Dilworth School (Junior)

85,910 pages read and 22,331 team points

Binky

56,989 pts
(40,588 pages read)
  • Charlie and the Karaoke Cockroaches

    By Alan Brough
    4 stars

    Not as good as Charlie’s war against the grannies, but a great sequel to engage younger readers.

  • An Angel at My Table

    By Janet Frame
    5 stars

    I first read Janet Frame’s autobiographies when I was at university. Coming back to it after 30 odd years has been a delight. The way she writes is simple yet impactful. Frame's journey of self-discovery, is a heartfelt and courageous account of her life and development as a writer. Five star read!

  • Brinam Wood

    By Eleanor Catton
    3 stars

    An eco thriller that failed to ignite. Like the Luminaries a bit of a plodder. Some hard nosed editing would have been appreciated.

  • Charlie and the War against the Grannies

    By Alan Brough
    5 stars

    I quite literally stumbled across this book on the shelves, read a couple of pages and was hooked. I loved Charlie (the main character) and the weird yet relatable way he has of looking at life. Some toilet humour, which will go down well with children. Another great book full of humour.

  • How I Alienated my Grandma

    By Suzanne Main
    5 stars

    Laugh out loud funny. And what I loved about this book was no holes in the plot! Absurd as it was, it all made sense.

  • The Apothecary Diaries - Volume 4

    By Kusuriyano Hitorigoto
    5 stars

    Love this manga series.

  • Uprooted

    By Naomi Novik
    5 stars

    I love a good fantasy rooted in folklore and I think this would appeal to the YA audience very nicely. Novik does a great job twisting our expectations -- inverting the tropes about fairy tale villains and heroes. You'll get magic and monsters, princes and wizards, sorcery and chivalry, but not always in the ways you might expect.

  • Pet

    By Catherine Chidgey
    4 stars

    When a charismatic new teacher arrives, everyone longs to be her pet. An interest mystery thriller, but feel it could still have been edited more to tighten up the great writing.

  • The Peco Incident

    By Des Hunt
    4 stars

    Des Hunt just keeps getting better. Strong boy characters, local settings and lots of adventure are his formula for entertaining and informing his readers.

  • Uki and the Swamp Spirit

    By Kieran Larwood
    5 stars

    I just love this fantasy series: it continues to delight, with wonderful characters, enticing story-within-a-story narration, and a fascinating world. Extremely well written and engaging from beginning to end!

  • The Correspondent

    By Virginia Evans
    5 stars

    Sybil Van Antwerp has throughout her life used letters to make sense of the world and her place in it. Sybil expects her world to go on as it always has—until letters from someone in her past force her to examine one of the most painful periods of her life. This is a perfect novel, satisfying and beautifully conceived and written.

  • The Grand Opening

    By James Russell
    4 stars

    The final book in the Dragon Defenders series. It's all over, The Pitbull has won! He's captured every last dragon from The Island, and brought them to the mainland. The stage is now set for the grand opening of Dragon World. Meanwhile Flynn, Paddy, and Briar are stuck in their new school, powerless to do anything about it. That is, until the make a new friend... Another action packed read which brings the series to a satisfying conclusion.

  • The Duke and I

    By Julia Quinn
    4 stars

    Having watched the TV series, decided to dip into the books and so far have only the whole enjoyed it. Nothing quite like a good romance.

  • The Ancient Magus Bride - Volume 8

    By Kore Yamazaki
    4 stars

  • The Ancient Magus Bride - Volume 7

    By Kore Yamazaki
    4 stars

  • The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham

    By Ryan James Black
    4 stars

    Set during the World War II Blitz blackout, 12-year-old orphan Nim accidentally unleashes a shadow monster onto the streets of London. He must team up with an unlikely assembly of allies to hunt it down and destroy it. Well written with a strong storyline. Worth a read.

  • The Forever Horse

    By Stacy Gregg
    3 stars

    Not one of my favourites, but an okay read.

  • The Promised Neverland - Volume 2

    By Kaju Shirai
    5 stars

    Excellent storyline, excellent artwork.

  • Storm and the silver bridle

    By Stacy Gregg
    4 stars

    The story of Issa and Storm moves to Spain. Consistently good.

  • All is Lost

    By James Russell
    4 stars

    The dragons are at risk from a volcanic eruption. Is all lost? A continuation of the non-stop action adventure between Paddy, Flynn and Briar and the Pitbull who aims to capture them all.

