Ilena had the pleasure of reading her poem on National Poetry Day, joined by other notable NZ poets at Unity Books in Wellington. Find out where Ilena's inspiration for her poem came from at NZPoetryShelf The calibre of writing is tremendous, go to School Poetry Award to read the poetry of the other nine finalists.
Rupi Kaur has created two poetry collections, the first one is Milk and Honey and the second The sun and her flowers. She is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. This is quite an achievement for a poet. Listen to her interview with Jimmy Fallon and the reading of her poem Timeless. If you enjoy her poetry, both these books are available in the library.
A story about family, loyalty, kindness and bravery, set against an all-too-possible future where climate change has forever changed the way we live. (Allen&Unwin) Read an excerpt of the story which sets the scene. Need more convincing then read this review. Shortlisted for the 2018 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
Dawn Raid
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Like many 13-year-old girls, Sofia's main worries are how she can earn enough pocket money to buy the groovy go-go boots that are all the rage, and if she will die of embarrassment giving a speech she has to do for school! It comes as a surprise to Sofia and her family when her big brother, Lenny, talks about protests, overstayers and injustices against Pacific Islanders. (Back cover)
Read an excerpt here. Then read the book and learn about this appalling period in New Zealand's history.
Shortlisted for the 2018 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
Michael's payback prank on sworn enemy, Angus, backfires and he finds himself in the school production as a tree. When he overhears a kidnapping plot that suggests Angus is the target, Michael and his friends set out to solve the kidnap mystery.
Read the review here and you will want to read this book. Read an excerpt from How to stop a kidnap
Shortlisted for the 2018 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
Caleb is in his last year at high school, and with it comes all the challenges and pressures. When it all gets too much he struggles to keep it together. This story is based on the author's own recovery from anorexia and battles with depression and anxiety. Described as raw and honest with beautiful poetic language. Shortlisted for the 2018 NZ Book Awards, and available in the library. Listen to the Radio interviewwith Erin Donohue as she talks about writing this story. Read an excerpt from the book.
Even if you are not a Sci-Fi fan this Book review will change your mind. Tamara has seen her family killed by an alien race, the Crowpeople, and is then kidnapped by them. She learns their ways in order to survive and experiences many horrors as a result. The violence is not for the fainthearted. As Tamara learns more about the Crowpeople, she discovers her own loyalties are tested. This story explores themes of family, belonging, survival, human rights and cultural differences. Another worthy entry on the NZ Book Awards shortlist.
Listen to an interview with Cally Black to hear more about the story behind her novel.
