Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers:

Violet’s final showdown, Trillion Lau

Black Spiral
Black Spiral Trilogy, book 3
Eileen Merriman
Penguin
2022

 

 

 

 

September 28, 2022

After reading books one and two of the Black Spiral trilogy by Eileen Merriman, I thought that, surely, Violet would finally be free, and maybe a mother too. I had a lot of questions. I began reading hoping for a good, satisfying ending. Without giving any spoilers, I finished the book with only a few questions remaining, and I couldn’t have predicted how Merriman revealed information. The book used background exposition in ways I have never seen before; it was detailed and had its own section dedicated to it.  Read more

September, 2022 Melissa Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: , , , , No comments yet

A bittersweet and intricate collection of poems, Natalya Newman

spring clean
Sabreen Islam
2022
Self-published

 

 

 

 

 

September 26, 2022

spring clean by Sabreen Islam, published in 2022, is a bittersweet and intricate collection of poetry. Islam writes about memories both painful and nostalgic, teaching readers that a spring clean is necessary to release and confront pain.

“now that all the dust is gathered / i begin to clean”

This poetry collection turns to self-reflection and looking back on the past in preparation for the future. Islam’s poems in this collection range from carefree breaths of fresh air to grounding and pained revelations, and this variety and contrast makes Islam’s creativity and depth of emotion stand out.  Read more

September, 2022 Melissa Review archive, Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: , No comments yet

An adventure romance with deep connection, Caitlin Fuldseth

The Echo of a Thousand Voices
Jillian Webster
Book Three of The Forgotten Ones trilogy
Self-Published
2022

 

 

 

 

September 21, 2022

The Echo of a Thousand Voices by Jillian Webster is the third and final book of The Forgotten Ones trilogy. In only 408 pages the author creates a perfect ending to her series, packing the plot with adventure, romance, emotion, and the thrill of the unknown. She has managed to squeeze every emotional response possible out of my body through the use of her words. I can easily say that this book is my absolute favourite out of the series.  Read more

September, 2022 Melissa Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: , , , No comments yet

An eco-conscious Kiwi tale, Nell Mace-David

Just Keep Going
Donna Blaber
Lighthouse Media Group
Published 2022

 

 

 

 

 

September 9, 2022

‘The dolphin didn’t follow but Becky couldn’t shake the strange feeling that it wanted to show her something.’

In Just Keep Going by Donna Blaber, Becky has just come to New Zealand from the UK, in the midst of the pandemic. Her mum has so far been unable to get a spot in Managed Isolation and quarantine (MIQ), so for now, Becky is on her own, besides her dad, stepmother Deidre, and annoying baby brother Ben of course. And, on top of that, Becky’s new windsurfer is taking ages to arrive.  Read more

September, 2022 Melissa Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: , , No comments yet

A relatable yet mythical read, Jessica Dowling

Just Keep Going
Donna Blaber
Light House Media Group
2022

 

 

 

 

August 31, 2022

Just Keep Going by Donna Blaber is such a relatable book. For example, it talks about the Covid mandates, and problems with hospitals, such as how there are not enough places in ICU. The plane tickets are expensive, and everything is taking forever to arrive in New Zealand.

It is the second book I have read by this author and both of them I have enjoyed. I like how Blaber’s books are about people working through normal problems but then they also add something more to the plot.  Read more

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

A gripping adventure in a believable dystopian world, Amber Cayley

Neands 2
Dan Salmon
2022
OneTree House

 

 

 

 

 

August 31, 2022

Neands 2 is the second book in a series by Dan Salmon. It follows the story of five teenagers in a virus-ridden world where they must fight for their future.

The story starts where Neands left off, with Charlie, Pru and Ivy seeking refuge on an island only inhabited by humans, with no Neands in sight. But they cannot sit still knowing the future of humanity is at risk, so they leave their sanctuary to embark on a journey through strife and struggle to find the answers they so strongly desire.  Read more

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

A story of darkness told with warmth, Ciara McLellan

The Haunting
Margaret Mahy
Hachette
Originally published 1982
Republished 2017

 

 

 

August 24, 2022

From the opening of The Haunting to its satisfying conclusion, Margaret Mahy delves into the secret legacy gifted to select members of the family, and how the family’s secrets, even ones deeply buried in the past, constrain the relationships of the Scholar family.

Eight-year-old Barney has been haunted before, but this time, it’s different. We see this in the very first sentence of the book, which hooks us nicely into the beginning of this wonderful adventure. “When, suddenly, on an ordinary Wednesday, it seemed to Barney that the world tilted and ran downhill in all directions, he knew he was about to be haunted again.”  Read more

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

An exciting story with a balance of joy and shadow, Savarna Yang

Ransomwood
Sherryl Jordan
Scholastic
Pub. 2012

 

 

 

 

August 24, 2022

 ‘“You’re my property,” he said, between clenched teeth, “and I’ll dispose of you as I wish.”

Gwenifer is the unwanted child her uncle was made to take in when her mother died. Harry is the village halfwit everyone thinks they have the right to manipulate and exploit. And both of them are people who feel they can never really belong in the judgemental town of Grimblebury.

After an accident and a scandal, Gwen and Harry are forced to leave the village and accompany blind Mother Dorit, the steward’s mother, on a pilgrimage to Ransomwood, the town where a statue of the Holy Mother is rumoured to cry healing tears each day at dawn.  Read more

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A story of determination, patience and friendship, Amelia Mackenzie

Just Keep Going
Donna Blaber
Light House Media Group
2022

 

 

 

 

 

August 15, 2022

Filled with drama and action, Just Keep Going is a thrilling story about a brave, young girl with a strong will to succeed, adapting to life in a new country without her Mum. This story also includes a persistent dolphin, a magical stone, marine pollution and new friendships.

Becky and her Mum move from the U.K. to New Zealand. Becky flies to New Zealand by herself and stays at her Dad’s while her Mum stays back to try to sell their house.  Read more

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BooksAlive: connecting tamariki to book awards

We sent a reporter from Hooked on NZ Books He Ao Ano to Wednesday’s BookAlive Day at the National Library. As well as live-tweeting and Instagramming from the venue, Keira (left) talked to authors, illustrators, teachers and students about what made the event special.

Her report follows.

On a freezing, sleety August day, Wellington school students got invited to spend a few hours at the National Library as part of the annual New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults (NZCYA Awards). The kids got to kōrero with and be inspired by some award-nominated authors and illustrators. This was the final event in NZCYA’s BooksAlive programme, which has consisted of a series of virtual events over the past few weeks.  Read more

August, 2022 Melissa Hear from writers, Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: , , ,
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