Randa Abdel-Fattah
Amal has decided to wear the hijab (a Muslim veil) fulltime – and this creates some problems at school – but her friends are there to support her. Just like she supports them with their issues.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Joan Abelove
Two old white ladies arrive in Alicia's Peruvian jungle village. They want to study Alicia's culture, the Isabo. But these women, Joanna and Margarita, have no idea how to get on in the village. Reluctantly Alicia begins to help them understand the way of the Isabo.
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Annie
Thura Al-Windawi
This is the story of the 2003 war against Iraq, told from the point of view of an Iraqi teen. What was life like under Saddam Hussein’s regime? How did the war affect the people? What is it like when bombs are falling on your city?
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
Brian Caswell and David Chiem
Libby loves Andy, but both of them come with history. Andy comes with a story from his father, and the untold story of his father's descent into alcoholism. Libby comes with a secret, her grandmother's secret. Wound around them is the story of Andy's mother, Nguyet, and that of the farmer.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Li Cunxin
This is the autobiography of a boy, brought up in a poor village in China, who is chosen to attend Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy. From the small action of his teacher – touching the shoulder of the school’s delegate – his life changes. Knowing nothing of life outside his village, nor dance, he feels homesick and lost. Given the opportunity to study in America, his world view dramatically alters, leading to his defection to America.
Recommended for 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Narinder Dhami
Amber, Jazz and Geena are three totally modern girls. That’s fine, until their traditional, nosy aunt moves in to keep an eye on them. Trying to keep their rep for coolest doesn’t work so well when their auntie, direct from India, is there. The girls are still trying to cope after their mum’s death, so it’s all a bit much.
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Noelene
Narinder Dhami
Jess has a dream that she is playing world class football like her idol Beckham. She can almost reach out and taste it - except for the problem that she is an Indian girl and comes from a very traditional family. With the help of her sister Pinky and new friend Jules, Jess has a chance to play football and maybe even be seen by a scout from America - and then there is the very hunky Joe to dream about too.
The novelisation of the hit movie - and not to be missed by anyone who likes sports, likes to laugh, or wants to have some fun.
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Erika
Sharon N. Draper
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet updated.
Romi is black and Julio is Hispanic, and they might be falling in love. But there are people in their school, and their community, who don't want them hanging out together. Is there any hope that their story won't end as tragically as the original story?
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Annie
Deborah Ellis
Imagine you have lost your family and don't know where they are you have just buried your father and know you're left to fend for your self and you have to dress up like a boy to survive this what happened to Parvana about 12 or 13 in a desperate search to find her mother sister and brother this is what life is like in Afghanistan running away from the Taliban read to find out what happens
Ameesha, 11
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
Alwyn Evans
Nessa, with her mother and siblings, has escaped from the terror of their lives in Afghanistan. Eventually they arrive in Australia, looking for a new life. But the refugees are not accepted with open arms – instead they are put into camps.
This is a heart-breaking story – based on stories told to the author by refugees in Australia.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Nancy Farmer
Nhambo's mother is dead and her father has abandoned her. Blamed for the problems in her village in Mozambique she is threatened with marriage to a cruel man. With the aid of her grandmother Nhamo runs away, thus beginning an incredible journey requiring strength: of mind, spirit, purpose, and body.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
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Jamila Gavin
A collection of short stories set now and in the future. There's Nasreen, who's breaking out from the boundaries set by her culture; Mona, a weird pig; and a demonic drummer.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Jamila Gavin
Ronnie's 16 and trying to make sense of his family's past. He knows his father was adopted by an English couple - and vanished back to India years ago. Now Ronnie's grandfather's dying and it's Ronnie's last chance to find out the truth.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
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
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
Elizabeth Laird
Karim's living in Israeli-occupied Palestine - tanks, soldiers, curfews. When he's trapped in an abandoned car for days, surrounded by soldiers, how can he survive? Stunning and controversial.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Graeme Lay
A eventful end to the trilogy written to inspire teenagers of a typical lifestyle in the Cook Islands.
Tuaine is now 17, got a boyfriend and a loving family, but through out the procession of the story, this changes giving struggle and sadness. Unexpected blow-outs happen affecting her well-being.
This is an outstanding finale to the trilogy that has portrayed information on life in Aitutaki. This book ties everything into place and every chapter ends with a cliff-hanger ending urging readers to go on.
Agnes, 13
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
Elizabeth Lutzeier
Aysha is one of the brightest children in her village in Bangladesh. When her father brings her to England she's suddenly seen as stupid, and her father restricts her activities. Can her strength of will help her conquer her difficulties?
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Patricia McCormick
Lakshmi lives in the mountains of Nepal with her mother and stepfather. She lives a simple life with school, chores, and her goat. When the family falls on hard times Lakshmi is sold to a brothel and must earn her keep – but worst of all is the fact that she will forever be tainted because of the it. A powerful and emotional story of what it is like to be sold into a life of slavery and hardship beyond our understanding – and the scary part is that it is all based on factual accounts and information.
