A number of books are being written lately that seem to revolve around death, perhaps in light of the success of The Fault in our Stars. I am not a fan of syrupy sadness or melodrama, so I am pleased to say that I enjoyed this story. The sudden death of Amber's brother from an undiagnosed heart condition affects the family in different ways. Amber and her parents individually become estranged from each other, rather than drawing together to cope with their grief. The circumstances surrounding Liam's death creates a climate of guilt and regret that influence the characters' behaviour and choices.
The story has tension, mystery, risk and twists. A recommended read. This review confirms it.
The first few lines of a book often lead us into the story with a sense of intrigue, humour or horror. It can be as simple as "They went to war in a taxi" (The Bridge - Jane Higgins). I love a great beginning, it offers the promise of a good read. Check out the first lines of the books on display and find one that appeals to you.
Got a book on your mind that you would like to see in the library? Place your suggestion in the jar on the front desk.
Jane Williams is an 11-year-old girl growing up in 1970s New Zealand, a farming nation at the bottom of the world. Living on the outskirts of a small rural town, her family have no telephone, no fridge, and use an outside toilet. However, the family does own a promising racehorse, Jane's pride and joy - Rosabelle. When the family falls on tough times, Jane finds out that all is not as it seems in Woodville. With the help of her Italian best-friend and Scottish teacher, will Jane be able to uncover the town's and her own family's secrets and save Rosabelle before it's too late? (Back cover)
The Young Elites by Marie Lu
Described as Game of Thrones meets X-Men, this book is destined to become a movie.
Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites. (Source:PenguinRandomHouse)
Soon by Morris Gleitzman
Soon continues the incredibly moving story of Felix, a Jewish boy still struggling to survive in the wake of the liberation of Poland after the end of World War Two. What began in the first novel Once, continues with the fifth novel. Enjoy listening to Morris Gleitzman describe his journey with Felix and the lesson he learnt.
The Kevinian cult has taken everything from seventeen-year-old Minnow: twelve years of her life, her family, and her ability to trust. And when Minnow rebelled, they took away her hands too. Now the Kevinian prophet has been murdered and the camp set aflame and it's clear Minnow knows something. But she's not talking. (Back cover)
What if you were the spark that could ignite a revolution?
For years Laia has lived in fear. Fear of the Empire, fear of the Martials, fear of truly living at all. Born as a Scholar, she’s never had much of a choice.
For Elias it’s the opposite. He has seen too much on his path to becoming a Mask, one of the Empire’s elite soldiers. With the Masks’ help the Empire has conquered a continent and enslaved thousands, all in the name of power. (Back cover)
When Adam meets Robyn at a support group for kids coping with obsessive compulsive disorder, he is drawn to her almost before he can take a breath. He's determined to protect and defend her, to play Batman to her Robyn, whatever the cost. (Back cover)
One to read if you enjoy John Green novels. For a review go to Book Bag
Tess knows she's got to get away. If not for herself, then for her three-year-old daughter. but how? Stuck on a farm in the hills outside Byron Bay, she has no car, no friends, and no money - not even a phone. Then suddenly a chance meeting with a stranger offers her a way out... a road trip back to the family she lost contact with years ago.(Back cover)
Described as gripping, electrifying and heartbreaking. For a review go to Burn Bright
A group of students in their Learning to Learn class researched the topic of Digital Citizenship and presented their findings in this impressive large booklet on display in the library. It is filled with wonderful interactive activities, quizzes, a board game and practical advice. Well done Jezelle, Lauren and Rebecca.
Make sure you take a look when you visit the library.
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) celebrates 40 years.
In the early 1970’s it
was becoming obvious that less and less people in New Zealand were able to
speak Māori. Many people were concerned by the state of decline, and signed a
Māori language petition which was organised, in part, by the Te Reo Māori Society.
In total, 30,000 people signed the petition, which was presented to Parliament
on 14th September 1972. This day become recognised as Māori Language Day, and
in 1975 was responsible for the formation of Māori Language Week.(Source:KiwiFamilies)
Finnian Galbraith, a Year 11 student at Kapiti College, wrote this speech for a speech competition in 2014. He delivers a message about the correct pronunciation of Te Reo, and helps us to understand we already pronounce the sounds required.
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori gives us the chance to celebrate something unique to our country. On the display board in the library will be examples of kiwaha, everyday sayings that you can put into practice. You can also scan the QR codes to hear some proverbs.
If you are interested in learning a few more kupu/words you can also go to 365-maori-words
Image: Übersetzer: Antonie Zimmermann Orginal Titel: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Illustrationen: John Tenniel(Wikicommons) Alice in Wonderland celebrates its 150 anniversary on July 4. It was written by Lewis Carroll, the pseudonym for an English author named Charles Lutwidge Dodgson. Find out how this timeless classic was inspired by real events and a real child at Alice in Wonderland. You can also discover the variations in the colour of Alice's dress, the variety of book cover designs, and background information about the illustrations. The website also suggests how to celebrate by having a Mad Hatters Tea Party. Find out 10 things you may not have known about Alice in Wonderland. For memorable quotes, click here.
