A unique story about commitment to the environment, Daniel Lovewell

Kākāpō Keeper
Gay Buckingham
OneTree House
2021

 

 

 

 

 

October 11, 2022

As a committed fan of and fundraiser for kākāpō recovery, I was excited to read this story. Anything that highlights the plight of the kākāpō is likely to be a favourite for me, and I was not disappointed.  Kākāpō Keeper by Gay Buckingham is a unique book that is based on a true story. It follows the experience of a boy who works as an assistant to the Chief Conservator, who is working to save birds such as kiwi and kākāpō from extinction.

Based in the isolated West Coast region of Dusky Sound, I could totally understand why Andrew, age 14, was not exactly thrilled at being assigned to this task.   Read more

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

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: , ,

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 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

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

Strong characters following the light, Luie Townsend

Spark Hunter
Sonya Wilson
The Cuba Press
Pub. 2021

 

 

 

 

August 2, 2022

‘You be careful out there, Nissa girl,’ he said. ‘People far more forest-savvy than you have gotten themselves lost in Fiordland. Some of them for good.’

As soon as I had finished the first chapter of Spark Hunter by Sonya Wilson I knew that this was going to be a good book.

It starts off with Nissa being taken deer hunting with her dad and family friends. However, instead of killing the stag, she scares it away so that it can’t be killed. When her family goes to leave the Fiordland forest they are in, she spots a light, and tries to follow it.  Read more

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

An informative but fun way to learn about our plastic problem, Finley Rowe

Inside Bubble Earth: Recycling
Des Hunt
OneTree House
2022

 

 

 

 

 

July 5, 2022

Have you ever wondered about the effect plastic has on Planet Earth? About the plastic age and how we got here? The ways we can change our earth for the better, and help our climate?

You’ll find answers to those questions and more in Des Hunt’s new book on plastics, what they do, and the science behind it, in a readable but informative way.

Inside Bubble Earth: Recycling is split into easily readable sections that each explain parts of the process of recycling. From our problems to our future this book explains everything you need to know about plastics.  Read more

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

An inspiring environmental tale, Nell Mace-David

Viola Vincent Reporting: Troubled Water
Anna Kenna
Tiromoana Publishing
Pub. 2020

 

 

 

 

 

“So, when the awa is sick like this one is, so are we… We have a saying, ‘Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au – I am the river and the river is me’.”

In Troubled Waters by Anna Kenna, budding journalist Caitlin is excited about spending what she thinks is going to be a peaceful summer at her grandfather’s bach. But it seems that stories follow her wherever she goes. When she first gets a bad virus, she thinks it is just a stomach bug.  Read more

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