  • An Unfamiliar Place

    By James Russell
    4 stars

    Great story full of action and adventure for a younger audience. Great for emergent readers.

  • Fairy Tail - Volume 8

    By Hiro Mashima
    4 stars

  • Comet and the Champions Cup

    By Stacy Gregg
    4 stars

    A solid book in this series.

  • The Heir Apparent

    By Rebecca Armitage
    3 stars

    Unimaginative and too long, but an okay read.

  • The Prize

    By Stacy Gregg
    4 stars

  • The Apothecary Diaries - Volume 3

    By Natsu Hyuoga
    5 stars

    Just a really fun and enjoyable read.

  • Riding Star

    By Stacy Gregg
    5 stars

    Best of the series so far. The theme of sexism is nicely confronted in this book. Great read.

  • Showjumpers

    By Stacy Gregg
    4 stars

    An enjoyable read.

  • The Ancient Magus Bride - Volume 5

    By Kore Yamazaki
    4 stars

    The Ancient Magus' Bride is a great series. Really enjoyed Silky's backstory.

  • The Ancient Magus Bride - Volume 6

    By Kore Yamazaki
    4 stars

    Really enjoyed this volume - it focused more on character development (especially Elias and Chise’s relationship, and Alice’s friendship with Chise). The artwork remains stunning.

  • My Love Story with Yamada-Kun at Lv999

    By Mashiro
    3 stars

    Sweet, cute, quite slow.

  • My Love Story with Yamada-Kun at Lv999

    By Mashiro
    3 stars

    Cure, slow burn of a romance. Needs a bit more pace at this stage.

  • Steel Pelicans

    By Des Hunt
    4 stars

    Another well told adventure by Des Hunt for a slightly older audience. Full of life experience, bullies, mystery, and danger.

  • My Dress-Up Darling - Volume 6

    By Shinichi Fukuda
    4 stars

  • Just One More

    By Joy Cowley
    3 stars

    A collection of short stories for children. Very run of the mill.

  • The Gargling Gorilla

    By Margaret Mahy
    4 stars

    A collection of funny and clever short stories by Margaret Mahy, reminiscent of Ronald Dahl.

  • Fairy Tail - Volume 7

    By Hiro Mashima
    4 stars

    The fight between the guilds continue. Strong arc and good artwork.

  • Fairy Tail - Volume 6

    By Hiro Mashima
    4 stars

    A solid manga series.

  • My Dress-Up Darling - Volume 4

    By Shinichi Fukuda
    3 stars

  • Fairy Tail - Volume 5

    By Hiro Mashima
    4 stars

    A group of obstacles for our guild’s continuing quest on the cursed island willinclude a rival guild they recently encountered, Ezra unexpectedly finding them and being furious at them and Gray’s past coming to light and hitting him as well

  • Shooting Stars

    By Brian Falkner
    4 stars

    Egan has lived with his mum, hiding in the forest for 15 years. Forced by necessity he then goes to the city and has to cope with all of the new experiences that brings. A great for YA with a good message on how to live life.

  • My Love Story with Yamada-Kun at Lv999 - Volume 1

    By Mashiro
    3 stars

    Liked, but the female lead seemed like a bit of a push over. Will wait to see how the series develops. Artwork - good.

  • Fairy Tail - Volume 4

    By Hiro Mashima
    4 stars

    Our heroes go on an “S Class” mission to try and save a cursed island. This is not a standout but is still very good.

  • The Auditions

    By Stacy Gregg
    4 stars

    Another series by Stacy Greg aimed at the pre-teen/teen market, but a great read for all horse lovers.

  • The Promised Neverland

    By Hiro Mashima
    5 stars

    I watched some of the anime and now I'm starting to read the manga - both are excellent! The artwork is detailed and expertly crafted and the plot is interesting, flows well and is fast paced. First time I’ve ever given a five start review for manga.

  • Fairy Tail - Volume 3

    By Hiro Mashima
    4 stars

    Number three in the series and we get to see the formation of the “Super Team”. Still going strong - a solid read.

  • Fairy Tail - Volume 2

    By Hiro Mashima
    4 stars

    The second volume in Fairy Tail was not as exciting as the first one but still pretty good in its own right. What I liked the most about this volume was how it kept the spirit of Fairy Tail alive and gave us real insight into how the various magics work.

  • Phantom of Terawhiti

    By Des Hunt
    4 stars

    Another in the Des Hunt stable of action adventure stories set in a New Zealand setting. Good read.

