An inspiring story of struggle and courage, Iris Jones

Impossible: My Story (Young Reader’s Edition)
Stan Walker
HarperCollins
Pub. 2020 (new edition 2022)

August 8, 2022

I was really excited when I got to choose this book because I love Stan Walker’s songs. When thinking about the title of the book, I imagined it was about Stan’s life or something he didn’t think he could achieve. My guess was kind of right – it was his life’s journey so far and some of his struggles and difficulties he had to figure out by himself.

His story begins in childhood, growing up in Tauranga and Australia. Read more

August, 2022 Melissa Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: inspiration, Māori, memoir, music, Stan Walker

An honest and insightful look into a sports star’s life, Trillion Lau

The Second Phase
Sione Faumuina
2016

June 21, 2022

The Second Phase is the first autobiography I have ever read. What drew me to it was, that I hoped to get a glimpse of what the life of a high profile person was like behind closed doors. Was he swamped with responsibilities? How did he feel about meeting his fans? And, I knew that he would talk about addiction, so I was curious to understand this struggle.

This book follows the life of Sione Faumuina, from childhood to the present, showing his ups and downs. We learn that the ‘dream’ job of becoming a professional sports player may not be suited for everyone. Read more

June, 2022 Melissa Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: addiction, autobiography, celebrity, inspiration, memoir, Pasifika, rugby league, Sione Faumuina, sports

A story that hooks in the reader from the first page, Jessica Dowling

Impossible: My Story (Young Reader’s Edition)
Stan Walker
HarperCollins
Pub. 2020 (new edition 2022)

May 26, 2022

I absolutely loved this book.

Most autobiographies I find hard to read, but this one, Impossible: My Story by Stan Walker, was the best. Horrible things happened in Stan’s childhood, but it was great to read how he got through it all. I think it was amazing of Stan to talk about his childhood. It shows courage.

I love how this book is all about Stan’s journey and what he did. I loved how his family was based a lot in the story and how he embraces his culture. Read more

May, 2022 Melissa Review archive, Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: Childhood, inspiration, Māori, memoir, music, Stan Walker

Giving a deeper meaning to the songs, Brianna Hellyer

Impossible: My Story (Young Reader’s Edition)
Stan Walker
HarperCollins
Pub. 2020 (new edition 2022)

May 23, 2022

Impossible by Stan Walker is truly a story of courage, and having the strength to keep on going. That may sound cheesy, but it’s true.

Stan writes about the hard times in his life; the ups and downs, and the challenges he faced throughout his childhood. I can’t find enough words to describe how amazing this book was.

What I love most about Impossible, is that Stan isn’t ashamed to show his emotions; he shows them openly, and isn’t scared to hide anything. Read more

May, 2022 Melissa Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: biography, Christian, inspiration, Māori, memoir, music, Stan Walker

A moving and honest story of sadness and success, Finley Rowe

Impossible: My Story (Young Reader’s Edition)
Stan Walker
HarperCollins
Pub. 2020 (new edition 2022)

May 6, 2022

Stan Walker is one of Aotearoa’s best singers, but nothing has ever come easy for him. His autobiography tells an amazing rags-to-riches story, in which he describes some sadness and trauma, but also happy and fun times with his family.

His childhood was filled with violence and drugs – things that no child should have to experience. His parents had been in jail multiple times and he would often run away to his grandparents’ house. But in this book I am amazed at his forgiveness towards his family. Read more

May, 2022 Melissa Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: Australia, inspiration, Māori, music, Stan Walker, success

An inspiring story about following your dreams, Caitlin Fuldseth

Learning to love Blue
Saradha Koirala
Record Press
Pub. 2021

October 06, 2021

Learning to love Blue by Saradha Koirala is a well-written book about friendships, adventure, music and following your dreams. The main character is a major inspiration as she never gives up on her dream, not once. She is always working towards it.

Paige, the main character, is an 18-year-old girl who has recently moved from Wellington, New Zealand to Melbourne, Australia. She moved out there to follow her dreams of becoming a well-known bassist playing in a band that she has yet to join. She leaves her home with her bass guitar, a copy of Bob Dylan’s book Chronicles, a Joni Mitchell album called “Blue” and a suitcase with her clothes. Read more

October, 2021 Tanya Prince Scroll down to see reviews submitted by YA readers: band, inspiration, Melbourne, music, NZCYA finalist, relationships, Saradha Koirala, teenagers, ya