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Fleur Beale
Linc thought bikes were okay, until he rode one, now he's hooked, but feeling guilty because Dad's opinion isn't good, but he's not here so he can't stop him. Then dad's in hospital, Gran has to look after them, and Glenn's life is mixed up, gang's, drugs, alcohol, burglary, and he's only 13! Will things ever straighten out?
Benjamin, 13
Fleur Beale
As far as Kirby knows her mother is all the family she has. All that changes after her mother receives a letter. Kirby suddenly learns that she has family, but she also learns that she will be living with them for two years while her mother lives in Africa. Kirbys entire life changes when she has to live with her uncle's family who are part of the Children of the Faith - they have even changed her name to Esther. Kirby not only has to struggle with her new life - but she also has to struggle to hold onto her identity.
A gripping novel.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Fleur Beale
Lacey has a really good life including close friends, a great house, and her dancing - she thinks that has changed forever when her parents decide to move them to the country. Angry and determined not to like it, Lacey can think of nothing but how much she hates it. Things get even worse when she meets the rest of her school and the horrible next-door neighbour Mr Fred. Can Lacey make the most of her new home and keep the things that meant so much to her in the city?
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
Fleur Beale
Hannah has always had difficulty in being respectable. She is torn between the examples and lifestyles represented by her respectable and very English godmother, and her loving stepmother, who is Maori. A comment made by her godmother begins Hannah’s quest to find out more about her mother and each answer brings more questions.
Meanwhile, conflict between the English colonists and local Maori seems to becoming inevitable as land sales become more fraught and Hannah’s family splits apart.
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
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 5th 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
Fleur Beale
Greg is the odd one out in his family - a normal person surrounded by brains. The one thing that Greg is really interested in is cars, but his parents aren't interested. Frustrated, Greg decides to make some changes in his life. Things fall into place when he meets Brad and Holly Chatterton. Now Greg has a job and his own money - and Brad wants him to be co-driver for his rally car! It's like a dream come true for Greg, he gets to fly in a rally car. Things are sweet - then he sees a car for sale that would be perfect as a rally car for himself.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Fleur Beale
Minna’s father has accepted a challenge for the family: spend a year on an isolated island. Minna’s massively unimpressed – just when she’s got the perfect boyfriend and things are getting serious! Then there’s her stoner brother and her mother’s secret that will blow the family apart. And it’s all captured on film and shown on TVs throughout the country.
Recommended for ages 12+ .
Reviewed by Annie.
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Margaret Beames
Rhiane is facing a death sentence, all because she painted the truth. But the truth is not something those in the Dome want to see. The truth cannot be believed. Everybody knows the Outlanders living outside the Dome are freaks - mutants - monsters. Even Rhiane's painting shows that - the subject has only four toes on each foot! Even worse than that - is Rhiane really to blame for the fatal disease spreading its way through the Dome's population? Can she clear her name, or at least, tell her story?
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Bernard Beckett
Anax is about to take the most important test of her life – the test that will see her admitted to the Academy after years of hard work. At least that is what she hopes, but no one ever talks about the exam and she has no idea what to expect. As the panel of examiners leads her through her chosen topic of Adam Forde Anax tries to remain calm in the fact that she has made original conclusions about her topic that could either make her a marvel or cause her to fail the entire exam.
An intense and gripping novel that will keep you on the edge.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
Bernard Beckett
Colin's sent from post-World War II London to New Zealand with the promise of a new and better life. But it's not to be - so, with the help of Dougal he escapes into adventure.
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
Bernard Beckett
Malcolm decides to explore sex in a scientific way for the Science Fair. Lacking in his own experience he interviews others with a video camera, mainly pupils from school. His friend Juliet is being blackmailed. She is determined to either find the blackmailer or get hold of the money, and her schemes are becoming more and more wild.
This is a fast-paced book, where you wonder how far things can go.
Recommended for ages 15 +
Reviewed by Jenny, Parnell Library
G. Brassi
Bree has had a major run-in with Joe – her mum’s boyfriend. Gemma, her sister, won’t let her go by herself so the two of them head to Australia to visit their dad – thanks to the money Bree has stolen from Joe’s hidden stash. But it’s not as easy as the girls thought.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Alan Bunn
When Ben Starr, famous triathlete, falls off his bike at the sight of the beautiful Carla, he and his son Sam end up trying to save Carla's daughter, the delicate, Zoe, from the clutches of the Fat Detective.
