How to Bee/ Dawn Raid

How to Bee

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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.

How to stop a Kidnap Plot/ Sticking with Pigs

How to Stop a Kidnap Plot

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A high-tech adventure and just a touch of farce.

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.

Sticking with Pigs

Image used with permission by One Tree House Publishing

The offer to go hunting with his Uncle Jeremy sounds great to fourteen-year-old Wolf … a chance to get away from the family stress. 

But this hunting trip proves to be more than he bargained for.

Listen to the author read from her book and explain why she wrote it.

You Tube: Mary-Anne Scott: Sticking With Pigs for OneTree House 

Scroll down the page to locate the review.

Shortlisted for the 2018 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

In Dark Spaces / Because everything is right but everything is wrong

Because Everything is Right But Everything is Wrong 

Image provided by: Escalator Press

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 interview with Erin Donohue as she talks about writing this story. Read an excerpt from the book.

Reviews of both books can be read at The Sapling

In the Dark Spaces

Image provided by: Hardy Grant Publishing

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.