‘famouse’ in show business. The best way to be ushered in to book a seat to view this ‘mouseterious tail’, filled with a ‘hole’ lot of ‘cheesy twists’ which will leave you in a ‘tail spin’, is to ‘tunnel or tread wheel’ it to the nearest ‘mousehouseary’.
R13+
Reviewed by Megan (who is a fellow Human Being, and not a Mouse, or any of the other animalia that maybe cast in this stage show.)
P.S: Don’t forget your ‘field glasses’.:)
Eileen Heyes
A history of the Hitler Youth Movement which attempts to explain how a whole generation became involved with the Nazi regime. Interviews with former members of Hitler Youth are included and many of these emphasise that the values and discipline of the organisation were a good thing for them.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Helen.
(Young Bond; book 1)
Charlie Higson
Before he was the world’s coolest superspy – James Bond was a boy with no parents who was shipped off to an exclusive boarding school in England. At Eton James soon makes an enemy in the form of George Hellebore, the son of an American Lord. Getting away from the school for the holidays is a welcome break for James, but he soon finds himself fighting against time to solve the mystery of what is happening in Lake SilverFin. This is a dangerous task for an adult, let alone a boy – but James may have what it takes to solve this mystery.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Charlie Higson
Bond is back at Eton and itching for another adventure, even though he has promised to stay out of trouble. When a school professor leaves suddenly and sends a letter full of cryptic clues, James is soon on the trail of another mystery. But this time he may be getting more than he bargained for as his friends become targets as his opponent tried to stop James before he foils their plans.
Another amazing Young Bond adventure – bring on book four.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Erika.
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David Hill
Neale’s into archery but his temper keeps getting the better of him. So now he’s up in the back blocks – hours away from help – with Kane, trying to prove what’s better a gun or a bow. If that was all they had to worry about, it would be good.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
David Hill
Adam's totally into the sun. So when he's offered a chance to see a satellite launch he's ready! When God's Soldiers - a group determined to stop space exploration - intervene, everything changes. Can Adam get to the Kennedy Space Centre in time? Can he stop the warhead exploding?
Recommended for 12+.
Reviewed by Annie .
David Hill
Stuart, the main character is on his way home to Wellington from Lyttleton with his twin sister Sandra after attending their grandfather’s funeral. They are going home to their father before their Mother, who has to sort things out with their grandmother, on the ferry Wahine. Their voyage is destined for trouble, and soon both Stuart and Sandra are fighting for their lives when the ferry capsizes. In this story the characters are fictitious, but have been placed in an event that really happened.
It is frighteningly scary how realistic some of David Hill’s writing is.
Alex, 14.
David Hill
Mt Taranaki is known as "the sleeper" - a silent pyramid of volcanic rock whose slopes are explored by thousands of visitors. But now all that is changing. One day Corey and his dad feel the shivers of a series of small earthquakes on the flank of the mountain. Dean, a volcano expert and friend of the family, comes to investigate. The news is not good - inside the cone an eruption is building. Some panic at the news of an eruption, while others refuse to believe it can happen. Then Corey's dad is trapped on the cone when the unthinkable happens.
Recommended for 12+.
Reviewed by Erika.
David Hill
Jotan and five others are about to embark on a voyage the like of which no one has done before.
Hundreds of years into our future their Star-Reacher is closing in on a black hole. The group's mission is to get as close as possible and record the event. However things don't go to plan. And, as they know, once you've flown into an event horizon nothing can save you.
If you're interested in the theories behind the action, check out Stephen Hawking's A brief history of time: a reader's companion.
Recommended for 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
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Ineke Holtwijk
Despite being a fiction novel, Asphalt Angels touts being based on an actual person, and real events. Set in Rio de Janeiro, it is the rather hard-hitting story of Alex, a thirteen-year-old boy who is kicked out of home after his mother dies. Taking to the streets, he has to learn to survive, day to day, in the rather dangerous environment he finds himself in. He eventually joins up with a group of kids called the Asphalt Angels for mutual protection.
Despite its basis in real life, I didn't find the claim to lend anything more to the already edgy story. Having said that, I have read a number of fiction and non-fiction books on the subject of street life, and found other accounts more chilling, and better put together than this one. The book is fairly much that - the account of a period of a street kid's life, and I found myself reading chapter to chapter expecting a plot or a major event to come in and thread into an overall story. Unfortunately, that never happened.
