Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers:

Tourism and real life, Abby Loader and Abby Simpson

Bugs

Whiti Hereaka

Huia

2014

Bugs, by Whiti Hereaka, is an honest narrative that confronts the reader with the everyday life of Bugs, “as in bunny”. Sixteen year-old Bugs is struggling to hold onto childhood pal Jez, as he introduces the new girl in town, Charmaine, into their friendship. Charmaine, with her wealthy parents and “frickin’ castle” of a house, comes from a different world to Bugs and Jez, and while looking down her nose at the homes of Jez and Bugs, is too privileged to appreciate what she has. Jez sits on the opposite end of the spectrum to Charmaine; neither he nor his dreams have ever been nurtured by his parents and, when told by the schooling system that statistically he would fail, he accepts it as his future, leaving Bugs to decide whether to follow her dreams or her friendships.

The menace of shades of grey, Cameron Young

The Bridge

Jane Higgins

Text

2011

Havoc

Jane Higgins

Text

2015

Havoc is a fiction book written by New Zealand author Jane Higgins, the sequel to her book The Bridge. The world of The Bridge and Havoc is set in a dangerous city at war, where self-entitled, rich Citysiders fight against the Breken hostiles of Southside. These two novels twist a whirlwind of adventure and suspense, while still acknowledging ongoing problems such as war, racism, class distinction and poverty.

The central idea in these two novels is that a city split into two sides is at war with each other; the Citysiders against the Southsiders.

February, 2016 jane Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: Havoc, The Bridge

Following the rule, Emma Myles

Being Magdalene

Fleur Beale

Penguin Random House

2015

This awe-inspiring novel keeps you reading till the very last word, your anticipation is at its peak as you finish the final sentence. This story leaves you questioning the many different scenarios even after the last words have been read.

Being Magdalene is a heart-felt story of a young girl, Magdalene, who is trapped in the religious cult, The Children of the Faith, based in Nelson. It is run by evil Elder Stephen who believes he speaks from the lord. “The rule” is said to protect all members and will guide them on the path to salvation.

February, 2016 jane Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: Being Magdalene

Controlling identity, Tilly Heaton

Being Magdalene

Fleur Beale

Penguin Random House

2015

Being Magdalene continues telling the story of the Pilgrim family from Fleur Beale’s best-selling books, I Am Not Esther and I Am Rebecca. Being Magdalene tells of Magdalene who is navigating conflict within The Children of the Faith, whilst trying to protect her younger sister, strong-willed Zillah. Magdalene ponders about her identity, because the rule controls everything she does. The rule states she must be modest, seemingly, obey the leader at all times and never speak to worldly people. To break the rule is to inflict internal damnation on your soul.

February, 2016 jane Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: Being Magdalene

Like peas and carrots, Gabrielle Baird

From the Cutting Room of Barney Kettle

Kate De Goldi

Longacre

2015

From the Cutting Room of Barney Kettle, by Kate De Goldi, is a sweet and funny story about brother and sister Barney and Ren Kettle, set in Christchurch, New Zealand, in the first decade of this century.

Their tale is told in the third person by the amusing and entertaining D, who sends, along with his writing, a series of letters to the mysterious Moo. D re-tells Barney’s and Ren’s story in only a few long chapters, stopping each one on a cliff-hanger. Each chapter also contains a short letter addressed to Moo containing D’s insights.

February, 2016 jane Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: From the Cutting Room of Barney Kettle

Questions and intrigue, Olivia Pugh

From the Cutting Room of Barney Kettle

Kate De Goldi

Longacre

2015

From the Cutting Room of Barney Kettle is a loveable, New Zealand children’s/young adult’s book which is written in a unique style by Kate De Goldi. It is about the life of the young and very extraordinary Barney Kettle. A hint on the back cover gives away that the story is being told by an older man from his hospital bed, which gives this story even more of an intriguing touch.

Barney is an aspiring film director and a bit of a megalomaniac as everyone tells him.

February, 2016 jane Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: From the Cutting Room of Barney Kettle

« Previous Page