An empowering historical novel, Mia Hayes

The Calling
Fleur Beale
Penguin Books
2021

 

 

 

 

November 21, 2022

The Calling is a novel by New Zealand author Fleur Beale. Having read the I Am Not Esther series also by this author, The Calling attracted me as a reader. The book tells the story of young Molly searching for her calling. Will it be as easy as she expects?

The Calling takes place in late 19th century Aotearoa New Zealand, where 15-year-old Molly who struggles to find her life’s path after her dying mother wishes for her to become a nun. However, this is not the dream of her Methodist father, who wants her to marry, take care of her siblings and follow out household tasks.  Read more

November, 2022 Melissa Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: , , , ,

An engrossing adventure through time and whānau, Ruby Bartlett

Amorangi and Millie’s Trip Through Time
Lauren Keenan
2022
Huia Publishers

 

 

 

May 2, 2022

“I wish I could travel back through time”, Mum said, reaching to touch the pounamu she wore around her neck.” POP – she was gone with a flash of light leaving behind her pounamu necklace and a very big mystery!

Lauren Keenan takes us on an amazing time travelling journey in her book Amorangi and Millie’s Trip Through Time. The story follows siblings, brother Amorangi and younger sister Millie as they frantically travel back through time working their way down the branches on their family tree.  Read more

May, 2022 Melissa Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: , , , , , ,

A must-read for future explorers, Hannah Anderson

Amundsen’s Way: The Race to the South Pole
Joanna Grochowicz
Allen & Unwin
2022

 

 

 

 

April 26, 2022

A race to the southernmost point, with a latitude of 90 degrees, the South Pole. With the British team close behind, Roald Amundsen and his team of Norwegian explorers set off to make history.

Amundsen’s Way: The Race to the South Pole is an incredible book written by Joanna Grochowicz. It follows Into the White: Scott’s Antarctic Odyssey, which is about the British expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott in the race to the South Pole.

Roald Amundsen has spent his whole life yearning to go on expeditions and make history.  Read more

April, 2022 Melissa Review archive, Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: , , ,

An emotional rollercoaster filled with suspense, Savarna Yang


Katipo Joe: Wolf’s Lair
Brian Falkner
Scholastic
Pub. 2022

 

March 29, 2022

It’s 1941. World War Two is raging and Germany has taken over almost all of Western Europe. Russia still stands, but Germany plans to invade any day.

Now Hitler’s unofficial heir, Joe St George is still in Berchtesgaden – a small town in the Bavarian Alps. His previous mission of infiltrating an elite Hitler Youth programme is complete, and he’s become a part of Hitler’s trusted inner circle. But unlike the rest of this select group, he’s a spy. And not Hitler’s spy. He’s a spy for MI5.  Read more

March, 2022 Tanya Prince Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: , , , , , ,
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