Winners of 2014 GoodReads Choice Awards

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about voting for the 2014 GoodReads Choice Awards. The winners have been announced for all categories if you are interested.

The two winners in the Young Adult section are:

Best YA Fantasy

(Image: Walker Books)

Best YA Fiction

(Image: Allen and Unwin)

This review of We Were Liars is worth reading.

Speech Competition 2015

Speech subject - 'New Zealanders in WW1'

(Image: Wikipedia)

The subject 'New Zealanders in WW1' embraces Kiwis who served or were involved in WW1.

Prizes

Regional winner receives 

• $1000.00 
• a framed Certificate 
• Youth membership to the RSA.

National winner receives 

• a trip to Gallipoli with a chaperone to attend the ANZAC Day 2015 commemorations 
• a $1000.00 travel fund, a laptop and digital camera to record their experience
• a winner's trophy

If you are Year 12 or 13 next year and this interests you please go here for more details and how to enter. 

Entries open: 10 November 2014
Entries close: January 30 2015.

An invitation

You and your friends at Nga Tawa are invited to the Author's Apprentice

A unique online platform for readers aged between 13 to 17 to work with an international best-selling author on an original novel over the course of a year. (Source)

(Image: Wiki Commons)

• Be involved in the creative process to the very end
• Vote on the genre, names of the characters, direction of the plot development, and jacket design
• Improve your writing skills
• Get a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of publishing

Do you have what it takes to be The Author's Apprentice?

Go to The Author's Apprentice to sign up.

Learn more about the author Stephen Hunt and his novels.

Three new books to tempt you

The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter

The Finisher is a thrilling fantasy adventure story that follows one girl’s quest beyond her known world and into a dangerous realm full of magical beasts.

Welcome to Wormwood: a place where curiosity is discouraged and no one has ever left.

Until one girl, Vega Jane, discovers a map that suggests a mysterious world beyond the walls. A world with possibilities and creatures beyond her imagining.

But she will be forced to fight for her freedom. And unravelling the truth may cost Vega her life. (Image and Source:Pan MacMillan)

 Jeff Hinkley, undercover investigator for the British Horseracing Authority, is looking into the shady activities of a racehorse trainer. But as he's tailing his quarry through the Cheltenham Racing Festival, the last thing he expects to witness is a gruesome murder. Could it have something to do with the reason the trainer was banned in the first place - the administration of illegal drugs to his horses? Days later, it's discovered that many more horses test positive for prohibited stimulants, a scandal that could throw horse-racing into disrepute. (Image and Source: Penguin Books)

(Image: Penguin books)

Izzy is hoping for a memorable year of happiness, but for her impulsive big sister, Alex, life is much more colourful. she always writes to Izzy in a violet pen, which suits her dramatic personality. 

When one of Alex's letters delivers a bolt form the blue, Izzy fears the future will be less than rosy. Will Alex's new boyfriend spoil their sisterly bond, or does every cloud have a silver lining? (Back cover)

2014 GoodReads Choice Book Awards

GoodReads is a website that allows you to search for and browse books, to read reviews, to create your own library of books you have read and post your own reviews, plus more.

At present, you are able to vote for the best books of the year in GoodReads Choice Book Awards, awards that are decided by the reader.

Join up and cast you vote now. 

There are a number of books on the list that are held in the library. 

(Image: Allen and Unwin)

(Image: Walker Books)

If you haven't read them yet, issue one and find out why they made the list. Leisure reading may be just the antidote for the pressure of study and exams.





Other titles held in library include:

• I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes
• Panic by Lauren Oliver
• The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

 (Image: Text Publishing co.)

Which book would you like to read?

These books have arrived this week and will be on the shelves soon. See any titles that you have been wanting to read? Or ones that appeal to you? Come in to reserve it.

One Minute's Silence

One Minute’s Silence (available in the library) is a wonderful tribute to the soldiers who fought and died at Gallipoli and an important reminder of the humanity of the soldiers of both sides of the conflict. 

'In one minute's silence, you can imagine the great crop of crosses the ANZACS left behind...
and the promises given to never forget the boys who would not wake to the hushed footsteps or the whispered farewells. But can you imagine, in one minute's silence, when the Turks rose that morning to discover there only remained...the perfect lack of sound of a war that had ended' (Excerpt from the book.)

Today is Armistice Day, the day that World War One ended in 1918. 

Conservation Week

Conservation Week 2014

(Image: Wikipedia)

This year’s theme is 'Discover the world where you live' and it’s about getting out and enjoying your local treasures. These are the local campsites, scenic reserves, wetlands, forests, walking tracks and other areas that have conservation values that can be found right on your doorstep.