A touching and exhilarating novel. A vivid picture of the story gets imprinted on your brain!!
Dhanish, 12
Alan Bunn
While Jake's parents are protesting the closure of access to the lake by the new resort, Jake and his brother Peter throw a party. But Peter drinks himself into a coma and Jake begins to blame everyone around him.
A play about apathy and conflict.
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
Deborah Burnside
Lee is struggling to hold it all together. On a good day her mum can be really good. But good days are few and far between – too often Jack Daniels and his friends are around. The school’s wearable arts competition might offer some relief – but it could make it worse. Then there’s Gunna.
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Annie
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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 story teller.
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
Young Harry Wainwright has gone to war to fight for the Empire against the evil Huns. He leaves behind his family and his sweetheart Jessica. But Jessica has plans too, she will help with the war by training to be a nurse. As they exchange letters they learn more about what each of them is doing. Jessica learns all about the friends that Harry has made amongst the men in his regiment, and he learns of the trials Jessica faces as she trains to be a nurse.
A not to be missed novel set in the grim time of the First World War and Gallipoli.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Ken Catran
Declan was woken from cryo sleep in the normal way - but what he finds is anything but normal. The ship is not where it is meant to be and there is a message for him - a message that he left for himself! The message is strange to watch, especially when he is drawn into the disappearances of the crew in suspicious circumstances. What is going on in the ship - has an alien force invaded the ship determined to kill the crew?
A slow start builds to a fast paced ending that will rock you in your tracks.
If you enjoy this book then you should try reading The Onager - also by Ken Catran.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
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
Brad Foster is looking forward to three whole months without his parents around – but maybe it would have been better if they were still around. Strange things are happening in the town, and he soon finds himself having weird dreams and facing strange creatures. Do you believe in god and the devil? Brad never did, not really, and that may be the biggest mistake of all.
A twisted tale full of danger and mystery.
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 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Frances Cherry
Charlotte has the perfect house with the pool and the dog, and the perfect nuclear family of mum, dad, and her brother James. The last thing any of them expect is the woman who breaks their family apart by stealing away their father and husband. As the cracks in her family shows, Charlotte feels herself reaching breaking point.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
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
Ted Dawe
Sandy’s been sent to stay with his uncle on a farm – because his dad can’t cope with his behaviour, since his mum died. Now he’s in the country with all these cousins and a really different lifestyle. Now he has a chance to make a new life.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
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 plan is a stash of stolen weed - an ambitious and dangerous plan. 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.
Recommended for ages 13 +
Reviewed by Erika
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
Kate De Goldi
This is a year of upheaval for Max and his mate Andy. After this year, a year of misunderstandings, reunions, romance and risks, their friendship will never be the same. Written from Max's point of view this is an intense read and some of the content may not be suitable for some readers.
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
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Edited by Tessa Duder
A collection of true stories celebrating New Zealand’s connection to the sea.
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
Tessa Duder
It is 1959. Alex is fifteen. This is the year she must beat her arch-rival Maggie to be selected for the NZ swimming team to go to the Olympic Games in Rome. She has spent the past six years training hard - and so has Maggie.
This is the inside scoop on what it's like to be a teenager, with all the usual family and personal life dramas happening but also have the extra pressure to train and win in a competitive sport. It's a diary of her thoughts and feelings through the challenges she must overcome to reach her goal.
This book was turned into a film.
Reviewed by Karen at Otahuhu
Tessa Duder & William Taylor
In November 1998 an email relationship begins between Dan and Jess. Dan lives in a small Northland town, and Jess is sailing around the Pacific with her mother, stepfather, and a small crew. From an antagonistic beginning, a very strong friendship develops. One that sustains both of them during moments of crisis. Everything from School C. to a hurricane.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Tessa Duder
Bingo Best and her family have just moved to Mercury Beach. Bingo's mum is a famous movie star, and her dad has an important role on TV.
The community of Mercury Beach is holding a carnival to raise money.
