Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers:

Coming-of-age novel with all the fundamentals of fantasy writing, Prabhleen Notra


The Last Kingdom
Denika Mead
Pub. 2020

 

 

January 25, 2022

“Rise from the ashes, my Phoenix.”

There were two deaths; one prompted a war between species, the other became a catalyst for a final, defining battle. Years before the main story begins, there was a Pixie King who hoped to negotiate amongst the four kingdoms of the land. To the dismay of his daughter, those who he tried to commune with caused his untimely demise. Thus, the antagonist was born: a revenge-driven, humanity-less pixie queen.

Phoenix is a 17-year-old boy with no intention of succeeding his father — King Raymond — as he does not believe he has the ability.  Read more

January, 2022 Tanya Prince Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: No comments yet

Meaningful messages in a heart-warming story, Samantha Waters


Just End It
Donna Blaber
Light House
Pub. 2020

 

January 19, 2022

This heart-warming story is a must read for anyone who likes books with a feel-good ending.

It all starts one day when teenager Jessie Brown goes to Whale Bay. It’s a beautiful beach that she hasn’t thought much of until she takes a glittering black rock that is lying on the sand. She has no idea how her life is about to change. Jessie doesn’t know that if it is taken without permission, you become cursed with bad luck. The rock also has a huge story to tell that explains Jessie’s new friend only appears in her dream but becomes a big part of life.  Read more

January, 2022 Tanya Prince Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: No comments yet

An absolute must have for any artist, Brianna Hellyer

Draw Some Awesome
Donovan Bixley
Upstart Press
Pub. 2021

 

January 19, 2022

Do you love to draw? Are you constantly looking for new ideas for your drawings? Or maybe you just need some good tips? Well, you’ll find them packed inside this amazing book.

Draw Some Awesome by award-winning illustrator Donovan Bixley is an absolute must-have for any kind of artist, young or old. It is full of tips and tricks for better drawing, and you will feel inspired as soon as you open the first page.

From perspective to composition and everything in between, this book is full to the brim with everything an artist needs.  Read more

January, 2022 Tanya Prince Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: No comments yet

An engaging and fun ride, Charlie Kaval Wilding


Partners in Slime
Belinda O’Keefe
Scholastic
Pub. 2021

 

January 19, 2022

There is a really cool new ride called the Steel Beast opening soon at the local amusement park.  Jake and Cooper are desperate to go to the grand opening, but their parents won’t give them the money to go, and they don’t have any money either. They are desperate to go to this grand opening. They just have to be there. So, they decide to figure out a way to make the money so they could be sitting on the ride on opening day.

They thrash around tons of ideas in their heads.  Read more

January, 2022 Tanya Prince Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: No comments yet

A kaleidoscope of perspective and identity, Natalya Newman


Out Here: An Anthology of Takatāpui and LGBTQIA+ writers from Aotearoa
Edited by Chris Tse and Emma Barnes
Auckland University Press
Pub. 2021

 

January 18, 2022

Published in 2021 by Auckland University Press, Out Here is an anthology of work by Takatāpui and LGBTQIA+ writers from Aotearoa. It’s a collection of short stories, poems, comics, and plays; of literature in its many forms viewed through a spectrum of colour. This book is edited by Chris Tse and Emma Barnes, and I knew even before opening the first page that this would be unlike anything I have ever read before.

The cover is one that draws attention, as it shows many colours being mixed and creating new shades.  Read more

January, 2022 Tanya Prince Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: 1 comment

A story about thoughtfulness and perseverance, Aimee Goga


The Life and Times of Eddie McGrath
Brigid Feehan
OneTree House
Pub. 2021

 

January 18, 2022

The Life and Times of Eddie McGrath is an enjoyable read that centres around Eddie, a young teen who loves hiding behind a good book snuggled up with her pet cat, Olaf. The story is written in first person from Eddie’s point of view. Her love of books is evident in the way she thinks, talks, and writes. It was cool to see things from her perspective.

She loves being in the background and staying inside her comfort zone, so when she wins a writing competition to spend the day with a Member of Parliament, and then later give a speech in front of the Prime Minister on TV, Eddie is terrified and wants to turn the prize down.  Read more

January, 2022 Tanya Prince Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: No comments yet

A story about saving the ones you love, Sophie Whittaker


The Tomo
Mary-anne Scott
OneTree House
Pub: 2021

 

December 22, 2021

Mary-anne Scott, the author of classic Kiwi read Sticking with Pigs, has just published a new book called The Tomo. With a country vibe and an exhilarating storyline, this book seems almost like the perfect read!

“Her black tail with its white tip was the last thing Phil saw above the foliage. The bush shook, and there was a terrible dog cry – a long, anguished howl. Then, silence.”

His dad is battling cancer, the stress of his brothers is overwhelming and all the plans for Christmas are totally screwed.  Read more

December, 2021 Tanya Prince Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers:

A poignant, funny and timeless tale, Savarna Yang


The Whale Rider
Witi Ihimaera
Penguin NZ
First pub. 1987

 

‘By Māori custom, leadership was hereditary and normally the mantle of mana fell from eldest son to eldest son. Except that in this case, there was an eldest daughter.’

From the day she was born, Kahu has been scorned by her grandfather, Koro, for being a girl. Koro needs a boy, someone who’s ‘more appropriate to teach the traditions of the village to.’

On the other hand, Kahu adores her grandfather, and she will do anything to prove herself to him. But this is going be a hard task. No matter how well she shows Koro that she is worthy of being his successor, he cannot let go of tradition.  Read more

December, 2021 Tanya Prince Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers:

A must-read tale of courage and determination, Brianna Hellyer


Exit Through the Gift Shop
Maryam Master
Pan Macmillan Australia
Pub. 2021

 

December 17, 2021

“Though I’ll admit, when they first told me that death was just over there, around the corner, behind that yellow line, waiting for me, I was terrified…”

Do you like books about friendship, love, and having to find the courage to push through the hard times in life? Well, then this one is perfect for you!

Exit Through the Gift Shop by Maryam Masters is a well written and heartwarming book. It’s a tale of friendship and loss, determination and courage. I really enjoyed this book because it played on my emotions by showing the character’s emotions so deeply.  Read more

December, 2021 Tanya Prince Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers:

An authentic and heartbreaking story with some spice, Taylor Shaw


Catch Me When You Fall
Eileen Merriman
Penguin Books
pub: 2018

 

December 13, 2021

Eileen Merriman’s Catch Me When You Fall is a powerful story about falling in love for the first time.

Set here in Aotearoa, the story begins in the Canterbury Health Laboratories. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria Bird is waiting for a blood test when she meets Jamie Orange. Jamie turns out to be a unique individual whose perspective on life helps Alex deal with some bad news. They bond and their relationship grows quickly, perhaps too fast. The story follows the two teens as they face respective health challenges while trying to make their relationship work.  Read more

December, 2021 Tanya Prince Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers:
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