Conservation Week gives you the opportunity to celebrate the natural environment and make a connection with your local special places. There are heaps of special places in New Zealand that you can visit all year round with your family and friends. (Department of Conservation)

These Pinterest boards feature categories such as Take a Hike', 'Push Play', 'Conservation dogs' 'Eating Out' as well a lots of amazing images and links related to the New Zealand environment.

An event planned in this area on Saturday 8 November is a trip to discover Coppermine Creek near Woodville. If this appeals to you go to Coppermine Creek for more information.

There are still a couple of days to take part in The Great Kereru Count, there is definitely one or two that sit in our trees out the front. Watch the video to find out more.

Fairy tales, royalty and a thriller

The only thing she knows is that she must run!

When Cady wakes up, she has no memory of who she is. All she knows is that there is a pillowcase over her head and a person in the room has instructed someone to "take her out back and finish her off". Cady must find a way to save herself. But how can she when she doesn't even know her name? April Henry has written another nail-biting suspense thriller, which explores such themes as murder, memory loss, identity theft and biological warfare. As in her previous novels, her strong female protagonist joins forces with another teenager. Together they race against time to stay alive and save Cady's missing family. (Walker Books)

For more about this book go to Kirkus Review   Good Reads rating average: 3.8 out of 5.

Violet Lasting is no longer a human being. Tomorrow she becomes Lot 197, auctioned to the highest royal bidder in the Jewel of the Lone City. Tomorrow she becomes the Surrogate of the House of the Lake, her sole purpose to produce a healthy heir for the Duchess. Imprisoned in the opulent cage of the palace, Violet learns the brutal ways of the Jewel, where the royal women compete to secure their bloodline and the surrogates are treated as disposable commodities. Destined to carry the child of a woman she despises, Violet enters a living death of captivity - until she sets eyes on Ash Lockwood, the royal Companion.(Walker Books)

This novel will appeal to fans of dystopian, dark romance, stepping beyond the paranormal craze. Perfect for fans of Allie Condie and The Hunger Games. Good Reads rating average: 3.7 out of 5

A forbidden romance.

A deadly plague.

Earth's fate hinges on one girl . . .

CINDER, a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, is also a cyborg. She's reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's sudden illness. But when her life becomes entwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she finds herself at the centre of a violent struggle between the desires of an evil queen - and a dangerous temptation.

Cinder is caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal. Now she must uncover secrets about her mysterious past in order to protect Earth's future.

This is not the fairytale you remember. But it's one you won't forget. (Puffin)

Meet Marissa Meyer, author of Cinder.

Carnegie Medal nominations

Nominations for the prestigious 2015 Carnegie Medal have been announced and the above books are included. There is something for someone here. Visit the library to find out more or go to the catalogue If you enjoyed one of these, perhaps you could let others know by using the Padlet board. You are also welcome to share any book you have read.

Exam help

If you need some tips and techniques on how to achieve well in your exams, please consider checking these books out. Or you can go to Study It for excellent advice and the NZQA site for exemplars, study tips and tricks, the examination timetable and exam rules.

Just in and ready to issue

War ends, the Jazz Age dawns

Mercenaries, flying cities, airships and a blind librarian

A twist on a well-known fairy tale

A mythical beast that brings death to all who meet it

From deep in the desert comes a legend of wild brumbies..

Set in the 1960's, a funny tale of three girls who travel in search of their mother

Can you work out which story line matches the book?

Messenger of Fear by Michael Grant

Mara Todd wakes in a field of dead grass, a heavy mist pressing down on her. She is terrified, afraid that she is dead. She can’t remember who she is or anything about her past. Is it because of the boy that appears? He calls himself the Messenger of Fear. If the world does not bring justice to those who do evil, the Messenger will. He offers the wicked a game. If they win, they go free. If they lose, they will live their greatest fear. Either way, their sanity will be challenged. (Harper Collins)

Chimamanda Adichie

                                                             Photo by Chris Boland

Our lives, cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice - and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk critical misunderstanding. (TedTalk)

Go to The danger of the single story to listen to this enlightening and entertaining talk.

How has this made you think about some of the stories you have read? What is your favourite quote from Chimamanda's talk?

Nobel Peace Prize winner

                                                 (Photo Flickr: World Bank Photo Collection)

Malala Yousafzai is the youngest person to receive the Noble Peace Prize. She has been tireless in her fight for girls' rights to education. A worthy recipient. Her autobiography is available in the library.

Five things to know about Malala Yousafzai from sources such twitter, CNN report and a television interview: Youngest Noble Peace Prize winner

New arrivals

Heartland by Jenny Pattrick

After a short stint in prison on trumped-up charges, the loveable simpleton Donny Mac returns to the house left to him by his grandfather in the small settlement of Manawa, in the shadow of Mt Ruapehu. Now inhabited by a handful of colourful locals, the once prosperous milling town is only bustling in the ski season when the out-of-towners arrive.

