Perfection, lies and love

Flawed

Celestine North lives a perfect life. She's a model daughter and sister, she's well-liked by her classmates and teachers, and she's dating the impossibly charming Art Crevan. But then Celestine encounters a situation in which she makes an instinctive decision. She breaks a rule and now faces life-changing repercussions. She could be imprisoned. She could be branded. She could be found FLAWED. (Back cover)

Cecelia Ahern talks about her book with Anthony Breznican at the L.A. Times Festival of Books in the following video.

You Tube: Book View Now

Dangerous Lies

Stella Gordon's life is a lie. She does not belong in Thunder Basin, Nebraska. As the star witness in a murder trial against a drug dealer, Stella is now in the Witness Protection Program. The small town locals can never know who she really is. Not even Chet Falconer, the one boy who makes her want to reveal her true self. She knows that telling the truth will only bring violence to this safe haven.

Despite how hard Stella tries to stay under the radar, danger is fast-approaching. (Source: Simon and Schuster)

You Tube: SimonandSchuster

For a preview of the book, read here

Angel Cake

Anya used to dream of moving to Britain to start a brand-new life. But as she sits in a school where nobody understands her, she dreams of Polish summer skies and the place where she once belonged. Then Anya meets bad boy Dan. He's no angel, but she's sure there's a sweeter side to him. And when things begin to fall apart, Anya realizes she's not alone - how can Dan be such bad news when being with him feels like heaven? (Back cover)

Read or listen to an extract of the book at CathyCassidy

New books on the shelves

Image: HarperCollins

Book 1 in the Soldier Girl series. Set in an alternate World War 2 where young women are called up to fight alongside men, this is the story of Rio Richlin and her sisters-in-arms as they go into battle against Hitler's forces. Read a review here and check out the book trailer below.

You Tube: Michael Grant

Head Over Heels

Image: HarperCollins

Harriet Manners knows almost every fact there is.

She knows duck-billed platypuses don’t have stomachs.

She knows that fourteen squirrels were once detained as spies.

She knows that both chess and snakes and ladders were invented in the same country.

And for once, Harriet knows exactly how her life should go. She’s got it ALL planned out. So her friends seem less than happy, Harriet is determined to Make Things Happen!

If only everyone else would stick to the script…

But is following the rules going to break hearts for GEEK GIRL? (Source: HarperCollins)

Good Reads reviews are raving about the fifth book in the Geek Girl series.

Twenty Questions for Gloria

Gloria is tired of her ordinary life. So when a mysterious boy bent on breaking the rules strolls into her classroom , Gloria is ready to fall under his spell. By the time she learns the truth about him, she is a long way from home... (Back cover)     This thriller will have you intrigued, read a review here.

Enemy Camp

Image: PenguinBooks

It's 1942, and Featherston becomes the location for a prisoner-of-war camp for Japanese soldiers. Ewen and his friends are given the impression that these enemies deserve to be treated harshly. On seeing the prisoners through a barbed wire fence, the boys only see people, not a dangerous and cruel enemy. However, tensions are rising.....

The story is based on an historical incident that resulted in the death of Japanese prisoners and one guard. It has been described as a dark moment in New Zealand's history. You can find out more by reading this article from the Dominion Post.

New Zealand Sign Language Week - Te wiki o te reo turi

New Zealand Sign Language Week is an opportunity for all New Zealanders to find out a bit more about New Zealand Sign Language, and get a chance to try it for themselves.

Try your ninja signing skills in this online game. It is challenging but worth a go.

Listen to the following video about Ren who expresses her frustration at the way others treat her because she is deaf. I am guilty of number four. I attended a community class to learn sign language and it was the first encounter I had to converse with a deaf person and I fell into this trap. I learnt a lot about my own ignorance. Have you seen or heard of any of the other ten?

You Tube: Eleven things you should about deaf people

Easter reading

The upcoming Easter break will offer opportunities to relax, reflect on the goodness and mercy of God, and finally have time to read! There are many new books to choose from, below are a few to tempt you.

Image: HarperCollins

Lee Westfall has a secret. She can sense the presence of gold in the world around her. Veins deep beneath the earth, pebbles in the river, nuggets dug up from the forest floor. The buzz of gold means warmth and life and home—until everything is ripped away by a man who wants to control her.

You Tube: Epic Reads

Velocity by Chris Wooding

Image:Scholastic

Described as Hunger Games on wheels. Cassica and Shiara live in a harsh outback settlement. Destination: nowhere. But they have a dream. To win the Widowmaker: an off-road rally through the deadly Badlands. It’s their ticket to fame and fortune. Or to the mortuary. 

The truth about Peacock Blue by Rosanne Hawke

Image:AllenandUnwin

The story of a girl who suffers religious persecution as a Christian in Pakistan. Accused of blasphemy, she is thrown into prison. Life in prison is unpleasant, where Aster experiences dangerous and inhumane conditions. Her fight for justice is taken up by her cousin who lives in Australia.

Currently there is a Pakastani woman, Asia Bibi, who is still in jail five years after also being accused of blasphemy. Although a work of fiction, The truth about Peacock Blue will still be thought provoking. 

Nga Tawa 125th Anniversary

The weekend was a trip down memory lane for past pupils of Nga Tawa, and a wonderful opportunity to hear their stories. The display in the library has photos of some of the changes it has experienced over the decades.

The Wanganui Chronicle has a video incorporating some aspects of the weekend. The athletics sports, slipping and bean bagging feature as well.

Go to Video link to view.

International Women's Day

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

Music has been a vehicle for affirming women and their worth. You Don't Own Me sung by Lesley Gore and recorded in 1963 is a statement about respect and autonomy. These are reflected in the lyrics:

"I don't tell you what to say

I don't tell you what to do

So, just let me be myself

That's all I ask of you"

You Tube: JohanVilchez's channel

A more contemporary girl power song by Little Mix from 2013 is somewhat more provocative in style. The lyrics conveying a more militant theme:

"Sisters we are everywhere

Warriors, your country needs you

If you're ready ladies, better keep steady

Ready, aim, shoot

Don't need ammunition, on a mission

And we'll hit you with the truth

Divas, queens, we don't need no man, salute!"

You Tube: LittlemxVevo

Both songs are designed to inspire and encourage women to stand up for themselves and know their worth. Celebrate International Women's Day with your favourite girl power song.

If you want to go further you can take part in the Pledge for Parity

New books on the shelves

Above is a small selection of the new books that are available to issue.

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon is one that may interest you.

It is the story of a girl who’s literally allergic to the outside world. When a new family moves in next door, she begins a complicated romance that challenges everything she’s ever known.

Listen to a young lady by the name of Riley Marie as she gives us her review of the story.

You Tube: Riley Marie