Dilworth School (Junior)

34,987 pages read and 8,515 team points

Team members

Binky

22,267 pts

(16,765 pages read)

The Dragonet Prophecy

By Tui T. Sutherland

4 stars

Dragons, adventure, danger and a prophecy to be fulfilled. What more could you ask for.
The Crocodile Nest

By Des Hunt

4 stars

The Crocodile Nest is a great book. The characters are relatable, with a great mix of mystery and adventure. In particular, I think these would be a great read for middle grade boys, particularly if you want to get them to like reading!
The Fifth Mage

By Megan Reyes

5 stars

In this series, Megan Reyes has built a rich, fantastical world, where the characters drive the story forward. Fantasy readers, will dive into the realm and join our heroes as they grow to meet their destiny.
Invisible

By Christina Diaz

4 stars

A great premise about accepting others as they are and not judging anyone without having to know them. It also represents the possibility of changing this world to the best by doing simple acts of kindness.
Cry of the Taniwha

By Des Hunt

4 stars

Set in Rotorua, our protagonist becomes the target of a local gang while staying with his uncle. He also becomes embroiled in the mystery of an old jewel theft over a century before. Well written, with plenty of action and conflict.
The Firelight Apprentice

By Bree Paulsen

3 stars

A middle-grade fantasy graphic novel about two sisters and their struggles, whether worldly or otherworldly. Unusual storyline. Somewhat bittersweet. Darker than the author’s popular Garlic and the Vampire series.
The Poppy War

By R.F. Kuang

4 stars

This is a story of vengeance, hatred, and manipulation. Added to the bleak retelling of the darkest period in Chinese history, it’s a captivating book to read.
Iris and Me

By Philippa Werry

2 stars

Yeah - nah.
Mystic and the Midnight Ride

By Stacy Gregg

4 stars

For a girl who always dreamed of getting a pony, but never did - pure magic.
Steven Adams

By David Riley

4 stars

Great for emerging readers to learn about a NZer they know and can engage with.
How Tonga Got Its Name

By David Riley

4 stars

Simple retelling of the tale of how Tonga got its name. Great for beginning readers as the tale is told in both English and Tonga, with a QR to scan if you want to hear it read out loud.
Three Scoops

By David Hill

4 stars

Three unconnected short stories that each have their moment of joy.
Gold

By David Riley

3 stars

Gold tells the stories of some of our Olympic gold medallist’s. Written in short bites, with simple language and lots of visual support, this book would be suitable for those students who need help with reading.
The Real Thing

By Brian Falkner

3 stars

Very promising start, but felt it fell away. Overall a solid read for middle school aged children.
Have You Seen the Darkness?

By Richard Fairgray

4 stars

Third in the series of this dark and disturbing horror for middle school. A good bit of creepy.
The Shapeshifter - Finding the Fox

By Ali Sparkes

4 stars

A well written read about a boy who can shape shift as is taken into Government care. Good plot, good character development and appropriately paced. A really worthwhile read.
The Tryout

By Christina Soontornvat

3 stars

Coming of age graphic novel about growing up and accepting change.
Cook Island Heroes

By David Riley

3 stars

An interesting mix of Cook Island myths with the stories of real Cook Islanders.
Blitzkrieg

By Brian Flakner

5 stars

Schoolboy, spy, assassin; Joe is all these things and more. This must-read is full of action and heroism. It is a solid read with strong characters and one of those stories you just have to keep reading to see what happens next.
Maui and Other Maori Legends 8 Classic Tales of Aotearoa

By Peter Goddage

4 stars

A simple retelling of New Zealand’s creation myths.
The Cruel Prince

By Holly Black

3 stars

Somewhat predictable YA fantasy - but will definitely have an audience.
Do You Remember the Summer Before?

By Richard Fairgray

4 stars

I’m starting to seriously like this creepy, unusual horror story.
Are You Afraid of the Light?

By Richard Fairgray

3 stars

Weird and a bit creepy but a good first step into the horror genre.
The Gift of Dark Hollow

By Kiernan Larwood

5 stars

A gripping, adventurous fantasy even more magical than the first. Beautifully structured and written with wonderful characters. An entirely captivating series.
1914 : Riding into War

By Susan Brocker

4 stars

Riding Into War is an excellent 'first' in the “Kiwis at War” series. With her clear writing skills, obvious research and good use of dialogue, she has woven a tale that will be well-received.
Gorillas in Our Midst

By Richard Fairgray

5 stars

An unexpected delight. Loved it!
Journey to Tangiwai

By David Hill

4 stars

A great historical novel centred around the 1953 Tangiwai disaster. One of the better titles in the ‘My New Zealand Story’ series.
The Last Ice Phoenix

By Megan Reyes

5 stars

This was a great continuation of the Heroes Of Havensong series. The author has done a great job building the world and characters in this magical adventure.
See Ya Simon

