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

Seaweek: 27 February- 6 March 2016

 “Toiora te Moana – Toiora te Tangata – Healthy Seas, Healthy People”

This year's theme highlights our many connections with the sea and calls on Kiwis from all walks of life to celebrate Tangaroa’s realm, recognise the enormous contribution our beaches, seas and coasts make to our health and wellbeing, and do our bit to keep our coastline and seas healthy for all. We all contribute to taking care of our oceans. (from NZAAE)

There are many ways to enjoy the sea and coastland. Take the opportunity to add yourself  to any of the beach scenes on the display board opposite the library. Check out which staff members are there already.(circled in black)

The 2 minute video below is a creative way to highlight the issue of litter that ends up on our shores.

You Tube:Sustainable Coastlines

Citizen Scientist opportunity

The ‘Marine Metre Squared’ project, overseen by the NZ Marine Studies Centre, encourages schools, families, communities and iwi to get involved in collecting valuable data and monitoring their local seashore environment. Data entered into the MM2 website at www.mm2.net.nz is being used to help scientists improve coastal management.

Jump Crash and Fall

If you could be anywhere in a moment, where would you go? If you could change your appearance in a minute, what would you choose? If you discovered something wrong with this perfect world, what would you do? Action and danger fuel this near-future thriller in a fresh take on technology, identity and the lengths one girl will go to save her best friend. (Allen and Unwin)

Jump is the first book in the Twinmaker series and has been described as a fast paced, action thriller. No need to wait for the next books to be published, Crash and Fall are on the shelves if you enjoyed Jump.

For a review go to Uncertaintales

A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Image: Bloomsbury

Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie who was in the form of a wolf, Feye discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. (Bloomsbury)

If you need more details then read this review or listen to Sarah Maas talk about her book in the video below.

You Tube: Bloomsbury Publishing

Safer Internet Day

Tuesday February 9 is Safer Internet Day, created to raise awareness of online safety issues and encourage the safe and responsible use of the Internet.

One way you can participate is to give compliments, and enjoy receiving them. Whether it is online or in person, spread a positive message and then let it be an integrated part of every day.

Check out the video that was created by a student of Auckland's Te Kura. According to NetSafe, Hayley came up with the idea of doing a social experiment to see how people would react to having both insults and compliments yelled at them on a busy Auckland street. It has had 127,352 views to date.

                                         You Tube: Hayley Smith