  • The Ancient Magus Bride - Volume 3

    By Kore Yamazaki
    4 stars

    In this third installment, Elias starts to show his vulnerablity as he seeks to protect Chise. This manga has got a nice balance of fae, magic, and supernaturals.

  • Replica - Volume 2

    By Karkarakemuri
    3 stars

    A Alice in Wonderland themed manga - still not quite sure yet. Storyline can be somewhat confusing at times.

  • My Dress-Up Darling - Volume 3

    By Shinichi Fukuda
    4 stars

    Between Marin's falling hard, and the introduction of a new character, Volume 3 is really expanding the world of My Dress-Up Darling...

  • Sins of the Father

    By Fleur Beale
    3 stars

    Interesting and compelling story about Gloriavale, but writing was somewhat dull and repetitive.

  • Bloodmoon Huntress

    By Nicole Andelfinger
    4 stars

    Great prequel to The Dragon Prince, filling in the story Of Rayla.

  • The Ancient Magus - Volume 2

    By kore Yamazaki
    4 stars

    This second volume continues the storyline from the first. We see Elias coming through on some of the promises he made about why he bought Chise. Chise shows us that though she started as a slave she is a hard worker and determined to fight her battles in her own way.

  • My Dress-Up Darling - Volume 2

    By Shinichi Fukuda
    4 stars

    As the second volume of this series, this is a worthwhile follow up. It wraps up the first major arc and establishes the friendship between the main characters. It is this burgeoning relationship that makes this title another fun read.

  • Fierce September

    By Fleur Beale
    4 stars

    Juno has now escaped the dying world of Taris and her and her community have been transported to New Zealand to learn to cope with living “outside”. I thought this book was particularly poignant in terms of the Covid global pandemic and also a general hatred some have towards any new migrants to a country. Great read.

  • Spark

    By Rachael Craw
    4 stars

    An interesting sci fi book about a DNA experiment gone wrong and some of the people affected by it.

  • Fairy Tail - Volume 1

    By Hiro Mashima
    4 stars

    Girl wizard Lucy wants to join the Fairy Tail, a club for the most powerful wizards. This is the story of how she meets and joins with the “Slamander” to become a team. Good story, great graphics.

  • Erementar Gerade - Volume 2

    By Mayuni Azuma
    3 stars

  • Stardust and the Daredevil Ponies

    By Stacy Gregg
    3 stars

    This one was a little bit more far fetched than the others. Issie and the other characters don’t seem to be developing as much. Still a solid read.

  • The Apothecary Diaries - Volume 2

    By Natsu Hyuuga
    5 stars

    Love Maomao and the fact she gives a nice strong female lead to a manga - almost like an anti hero.

  • The Apothecary Diaries

    By Natsu Hyuuga
    4 stars

    I watched the anime and didn’t plan to read the light novels, but well worth it. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

  • Erementar Gerade - Volume 1

    By Mayumi Azuma
    3 stars

    Story line is relatively solid, but the artwork feels a little dated.

  • The Lost Heir

    By Tui T. Sutherland
    4 stars

    Tsunami and her fellow dragonets of destiny journey to the underwater Sea Wing Kingdom to be reunited with her mother the Queen. Tsunami must decide what’s most important to her and how it affects her friends. Another solid read.

  • Frog Whistle Mine

    By Des Hunt
    4 stars

    Another adventure story from Des Hunt set within the New Zealand landscape. These books are formulaic, but I really think they work and would be a great read for middle grade aged children and reluctant older readers.

  • The Ancient Magus Bride

    By Kore Yamazaki
    4 stars

    Good storyline accompanied by great artwork.

  • Replica - Volume 1

    By Karakarakemuri
    3 stars

    Interesting storyline, but takes a bit to unravel all the subplots. Art work pretty good.

  • Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit

    By Jesse Q. Sutanto
    4 stars

    After inheriting a grieving fox spirit, a Chinese American boy must learn to embrace his heritage to solve the mystery of his brother's death. With this book, I actually found the first couple of chapters hard to get into, but from then on it was a great read.

  • My Dress-up Darling - volume 1

    By Shinichi Fukuda
    4 stars

    Loner boy meets popular girl and find common ground via cosplay. A sweet and humorous romcom!

  • Attack on Titan - volume 1

    By Hajime Isayama
    4 stars

    My first foray into manga - interesting story line about Titans who are taking over the world and eating all the humans. Surprisingly readable.

  • Destiny and the Wild Horses

    By Stacy Gregg
    4 stars

    This book in the series introduces a new setting and a group of new and likeable characters. It makes for a light and enjoyable read.