Some scenes in the book I found to be fairly chilling; ones of police brutality, robberies, or a seemingly generous offer of food and shelter turning out to have strings attached. Some of the more hard hitting occupations of the books - the Angels escaping reality by gluesniffing, and the various schemes to get money for their next meal - merely ended up being too commonplace throughout to be more than disturbing after the first occurrence.
Even with its shortcomings, Asphalt Angels isn't a poor read. The book's original language wasn't English, and has been translated. The writing style is straight forward, and by the end you are feeling for the characters, especially the main character Alex who has somehow managed to survive the events that take place towards the end.
Despite being fiction, it tells a very real, universal story of life on the street, and how it affects our youth. Its length makes it an accessible read to its teen audience, but is still definitely a good read for those older. It also expands a fairly small genre of street fiction.
Reviewed by Tama.
Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler
Seikei wants to be a samurai, but as the son of a merchant his fate is sealed - to continue in his father's work. When he sees a thief he is taken by Judge Ooka to help solve a theft - and his life changes.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider is the youngest member of Britain's elite MI6 spying agency. He didn't think it would be too bad, but it's hard to be James Bond when everyone thinks that you are too young to carry a gun.
Recommended for 12+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Anthony Horowitz
The third book in the series - about Ale Rider, fourteen year ols spy/school boy from london who has to go on yet another mission, this time in Cuba, to help save the world.
Very good, exciting, suspenseful, intriguing.
Great book!
Tash, 13.
Anthony Horowitz
You’ve read the books, and now you can check out all the details about the gadgets that Alex has used in his first five adventures. No doubt you can remember all the gadgets – from the high tensile yoyo, to the CD player with a hidden saw blade. There are blueprints, cool facts, and all kinds of ideas about the tools of the trade. A must read for all fans of Alex Rider and spy craft.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Evil Star (The Power of Five; book 2)
Anthony Horowitz
Matt thought it was over when he stopped Raven’s Gate from opening – but the threat from the Old Ones still exists – a fact made very clear when there is a threat on his life. The Nexus need Matt to prove himself so that they can obtain a diary explaining more – but it falls apart – sending Matt and Richard to Peru to stop another Gate from opening.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Des Hunt
Tony’s adventures at Charleston are very interesting, and more so because it was about places in New Zealand. The mystery unfurls in the wilds of New Zealand.
Recommended for 12-14 years.
Reviewed by Kanchan.
Eirlys Hunter
Finn is back in the Ultimate Adventure computer game – this time his quest appears to be stopping the war, and rescuing the people from the evils of slavery. But it’s been years, in this world, since he was there. Years that have resulted in many changes.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
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Sam Hutton
Maddie, Alex and Danny are on the fast track to becoming part of the elite Police investigation Command. None of them know what dangers they will be facing at work each week as they fight crime on the busy streets of London. The first case involves a diamond smuggling heiress to a crime family fortune - but is there more to the story than meets the eye?
A must read series for fans of Alex Rider and Spy High.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Erika.
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Michele Jaffe
Jas is on holiday with the family – happily enjoying Vegas until a cat lands on her. From that point on, it’s all downhill. First she ruins a wedding – then is accused of stealing a limo – gets in a fight…. It’s not ALL her fault, she’s just trying to help a little boy, Fred, and his cat. Now her friends have arrived to ‘deprogramme’ her – just in time to help solve the mystery and save the cat. Oh, and figure out whether Jack is her dream guy – or evil baddie.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Ben Jeapes
Joel's part of a multi-species mission to SkySpy - an observation position over the XCs' (Xenocides') home planet. They're called XCs because they'd been seen annihilating a whole planet. But things aren't that simple. First the XCs invade, then Joel's left with Boon Round, one of the Rusties. The action just keeps going from there.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Ally Kennan
Chas isn’t a bad kid, but with a juvenile record sheet as long as his is you may find that hard to believe. Writing to a murderer on death row in the States seems like a good laugh, a way to try out his morbid curiosity – but things take a nasty twist when the killer is released. Now Chas has to figure out what Lenny wants before it is too late and he loses everything – his friends, his family, and his potential girlfriend.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Jack Lasenby
This is the story of a New Zealand family whose father is a prisoner of war in Germany. The children become convinced that a Japanese invasion is imminent and that the adults will not take evasive action so they hide out in the bush with tragic results. In a way it is the classic situation found in many children's adventure stories, where children fend for themselves without adults, but in a true historical setting.