Awaiting Donny's return is the drunken and pregnant Nightshade, who claims he is the father. Donny's friends keep watch anxiously. Also watching is the Virgin Tracey, a sixteen-year-old hiding out in one of the abandoned houses, with her own tiny baby. 

When an accident threatens to put Donny back into prison, he and the Virgin Tracey come up with a solution to cover it up. But can the secret remain hidden? (Random House)

Will to Live by Matthew and Diane Ames

For a couple of weeks, Matthew Ames didn't feel well. The busy father of four young children knew things were not quite right but suddenly he was in Emergency, with a severe case of toxic shock syndrome – the common bacteria Strep A had entered his bloodstream and his body had gone into shutdown. He was put into an induced coma and the only way he could be kept alive was to have all his limbs amputated.

Diane Ames knew exactly what her husband would want and that he would cope – he had always been optimistic and practical. Despite a one per cent chance of survival, she asked the doctors to go ahead with the radical operation. And so began the inspiring story of an ordinary family's courage and determination to make the most of a terrible situation. (Penguin Books)

Matthew has a blog that tells his story and journey. An inspiring story of courage and resilience.

Everything to Lose by Andrew Gross

A determined, (down on her luck,) mother caring for her handicapped son becomes entangled in a murderous conspiracy to keep a twenty year old secret buried in this blistering thriller, set during the tragic aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. (Harper Collins)

                                                   (Source: Talk of the Town Authors and Books)

I am Rebecca by Fleur Beale 

Award-winning YA writer Fleur Beale's gripping sequel to the bestselling classic I Am Not Esther is a psychological thriller. When she turns 14, Rebecca will find out who she is to marry. 

All the girls in her strict religious sect must be married just after their 16th birthdays.Her twin sister Rachel desperately wants to marry the boy she's given her heart to. All Rebecca wants is to have a husband who is kind, but both girls know the choice is not theirs to make.

But what will the future hold for Rebecca? Is there a dark side to the rules which have kept her safe? Can the way ahead be so simple when the community is driven by secrets and hidden desires?(Random House)

Book review of I am Rebecca.

To This Day by Shane Koyczan

Shane Koyczan is a spoken word poet who wrote a poem about bullying called To This Day. Perhaps you have had the opportunity to hear it, his video went viral. Experience this poem in book form as a sophisticated picture book that has been illustrated by thirty artists from around the world. Allow the pictures to touch your heart and mind, to be incensed by the cruelty of the barbs and moved by the courage of the bullied.

                                                              (Walker Books)

(Shane Koyczan-Ted Talks)

Two stories about mothers and daughters

Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey

Through Maud, you enter a world where the past and the present blend. You experience her confusion and bewilderment. Reading this story through the eyes, emotions and thoughts of Maud helped me to reflect about this condition. Memories form part of our identity and enable us to be productive members of society. I came to appreciate the anxiety associated with the loss of short term memory. Not just the annoyance of forgetting but the repeated experiences of not knowing where you are or how you got there, everyone becomes a stranger and the people you interact with vary in their ability to relate to you. It must be a lonely struggle to deal with the ongoing unfamiliarity and make sense of where you belong. It has made me feel more understanding and compassionate towards people who suffer this condition.

World Alzheimer's Day is September 21, for more information about dementia and Alzheimer go to Alzheimer

Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan

When Apple's mother returns after eleven years of absence, Apple feels whole again. She will have an answer to her burning question – why did you go? And she will have someone who understands what it means to be a teenager – unlike Nana. But just like the stormy Christmas Eve when she left, her mother's homecoming is bitter sweet, and Apple wonders who is really looking after whom. It's only when Apple meets someone more lost than she is, that she begins to see things as they really are.(Back cover) 

Read the author's thoughts about her book at Interview

New Books

The Deadly Sky by David Hill

It's 1974, and a dark, cold New Zealand winter. So when Darryl's mum announces she is going to the remote Pacific island of Mangareva for work, and she's taking him with her, he is thrilled. 

But even as Darryl soaks up the warmth and peaceful beauty of French Polynesia, his holiday is darkened by violent anti-nuclear protests. Plus there's Alicia, with her furious outbursts against all Pacific nuclear tests. Darryl knows she's talking rubbish.

What he doesn't know is that when he boards Flight 766 to fly home, his life and the lives of others will be changed forever. (Back cover)

Bad Faith by Gillian Philip

 The privileged daughter of a cleric, she's been protected from the extremist gangs who enforce the One Church's will. Her boyfriend Ming is a bad influence, of course, with infidel parents who are constantly in trouble with the religious authorities. But Cass has no intention of letting their different backgrounds drive them apart. Then they stumble across a corpse. Who killed him? How did his body end up in their secret childhood haunt? And is this man's death connected to other, older murders? As the political atmosphere grows feverish, Cass realises she and Ming face extreme danger.(Back cover) The book cover can be found on the bookshelf to the right.