Recommended for ages 16+
Reviewed by Erika
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Meme McDonald and Boori Monty Pryor
This story is about a black boy called Njunjul, he is sick of living down in ‘happy valley’ and is sick of cops beating him up because of his colour - but chance arises and he catches a bus to Sydney full of hope.
Best character: Njunjul
Elouise, 14
Adeline Yen Mah
This is the biography of a woman called Adeline. It talks about her painful childhood as the 5th daughter of a Chinese family. She is thought to be bad luck because her mother died giving birth to her. A great true story about how she survived the abuse of her family, especially her stepmother, and how she overcame the problems of her complicated life.
Lisa, 13
Adeline Yen Mah
It's the autobiography of Adeline. It is true and unforgotten. From when her grandparents married to discovering the secret of why she was not mentioned on her stepmother's will, which links to the events that happened while she was a 'Cinderella'.
Isabella, 12
Adeline Yen Mah
Note: this is not a sequel to Chinese Cinderella, but is a novel inspired by Adeline’s life.
CC – short for Chinese Cinderella – is thrown out of her home by her father’s girlfriend. Lost, with her beloved Auntie away from home, she doesn’t know where to turn – until she remembers the acrobatic troupe she’d seen. With them, under the care of Grandma Wu, she has the chance for a new life, and a chance to make a difference. She learns kung fu – and becomes a member of the Secret Dragon Society – a group of people dedicated to keeping China’s sovereignty, even though they have been invaded by Japan.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Nadia Marks
Julia’s family move to London from Cyprus. At 14 Julia has to figure everything out – even the language being spoken around her – and none of it is making sense.
Followed by Bitter sweet
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Richard Mosher
Zazoo lives happily with her adopted grandfather in a small French village. Grand-Pierre brought her to France from Vietnam after her parents' deaths in the war. One morning Marius arrives and begins asking questions. Slowly Grand-Pierre begins talking about the Awful Time - the Second World War. Zazoo talks to Monsieur Klein, the pharmacist, about Grand-Pierre and uncovers secrets.
A lyrical, dreamlike novel.
Recommended for ages 16+
Reviewed by Annie
An Na
Young Ju is about to make a trip to the magical Mi Gook - a place that her four-year-old mind is sure is heaven. When they arrive in Mi Gook her heaven turns out to be nothing but a childish fantasy. Her father and mother must work long hours to earn the money for their rented home, and her little brother is the child that her father believes will do great things. As her father becomes more violent and lost in his alcohol bottles, Young finds herself torn between traditional Korean values and her new life in America.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
An Na
Young Ju tells the story of her life in snippets. It's the story of a Korean girl finding her way in America. It's the story of a family suffering under terrible strain. And it's the story of love and rebuilding lives.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Lensey Namioka
A book with a strong Asian influence on how girls were treated compared to boys. Ailin is a young girl living in China where girls are required to bind their feet. Ailin is as determined as ever to not bind her feet but the consequences of that determination means a hard and unfair life for Ailin.
Lensey Namioka has written this sad and emotion-filled tale in a way so that the audience understands history as well as enjoying a great book.
This book is a must read and I really recommend it as it is so well written.
Agnes, 13
Lensey Namioka
Ailin is the Third Sister in her family. The year is 1911 and it is still tradition for young girls to have their feet bound in the Chinese way. Ailin refuses to have her feet bound, and that one choice changes her life forever. She gets to run free as she always has, but she also loses her arranged marriage to another respectable family. Her father pays a lot of attention to Ailin and she gets to attend a public school. When her father dies Ailin finds herself having to support herself, and her decisions will take her far beyond the shores of China.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Lensey Namioka
Yanyan is planning on become a doctor, learning both traditional Chinese and Western medicine - not the traditional role of a female in 1920s China. She doesn't want to marry, either, but then she meets Liang Baoshu. Yanyan has to choose between her opposing dreams.
Yanyan's best friend is Ailin, from Ties that bind, ties that break.
Recommended for 14+
Reviewed by Annie
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Linda Sue Park
Based on memories of the author's parents, this is the story of Sun-hee and Tae-Yul, two Korean children growing up under Japanese rule. During this time all aspects of Korean culture were outlawed and replaced with Japanese ways, including their names. For the children's uncle, this is unacceptable, and he joins the resistance movement. Tae-Yul joins the Japanese airforce during the closing stages of World War Two, in order to provide better for his family.
An intense read of an aspect of history New Zealanders know little about.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Mitali Perkins
Jazz and her family are off to India for the summer to volunteer at an orphanage. Not that Jazz wants to – she wants to be home, with the possibility of her friendship with Steve changing… Then she meets Danita – and her eyes are opened to a whole different way of life.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Mirjam Pressler
Malka is a little Jewish girl struggling for her life during WW2 with Minna - her older sister and her mother. When she is left behind by them, Malka doesn't know what to do except that she has to live and make it to Hungary to see her family again.