Recommended for ages 10+.
Reviewed by Helen.
Borderland (Rights of Passage; book 1)
Rhiannon Lassiter
Alex and Laura have found their way to Shattershard - another world. Laura takes Zöe through with her - Morgan has already been through. Alex and Laura treat it like their own world - but are their actions endangering it?
Recommended for 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
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Iain Lawrence
John survives a wreck that kills most of his father's ship's crew. By doing so he becomes tied up with a village that preys on the wrecks - a deadly occupation.
Recommended for 10+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Robert Leeson
Taliesin, bard to Arthur, sings and tells Arthur's story in a Dark Age land. Familiar tales are here, alongside some less so, such as the tale of Ragnell's trick. Throughout the telling the thoughts of Cedwyn - priest in the new religion - are offered, but not heeded, nor are the thoughts of those of the old religions, as Camelot draws to its fated end.
Recommended for 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Peter Lerangis
Have you ever thought what it would have been like for Shackleton, Scott and Amundsen went they went to the South Pole? In 1909 American's Jack Winslow and his two sons attempt a trek to the South Pole. First they have to get a ship and a decent enough crew to get down there. The problem with being on the ship is that the two brothers don't really get along and some of the crew have shady pasts. Which brother is going to face the harsh conditions of trekking to the pole?
A good adventure book that really lets the reader know how hard it was being an explorer.
Recommended for 12+.
Reviewed by Barry.
Karen Levine
This is a true story - the story of Hana, a young Jewish girl; and Fumiko Ishioka, who was determined to find out Hana's story.
This is an unbelievable story of love, coincidences, and connections across time and cultures.
For more information, visit the CBC radio site, listen to the original radio programme (using Real Player), and see more photos. Or visit Hana's suitcase - a site put together by the Brady family.
Recommended for ages 10+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Anita Lobel
Anita Lobel is best known as a picture book illustrator but this is an account of her life from 5-10 years old, when she was living in terrifying conditions hiding from the Nazis, then captured by them and marched from camp to camp.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Helen.
Geraldine McCaughrean
Sym’s uncle has organised a trip to Paris for himself, Sym and her mother. But things go badly from the start – meaning only Sym and Uncle Victor make it to Paris – and on to Antarctica to fulfil Victor’s dreams.
On her journey Sym brings along Captain Oates – one of the heroes of Scott’s doomed exhibition to the South Pole. He lives in her head – proving comfort, advice and love.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Anna MacKenzie
Seven students, one teacher and a tramp to remember. It started off so good, and then it changed. Would they have gone on the trip if they'd known what would happen? When a struggle against the elements turns to a struggle for life and against death, what wins?
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Andy McNab and Robert Rigby
All Danny wants is to join the army as a career soldier – he may even reach the heights of the SAS. But just when his dream may come true he finds out that his grandfather is still alive and that the dark cloud of treachery that hangs over his grandfather is ruining his future. The simple answer is to track down his grandfather – but maybe there is more to the story than he knows.
The first book in a fast paced and breathtaking new series.
Recommended for ages 15+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Graham Marks
The kidnapping of Cameron Stewart was carried out in broad daylight and left him drugged and confined in a strange city. Escaping was easier than he thought but now Cameron has to figure out how to get home – and why he was kidnapped in the first place. Meanwhile the police are trying to find him and solve the mystery of the kidnapping as well – because something just isn’t quite right. A fast-paced, action packed, mystery.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Erika.
John Marsden
This book is a must read!!
It's everything in one: action, hatred, fiction, reality, jealousy and love. The description is so vivid that u think like the main character, Ellie... you can feel the danger and also the safety.
Gunjan.
While I live (The Ellie chronicles; book 1)
John Marsden
Ellie has suffered the consequences of war before, but she never thought that it would happen again.
Coming home to find your parents dead is not the best way to spend the summer.
This series comes follows on from the Tomorrow series.
Maia, 12.
Carol Matas
15-year-old Ruth has survived Buchenwald Concentration Camp but her entire family has been wiped out and she has nowhere to go. Recruited by Brichah, an underground organisation that helps people get to Palestine, she risks her life to lead a group of children there, using secret routes and forged documents.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Helen.