Read an interview with the author about her book Bad Faith. 

I am Malala - Malala Yousafzai

The girl who stood up for education and was shot by the Taliban. Her biography is the remarkable tale of a family, uprooted by global terrorism, of the fight for girls' education, and of Malala's parents fierce love for their daughter in a society that prizes sons.(Back cover)

To appreciate this story, listen to her father's talk.

 "Why is my daughter so strong?" Yousafzai asks. "Because I didn't clip her wings." - Ziauddin Yousafzai: My daughter Malala

National Poetry Day

Today is National Poetry Day as well as Red Nose Day.

Poems are stories that can have an impact on us as much as any novel or movie. Around the library are poems that have touched the lives of some of our teaching staff. I invite you to come in and read the poems and how they had an impact. Perhaps you could share a poem that you enjoyed or is special to you with someone else today.

Competition for International Languages Week

Be in to win a tin of delicious fudgy chocolate slice!

(props not included)

Here are the images and phrase that you need to answer the questions then go to link sent in the email to enter.

 (Image: Creative Commons)

(Image: Wikimedia)

Phrase: "Estoy bien"

International Languages Week

We are celebrating in the library with Savanna's creativity, enthusiasm and assistance to highlight International Languages Week. Come in to view the display. If the ethnic nibbles have inspired you, there are a number of cookbooks to choose from. There are many ways to experience other cultures - through art, customs, travel, architecture...   Make the most of the celebration and especially view the dolls in costume dress.

Melting art sculptures

(Image: Flickr net_efekt) 

Wonderful ice sculptures were created by students during the Arts Tryptich, and you will have an appreciation for the skill involved to create these sculptures. A Brazilian sculptor Neve Azevedo created an extraordinary exhibition where he arranged, with the help of many volunteers, 5000 melting ice sculptures on the steps of Birmingham's Chamberlain Square. Why? you might ask.

He wanted to pay tribute to the civilians who died during the Great War. The exhibition drew a huge crowd who were all captivated by the scene. Check out the story and photo at Ice sculptures

A horse called hero by Sam Angus

(Image: PanMacMillan)

War took his hope, a horse gave him courage

It is 1940. As the Second World War escalates and London becomes a target for German bombs, Dodo and her horse-mad little brother Wolfie are evacuated to the country, away from everything they know. After weeks of homesick loneliness, they come across an orphaned foal. They name the horse Hero for surviving against the odds and together they raise him, train him, and learn to ride.

Their days are suddenly full of life and excitement again, but the shadow of war looms over their peaceful existence, and soon Hero must live up to his name . . . (Source: PanMacMillan)

This novel explores the relationship between a boy and his pet. One all pet and especially horse owners can enjoy.

Loyal Creatures by Morris Gleitzman

(Image: Penguin publishers)

Like many of his mates from the bush, Frank Ballantyne is keen to join the grand adventure and do his bit. Specially as a chest full of medals might impress the currently unimpressed parents of his childhood sweetheart. So Frank ups his age and volunteers with his horse Daisy ... and his dad.

In the deserts of Egypt and Palestine he experiences all the adventure he ever wanted, and a few things he wasn't expecting. Heartbreak, love and the chance to make the most important choice of his life.

They were loyal creatures, the men and horses of the Australian Light Horse, but war doesn't always pay heed to loyalty. This is the powerful story of a young man's journey towards his own kind of bravery. (Source: Penguin)

The following video captures images of the life of horses and their handlers in the theatre of war. These images will provide context when you read Loyal Creatures.

And if you are wanting the New Zealand experience for our own war horses go to First World War horses

Would you let your horse serve in a war?

Ceramic poppies to commemorate WW1

(Source: Historic Royal Places)

What an extraordinary visual effect, over 800,000 poppies.

The Tower of London has an interesting history that also includes training World War One soldiers. For more about the story behind the poppies and the Tower of London go to Tower of London

Doggy thoughts

Two poems about what dogs probably think...

(Source: TED talks - Billy Collins)

Our dog has since passed on. She was an adorable Rhodesian Ridgeback cross. I often used to wonder what she was thinking, and especially what she was dreaming about when she twitched and yelped in her sleep. I would be gobsmacked if she thought the things that I heard in the second poem. I've witnessed cats that are capable of such disdain. What personality does your pet have? Feel inspired to write your own poem?

When we wake by Karen Healey

When We Wake by Karen Healey

Tegan dies--and wakes up a hundred years in the future, locked in a government facility with no idea what happened.

She is the first government guinea pig to be cryonically frozen and successfully revived, which makes her an instant celebrity--even though all she wants to do is try to rebuild some semblance of a normal life. But the future isn't all she hoped it would be, and when appalling secrets come to light, Tegan must make a choice: Does she keep her head down and survive, or fight for a better future? (Back cover)

For more about this book go to review