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.

Bugs by Whiti Hereaka

                                                        Image: Random House Books New Zealand

Bugs is a finalist in the 2014 New Zealand Post Book Awards. It is a book well worth considering to read.

In his review at  BobsBookBlog, he describes the story as witty, hard hitting, passionate, funny and it is right on the nail.

They call me Bugs. As in Bunny. Yeah I know.' Meet Bugs: smart, sarcastic, sixteen and stuck in a small town without a driver’s license. Bugs has been best mates with Jez forever, they’ve always been Jez and Bugs, Bugs and Jez. That is until Stone Cold, the new girl, arrives in town. Year 12 was already going to be a challenge without adding spoilt, bitchy Stone Cold to the mix. Why would anyone want to be mates with her? But things are never as they seem on the surface – not the picture perfect postcard views of Taupo, not the drama queen antics of Stone Cold, not the quiet brooding of Jez. Not even Bugs. Now as the future closes in, each will struggle with expectation; either trying to live up to them, or trying to live them down. (Back cover)

To listen to a 5 minute  interview with the author go to Radio New Zealand