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