Two adult teams are trying to raise the money. But when they can't raise much, Bingo and her friends step in.
A great book for 12-13 year olds.
Nikki, 13
Tessa Duder
Antigone Tompson (Tiggie for short) is a very self consious teenager. Her Mum is a news reporter which puts Tiggie under a lot of pressure at school. It's not until she changes from a private to public school that she realizes that she loves acting and takes part in a new soap called "Shapers" but does she really want to be a TV star?
This is a really enjoyable story and you can really relate to the characters.
I'd recommend it for kids 12+
Emily, 13
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Sarah Ell
Katie’s life is full-on – school, friends, sailing & her first boyfriend. So full-on that she ignores – or rationalises – how she’s feeling – tired all the time, nauseous, hair falling out…. Until it’s too much to ignore. Until she ends up in hospital. And now she’s diagnosed, there’s only one person who can understand. Only one person she can talk to. Adam. Because Adam has cancer, too.
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
Sarah Ell
It's November 1918, the end of the First World War, and the epidemic of influenza has swept the city of Auckland, Jimmy K's father is missing in action. His mother has taken his younger brothers and sisters away to the country, and Jimmy is left alone to go to stay with his uncle, who takes him to meet his friend in this really old house. They go to the house but it turns out no one is there. As they stay they face the horrors of epidemic.
Best character: Adele
Ijma, 12
All of the stories in this collection where written by NZers under 18 years old. They were entered into a competition, and had to be less than 500 words long. Find out what other teens are thinking and feeling.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Vince Ford
Callum gets in trouble for stupid things sometimes – this time he’s suspended for a couple of days. That means he has to go with his dad on the annual Big Ride. Now he’ll know what his dad and his mates Skid and Baz get up to – and why.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
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
Vince Ford
This is not looking like a good summer for Davin - it's hot though. Really hot when he accidentally lets his mother's car run over the burning rubbish. Davin decides to make good and earn the money to buy a new car. As you'd expect - things don't go to plan. Add in family fights, friends, and first love - and it may all be too much for you!
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Brian Hanfling
Flora's used to life without her dad around. But fixing the piano brings up a family mystery, with huge consequences. Puzzles and enigma follow.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
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
Ryan’s laden with guilt after hitting Tara with his car. Tara is struggling to come back after being in a coma. A heart-breaking read about guilt, friendship and reparation.
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! However when God's Soldiers - a group determined to stop space exploration - intervene, everything changes. Can Adam get to the Kennedy Space Centre in time? And can he stop the warhead exploding?
Recommended for ages 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
Simon is a typical New Zealand boy, he likes girls; weekends; girls; hanging out with mates; girls. But Simon has muscular dystrophy.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
David Hill
Kids at Corey's school call it "Mt Tara-slacky" because it doesn't do anything. After a few rumblings, it seems to be ready for some action. Then it stops. Again, some quiet rumblings. Then nothing. Then - Mt Taranaki looks like being another Mt St Helens - which erupted in 1980 and killed over 30 people.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
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David Hill
Here is a book that is unlike any I have read. Though fairly short it offers a quick peak into strange worlds and alternate states of reality.
Kit is a lonely boy who convinces himself that only through running can he find true happiness (perhaps he is running to escape). His parents are fighting and the other kids at his school shun him and his athletic achievements.
However one day a dark cloud descends upon him as he runs along a familiar route. Somehow Kit is whisked away into a world that appears to be his own but is also strangely different. He enters this world and a race where people seem to depend upon him and give him hope and determination.
It is also in this other realm that he encounters a strange girl called Alrika. Somehow she seems to share his secret and it appears that only together can they unravel the mystery of their otherworldly situation.
From beginning to end the book reads at a quick pace. I sometimes felt that I was also running beside them, book in hand! So if you're into a quick snappy ride take a look at Time out, you may need some once you have finished.
Reviewed by Tamzin, Blockhouse Bay Library
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
Anthony Holcroft
Short stories to amaze and sometimes spook you. Eerie and magical.
Recommended for 12+
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
V. M. Jones
Josh is sports mad - his only problem is Shane, who's as keen as he is. When the triathlon comes Josh wants to beat Shane, but can he overcome his fear of water and learn to swim?