By David Hill

4 stars

An engaging read. Funny, quirky, realistic and sad.
Red Snow

By Will Dean

3 stars

An okay mystery, but felt it lacked a real villain with a purpose.
Unhappy Camper

By Lily LaMotee

3 stars

Middle school graphic novel that deals with cultural identity, peer pressure, and bullying. Michelle navigates the complexities of family and friendship while also learning to embrace her identity as a Taiwanese American.
The House at the Edge of Magic

By Amy Sparkes

4 stars

A delightfully inventive magical story.
Trust No One

By Paul Cleave

3 stars

A decidedly average crime/mystery novel. Premise was good, but writing wasn’t tight enough to maintain momentum.
Pounamu Pounamu

By Witi Ihimaera

5 stars

Loved this collection of short stories about Māori by Māori.
Hunt for the Golden Scarab

By M.G. Leonard

4 stars

A fast paced adventure, with loads of fun facts hidden in the story. It’s definitely rekindled my love of ancient Egypt.
New Zealand Stories - 10 Stories by Katherine Mansfield

By Selected and introduced by Vincent O’Sullivan

4 stars

Haven’t read any Katherine Mansfield since my university days, so it was quite a delight to be reacquainted with her work. She has a beautiful way with words that capture the NZ experience.
This is Why We Lied

By Karin Slaughter

4 stars

Karin Slaughter has delivered another addictive, shocking Will Trent thriller.
Garlic and the Witch

By Bree Paulsen

5 stars

‘Garlic and the Witch’ serves up another tale of friendship, magic, and self-discovery. A great quick read.
Ghosts

By Raina Telgemeier

3 stars
Revenge of the Misfits

By Jamie Littler

5 stars

A satisfying end to the trilogy. A great adventure laden fantasy on what you can do if you never give up.
The Dark Times

By Tim Probert

4 stars

Engaging story about friendship, never giving up and being resilient. Great artwork to boot.
The Labyrinth of Lost and Found

By Jordan Lees

4 stars

Another inventive fantasy the will capture the imagination. Suitable for middle school aged children.
Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo

By Philippa Leathley

5 stars

Imaginative well written fantasy. Suitable for those who like Harry Potter. Great read.
Verse

By Sam BECK

3 stars

Plot sometimes disjointed and hard to follow.
Crossover

By Kwame Alexander

4 stars

Cleverly captivating, presented in poetic form, I cannot believe how much this catchy story covers.
The Bookshop Detectives : Tea and Cake and Death

By Gareth Ward

3 stars

An okay tame mystery - but could have done with an edit - bit too wordy.
Podkin One-Ear

By Kieran Larwood

5 stars

Wasn’t overly enthused about reading about rabbits but this story of brave young warrior rabbits is well-written and wildly exciting. A five star read.
Wingborn

By Marjorie Liu

4 stars
Spark

By M.G. Leonard

4 stars

Number two in a great adventure series where twitchers (bird watchers) are the ultimate eco warriors.
Garlic and the Vampire

By Bree Paulson

4 stars

Definitely suited for a younger audience, but a great little book about diversity and friendship.
Pandemic

By Sally Stone

3 stars

Short historical novel that tells about the arrival of the Spanish Flu to NZ as told through the eyes of an 11 year old girl.
Salt Bones

By Jennifer Givhan

4 stars

A satisfying mix of mystery and myth.
The Thieves’ Revenge

By J.J. Arcanjo

4 stars

A satisfying end to an excellent series. Suitable for middle school.
Wingbearer

By Marjorie Liu

4 stars

An action packed graphic novel with a very good plot. Themes of courage, friendship. Suitable for middle school aged children.
Dead Girl Gone

By Gareth Ward

3 stars
The Girl and the Galdurian

By Tim Probert

4 stars

Great middle school graphic novel of the importance of friendship and how to believe in yourself.
The Cool Code

By Deirdre Langeland

3 stars

Transitioning from homeschooling to normal school, Zoe writes an app to teach her to be “cool’. Well written, with nice illustrations. Good read for middle school aged kids.
Mad Mabel

By Sally Hepworth

5 stars

An unexpected delight.
Funny Kid for President

By Matt Stanton

4 stars

Although centred around toilet humour, it would me a good gateway drug for reluctant middle school students.
The Parihaka Woman

By Witi Ihimaera

4 stars

A story of colonialism and the collision of two cultures of unequal power.
Brownstone

By Samuel Teer

4 stars

An award winning graphic novel that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
The Witch Who Stormed the Palace

By Ryan Graudin

5 stars

In this excellent sequel to The Girl Who Kept the Castle, Faye must face down the trial of three other Wizards and defeat the Shadow Queen once and for all to become the first Witch of the West.
The Gingerbread Bakery

By Laurie Gilmour

3 stars

The Gingerbread Bakery is a cozy romantic novel with an enemies to lovers dynamic in a small-town setting.

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Dilworth School (Junior)

34,987 pages read and 8,515 team points

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