Best character: Malka
Valerie, 14
Bali Rai
This novel is about a Punjab boy named Manjit. His parents want him to get married to a "nice Punjab girl". Both his older brothers had married young. Manjit feels horrified about the idea of being married to someone he didn't even know. He wanted to be a writer or a famous soccer player - he did not want to tied down with babies at the age of 18. That's why he came up with "The Cheat"...
Alice, 16
Bali Rai
Manny's father insists that they family act as traditional Punjabi Sikhs. But Manny considers himself more English than Punjabi. His best friend's "Black-Jamaican", and Manny's into football. This doesn't fit in with his father's plan to arrange Manny's marriage when he's 17. But Manny has a way out planned.
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
Persepolis: the story of a childhood
Marjane Satrapi
This is the story of Marjane's life in Tehran from the ages of six to fourteen. It was a confusing and terrifying time - with the revolution, the overthrow of the Shah, the rising power of the Fundamentalists, and the war with Iraq. Stark and powerful. The story is told in simple black and white comic strip images.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Suzanne Fisher Staples
On the day Parvati was born the cyclone started, devasting the village and killing hundreds. If Parvati was a normal child that's where the story would stop. But she's not ... and it's her unusual behaviour and nature that makes the villagers blame her for their losses. But Parvati's dharma is far from the village. Her dharma is to dance like Shiva in the flames of destruction and re-creation. In her and in her dance, is the magic of possibilities.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Allan Stratton
Chanda is 16 and sick of the silence and secrecy surrounding AIDS. People are dying around her, but no one will admit the truth. To protect themselves, and their families, they keep their secrets. But Chanda won’t anymore – she wants to expose the secrets and, by doing so, provide support for those who suffer.
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Annie
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Ten stories that explore what it is to be a teenager of Asian descent living in Britain, in India, in the Kingdom of Nonsense; now and in the past. At times heart-breaking, funny, poignant – but all will make you think and reflect.
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Annie
Gloria Whelan
Koly is only 13 and she is forced to marry someone called Hari, she hasn't seen him. After the day of her wedding she would have to leave home forever, stay with her new husband and learn to love him. Later she finds out she has been cheated, her husband was younger than her and going to die soon. Koly finds herself cast out lost in a strange and cruel world. Her courage and hope, lead the way to the future.
Best character: Koly
Ijma, 12
Carole Wilkinson
A young slave girl is about to go on the adventure of her life as she travels across ancient China with an Imperial dragon and his beautiful dragon stone. Their journey will be filled with danger as they avoid the Emperor and his soldiers - and worst of all, the dragon hunter who will kill the dragon for pleasure and profit. Along with her pet rat Hua, the dragon and the girl will face many dangers as they try to reach their goal.
An action packed, magical drama that will have you hooked from cover to cover.
Followed by Garden of the Purple Dragon and Dragon moon
Recommended for ages 10 +
Reviewed by Erika
Rita Williams-Garcia
Akilah has spent the whole holiday waiting for her friend Victoria to return home from a visit with her family in Nigeria. The waiting is made harder when Victoria stops writing and then, when she does get home, Akilah isn’t allowed in to see her. Victoria acts different in school, too – really quiet. Akilah wants to find out what’s happened – and when she does, it turns everything upside down.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Gene Luen Yang; colour by Lark Pien
The stories of three characters - the Monkey King, Jin Wang and Danny – weave together in this tale of finding yourself and trying to fit in to the majority culture – particularly when the culture doesn’t want you to.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Ting-Xing Ye with William Bell
If you asked her Grace would say she was a Parker and Canadian. But her mother - Mama Number Two - has always insisted Grace understand her Chinese heritage. For years Grace has resented her differentness, but the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989 changes that. When the chance comes for Grace to visit China she is torn about finding her birth mother. After all - what sort of woman would throw away her daughter?
Told by Grace and members of her families, this is a wonderful story of family and strength.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
and
Benjamin Zephaniah
Awesome poetry - written with a Reggae-Rap-Rasta beat.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Benjamin Zephaniah
This is a book about three best mates that have been kicked out of school. They are all into rapping and love music so much. They all start rapping and move from place to place rapping but have an enemy that are from East siders that keep on standing in their way of their career, but then they find the truth and it all comes to an end for a special person who has been using both rapping groups.
Talilupe, 14
Benjamin Zephaniah
The rap-rasta poet is branching out into novels. In this one Zephaniah explores the world of Alem - he is Ethiopian and Eritrean. Not an easy life when the countries are at war. Unsafe in either country his father does his best to save Alem - by abandoning him in England.
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
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