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Sherryl Jordan
Jude tells his tale to Brother Benedict, a monk. It's a tale of fear, of friendship, of courage; it's the tale of the hunting of the last dragon - murderer of Jude's family.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Sherryl Jordan
Juniper is beautiful and intense. Dylan is quiet and artistic. But together they create a world of their own. Then things get out of hand, but they can't stop. The link between them becomes all-powerful as they move into a different time.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Sherryl Jordan
Marnie arrives in the seaside village of Torcurra to find the villagers whipping the devils from a mad boy. She has come with her new husband to settle in a cottage by the sea. But within two days her husband dies in a fall from his roof, and Marnie stands accused of witchcraft by the villagers. Alone, except for the support of the village priest, she decides to stay and make the remote cottage her own. Then the mad boy stumbles into her home, and she makes a startling discovery about him - one that will change the way that every person sees her and him.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Anne
Sherryl Jordan
Both the Navorans and the Shimali have a prophecy about a change in their worlds - and that one person will be responsible for brining in the new era.
As time goes on it becomes increasingly obvious that Gabriel, Navoran but with sympathy for the Shimali, healer and dream interpreter - will be the one. Not that he believes it. Powerful and moving.
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
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The Travellers series
Jack Lasenby
In a world both familiar and alien, follow Ish's travels through a post-apocalyptic New Zealand.
Recommended for ages 14+
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
Edited by Barbara Else
20 stories featuring New Zealand teens – from mates behaving badly, to watching your mother die, to imagining meeting your father years in the future.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Carolyn McCurdie
The first sign of a problem is when the planet Pluto vanishes – then Iceland – then Lesotho…. Tansy is sure that she is the One to save New Zealand from the Unquiet – but Anaru keeps hanging around.
With the help of shadow people from Iceland and Lesotho Tansy and Anaru have to figure out how to save New Zealand and its people from the Unquiet and its influence.
Recommended for ages 10+
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 will win?
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Iona McNaughton
Meg's father is really serious about moving to New Zealand from Canada. Meg is unimpressed - particularly when they only have one-way tickets!
Recommended for 10+
Reviewed by Annie
Margaret Mahy
Laura has to save her brother, Jacko, from being sucked dry by the evil Carmody Braque. Her new relationship with Sorry is providing intrigue. And then there's her mother's new relationship.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Margaret Mahy
Garland's world is all over the place. Her family are rooted nowhere, but travel from place to place as circus performers. They are on a quest to save their city. But on their journey they encounter some strangers from the future who are fleeing their dangerous uncle. Maddigan's Fantasia has to hide them. They are confronted by Road Rats and their leader, Garland's father, is killed. Can Maddigan's Fantasia keep going or is their city doomed?
Katherine, 13
Margaret Mahy
In 24 hours Ellis gets achieved everything he'd planned to do in the next couple of years - well, apart from going to University. The break between finishing school and starting Uni leaves him free to transform his life. Drawn into the The Land of Smiles, it's 24 hours of life or death action for Ellis. And time's running out.
This book has been described as "Memory meets The tricksters."
Recommended for 14+
Reviewed by Annie
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
Lorraine Orman
Bel has been sent to the Marlborough Sounds, to keep her out of the way during her parent’s divorce. While there she connects with 16-year-old Lizzie. In the 1820s Lizzie arrived in the Sounds as a child bride – given to a tough whaler by her father. Lizzie needs someone to tell her story to, and that someone is Bel.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Joanna Orwin
Jaz's life is out of control - she's trying to fit in with Ange and her group and her dad's been made redundant - so her family life isn't working. The only thing holding her together is Gi-Gi, her great-grandmother, and reading the diary of Maggie - Gi-Gi's grandmother.
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Joanna Orwin
Life is not always easy in a family for a teenager. When Dad loses his job, it brings out the worst in everyone. Mum acts a little strange and Dad distances himself from the family. Then to make matters worse brother Matt decides to leave school to follow his dream as a professional sportsman. Everyone wants to help but sometimes it seems as though everything that everyone does backfires.