Denis Martin
Greg, Libby and Lawrence are alone on the island after their parents return to work. Greg is looking forward to spending time with Libby – it’s just unfortunate that her brother Lawrence is around, too. But it all changes when they caught up in a hostage situation with armed gunmen patrolling the island. They need to stay free, fed and alive. Can they do that with the terrorists searching them out?
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Annie.
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David Metzenthen
Fate strands Henry in Strafford, a small town. Trot, a local, takes him in hand and Henry becomes intrigued by the story of Andy Lansell - a soldier killed in World War One. The book is in chapters alternating between Henry and Andy's stories - both young men face challenges and tragedies.
Recommended for ages 16+.
Reviewed by Annie.
David Metzenthen
Dirk Wildlight was found as a child in the forest. From then on he was taken in to the small community of Tilmore, but never accepted. When he finds money – lots of it – he leaves the community, searching for a home and acceptance. He uncovers the mystery of his origins – and becomes entangled with Melbourne’s rough bushranger past.
Recommended for 15+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Michael Morpurgo
While Tommo waits for 6am he remembers his life. All those little things that have led him to this point: sitting at the Front in World War One - waiting for the gunshots. War is not fun - it is not pretty and it is not fair.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Robert Muchamore
The story is about 12-year-old James, and when his mother dies, he has to get sent to an orphanage. Little does he know that a CHERUB agent has been spying on him and asks him to join. CHERUB is made up of children spies, starting from 10 and ending their career as a spy at 16. James has to go through tough situations and is finally assigned to first ever mission where he finds out that not all baddies are bad; but not all goodies are good either. This is a great read, like the Alex Rider series, only with way more attitude, funnies and a teensy bit of love.
Esther, 13.
Robert Muchamore
James gets in trouble at school and at home, but at least he has lots of things because his mother is the head of a small shoplifting empire. It seems as though he is bound for a life of crime too – until his mother dies suddenly and James finds himself in a home. Faced with twists and challenges, James soon finds himself joining CHERUB an organisation that uses kids as spies. All James has to do now is survive basic training, and then he will be able to join the elite force – but will it be what he expects?
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Robert Muchamore
After making one of the stupidest choices of his recent life, James ends up being confined to the Cherub base. That’s not so bad, but none of his friends are talking to him either. It seems as though he is doomed to boredom until he is sent on an assignment with another Cherub agent that sees them trying to solve a crime that no one really knows anything about – the only person who could have helped died after falling off a roof. James and the rest of the Cherubs have only a short time to try and solve all of the mysteries surrounding the crime.
Another fast paced thriller from the Cherub series.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Walter Dean Myers
Through interviews the authorities try to get to the bottom of a school shooting. Somewhere, sometime could someone have done something? Something to stop the deaths?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Donna Jo Napoli
Roberto and Samuele, teenagers in Venice, are rounded up by German soldiers to provide forced labour for the Nazis. Their treatment is little better than prisoners in concentration camps as they are near starvation, shot if they try to run away and in danger of freezing to death.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Helen.
Linda Newbery
Hilly's family life has changed dramatically with Heidigran - her grandmother - moving in. That means Hilly has to share her younger sister's room. And Hilly and Zoe and very different. Heidigran's suffering from Alzheimer's Disease - and her past is coming out - the real story and not the one she invented.
Recommended for ages 15+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Garth Nix
After the Change Shade appears to save and train children in order to overthrow the Overlords. At 19 Ella is one of the oldest humans alive - because of Shade. But Shade's not all he appears.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Reviewed by Annie.
Joan Lowery Nixon
Christina Lattimore is part of a wealthy family and could have anything she wants - or so it seems. She can't go on the school field trip because her religious father refuses to let her go, and then her grandmother refuses to let her use her trust fund. Christina is angry and frustrated - and then she is kidnapped! To make matters worse no one believes that Christina was kidnapped, they think that she was involved in the plot to get money from her grandmother. Can Christina prove her innocence?
Recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Erika.
Irene Gut Opdyke
At the beginning of the war Irene is a 17-year-old Polish nursing student. She does all she can to help and protect the local Jews, including becoming the mistress of a German officer when he discovers some of the people she is hiding.
Recommended for ages 16+.
Reviewed by Helen | 
