How to stop a Kidnap Plot/ Sticking with Pigs

How to Stop a Kidnap Plot

Use of image by SLANZA Publisher permissions

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.

The Hate U Give movie trailer

You Tube: The Hate U Give | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX

Go to BuzzFeed to see which actors are playing the other characters in the movie.

This book has just won the Amnesty CILIP Honour award at the CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Children's Book Awards.

It has had 24, 771 reviews on GoodReads and is rated 4 1/2 stars. Inspired by the #BlackLivesMatter movement, I have heard it described as the modern day version of To Kill a Mocking Bird. 

This is a must read. There are 2 copies in the library and it is also available as an e-book.

A poem to welcome Jacinta and Clark's baby

Paula Green, well-known New Zealand poet has written a beautiful poem to welcome Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford. You can listen to it here.

Book to Netflix - To all the boys I've loved before

Check out the trailer for Jenny Han's novel. The story about secret love letters, written by a girl for the boys she has loved, which are meant for her eyes only but end up being mailed out to those boys. 

This book is also on the shelves in the library.

You Tube: To All The Boys I've Loved Before | Teaser Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Matariki and Puanga

The appearance of Puanga and Matariki are significant events in the Māori calendar. 

For Taranaki iwi, Puanga marks the beginning of the Māori New Year and appears just before Matariki.The video shows Puanga rising on the horizon just before dawn.

You Tube: Puanga/Matariki 2018 from New Plymouth New Zealand

The appearance of Matariki like Puanga appears at the end of the harvest, it is a time to remember the past and plan ahead. 

On a clear night, take the opportunity to spot the Matariki star cluster. Learn how by watching the video below. Or listen to the second video to hear a Matariki waiata.

You Tube: How to find the Matariki star cluster

You Tube: Matariki Waiata

If you are interested in learning more about Matariki you can go
to http://www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/assets/LanguageResources/MatarikiBooklet.pdf 

Designers take up the challenge to create a book character's clothing

Two amazing fashion designers have designed outfits based on a character from the Selection series and Red Queen. 

Listen to the creative thought processes as they consider how their designed outfit aligns with the character and the story. 

How did you picture the shimmering red dress, or Evangeline's clothing?

 You Tube: Epic Reads - Epic costume challenge/Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

You Tube: Epic Reads - Epic costume challenge/ the Selection by Kiera Cass