Jasmine wants to be in with the popular group, but at what cost. Grandma (GG) and Jasmine have close bonds, and GG seems to have a deeper understanding of Jasmine than her immediate family. GG gets Jasmine involved in reading the old diary of her great grandmother who immigrated to New Zealand from the Shetland Islands. The hardships endured by the young woman although quite different in nature have just as much emotional impact on everyone. Jasmine becomes caught up in the diary and realises what a determined young person her ancestor was, and are there parallels to her situation right now. GG seems to have hit on the right note…… an excellent read, you too will be caught up in the weavings of the past and present.
Recommended 11yrs+
Reviewed by Doreen
Julia Owen
Geraldine String – called Mickey – is ready for summer. Her plans include getting a new bikini – hopefully to get Darcy, the new hunk, to notice her. But her plans fall apart when grumpy old Misss Horn is found dead – in suspicious circumstances. Well, the police don’t believe there are any – but Mickey is sure she saw someone in Miss Horn’s place when it should have been empty (apart from the dead Mrs Horn). And what’s happened to Miss Horn’s psychotic dog Cupcake?
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
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38 stories and poems by 28 teen writers - from love to terrorism - it's all here.
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
Alison Robertson
Stacey’s life is all over the place. Her dad’s moved down to Wellington and got a new girlfriend. Her mum’s falling apart. And she’s just seen her boyfriend kissing someone else! Add to that, she’s got a project to do over the holidays – research an ancestor. It all comes to a head when her mum packs her off to Wellington to stay with her dad and the girlfriend.
In the beginning Stacey’s hates reading through her ancestor – Isabella’s day book. But things aren’t adding up. Stacey wants to get to the bottom of the mystery – and discovers some very long buried secrets.
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
Tania Kelly Roxborogh
Nadine's stepfather is horrible. When he takes away her dog, Hawkeye, to be trained to fight in an illegal dogfight ring, it's the last straw. Together with her brothers she plans to defeat Ted and save Hawkeye's life.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Jillian Sullivan
Shreve is concerned when an elderly friend she's visiting through school appears intimidated by a middle-aged man. Steven claims to be her son, but has never been mentioned by Zelda.
Shreve starts to hear a voice in her head and gets to meet Melissa, the ghost of Zelda's daughter. She is also trying to deal with her father's new girlfriend and the fact that her mother is no longer living with them.
As Shreve follows her promise to Melissa to help Zelda, her friendships become shaky, Steve threatens her, and she gets steadily into deeper hot water. Can she continue to follow her instincts and stand out from the crowd?
This is an easy to read book with conflicts around friendship and fitting in, or sticking up for what you believe is right.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Jenny, Parnell Library
William Taylor
Moving to New Zealand was supposed to be a good thing for “war orphan” Jake and his younger sister – but no one could have known what was going to happen. Separated from his sister, Jake is sent to the Pearson farm as a source of cheap labour. The work is hard, the conditions are poor, and the farmers son is a sadistic bully who will stop at nothing to put the Pom in his place. Jake tries his best to go with the flow, but one day events unfold that will mark the lives of all those involved. An intense book not for the faint hearted.
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Erika
William Taylor
In his last year at high school Paul is faced with life-altering decisions. Adrian's in hospital after writing off his car and killing his girlfriend. Spike is found bashed to death - somebody didn't like his open homosexuality and lifestyle. When Paul stands up in assembly to speak about Spike, he's kicked out of home by his fundamentalist preacher father.
Recommended for ages 16+
Reviewed by Annie
Liz van der Laarse
Luke's getting into more and more trouble at school, and with a new baby, his mum can’t cope. So Luke's Koro takes him up North. Luke's sure he'll be bored as, but he finds a lot to do, and a strength he didn't know he had.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Lisa Vasil
Linden is stunned when her granddaughter, Charlie, visits her. It’s not because grandchildren don't visit their grandparents, of course they do. They just don't tend to do it when it's 25 years before their birth!
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
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Ella West
Nicky travelled in front of her class – it all go too much and she’s in her wardrobe. Now she’s been taken out of her boarding school and put somewhere in the middle of the desert in the middle of nowhere. At least she’s not alone – there are four other teens – all with the ability to travel.
What is the Project? What are they being trained to do? Why do they have no contact with the outside world?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
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