  • The Girl Who Owned a City

    By G.T. Nelson
    3 stars

    A deadly virus kills all the adults, leaving the kids behind. Art work good, story line very mediocre.

  • The Tooth

    By Des Hunt
    4 stars

    Another great adventure story by Des Hunt - he weaves his tales expertly to keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

  • The Pitbull Returns

    By James Russell
    4 stars

    Picking straight up from the first book, this is another full on adventure to save the dragons. A good option for struggling middle grade readers.

  • Uki and the Outcasts

    By Kieran Larwood
    5 stars

    Another five star read from this author. New characters, building on the previous story line save this series from getting stuck in a rut. Great series!

  • The Third Gilmore Girl

    By Kelly Bishop
    4 stars

    The autobiography of Kelly Bishop as she retraces her steps from Broadway to Hollywood and everywhere in between, reflecting on her decades-long career and sharing some of her greatest memories and the lessons she learned along the way.

  • Shadow of the Bird

    By Tim Probert
    4 stars

    Continuing the adventures of Bea and Cad, this book delves deeper into the magical world of Irpa. The story picks up with the duo on a mission to stop the giant bird Kest from extinguishing the lights of their world. Illustrations are lush and the continuing character development of Bea adds interest.

  • Once Upon a Wickedness

    By Fleur Beale
    3 stars

    Suitable for Y 3-4s. A bit too saccharine for my liking, needed more plot and character depth.

  • Artemis Fowl and the Eternity Code

    By Eoin Colfer
    4 stars

    Eoin Colfer sure has an imagination - a wildly fun story with plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged until the very last page.

  • Issie and the Christmas Pony

    By Stacy Gregg
    4 stars

    The heartwarming story of how Issie first meets her pony Mystic. Horsey people will love this.

  • The Traitor and the Thief

    By Gareth Ward
    5 stars

    An imaginative adventure that takes the reader on journey through a steampunk world, full on machines and clever ideas. I loved the story and will definitely be reading the sequel.

  • Wolf’s Lair

    By Brian Flakner
    5 stars

    Another excellent book in the Katipo Joe series.

  • Groosham Grange

    By Anthony Hororwitz
    3 stars

    A mediocre humorous/horror about a seventh son of a seventh son who gets expelled from school and sent to a new school that seeks to teach him how to use his powers.

  • Juno of Taris

    By Fleur Beale
    4 stars

    Control. Subjagation. Preventing the spread of knowledge. A great book about 500 people living in a biosphere, for two hundred years and how Juno struggles to conform and eventually rebel.

  • Dawn Raid

    By Pauline (Vaeluaga) Smith
    4 stars

    Like Journey to Tangiwai this retells an important part of NZ history in a relatable and engaging way. A great way to learn about a piece of our dark past.

  • The Aquanaut

    By Dan Santat
    3 stars

    Mmehh.

  • The Beasts if Grimheart

    By Kieran Larwood
    5 stars

    Another five star read full of action, adventure and bunnies.

  • Tokelau Heroes

    By David Riley
    3 stars

    Some quite gruesome Tokelau stories intermingled with the stories of Tokelau people who exemplify certain qualities.

  • Sunny Side Up

    By Jennifer L. Holm
    3 stars

    Sunny Lewin is shipped off to her grandpa's house in Florida because her brother is addicted to drugs. An easy read, but a pretty light and superficial handling of a more serious issue.

  • My Brother’s War

    By David Hill
    4 stars

    This book is about two brothers who both go to war in different ways - one who signs up willing to go to war, and the other a conscientious objector. Their journeys are completely different but they end up in the same place and what they see and do changes their idea of the war.

  • The Second Chance Convenience Store

    By Ho-Yeon Kim
    4 stars

    The owner of a corner store takes in a homeless man whose kind soul and presence will transform the entire neighbourhood. A truly heartwarming tale of community and redemption.

  • Ring the Bells

    By C.K. McDonnell
    5 stars

    If you loved Terry Pratchett - this should be right up your alley. Fantastic fantasy series filled with wisdom and humour!

  • Blaze and the Dark Rider

    By Stacy Gregg
    4 stars

    I can see why any horse mad young person would love these books.

  • Changeling

    By Steve Feasey
    3 stars

    Solidly written, but lacking a little bit of pizzaz.

  • Where do Monsters Come From?

    By Richard Fairgray
    4 stars

    A creepy continuation of the Black Sand series.

  • 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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