Plimmerton School

34,218 pages read and 8,353 team points

Team members

sarahs

33,603 pts

(21,752 pages read)

Canterbury Quake

By Desna Wallace

5 stars

Essential reading for those of us not in Christchurch during the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes, since this diary fiction account from a Y6 student's perspective details the stuff that didn't necessarily make the news.
When the Sky Falls

By Fred Fordham and Phil Earle

5 stars

An amazing adaptation of the classic novel by Phil Earle. Sad, poignant and totally brought to life through the awesome illustrations. Loved it.
Red Rocks

By Rachael King

5 stars

Jake discovers a seal skin and takes it home, stashing it underneath his bed. Little does he know that it belongs to a selkie. This atmospheric book was a joy to read. The author has taken a mythological Scottish shapeshifter and put a kiwi flavour on it. Fantastic.
Cool Nukes

By Des Hunt

4 stars

While the complexities of Cold Fusion might fly over some readers' heads (I am speaking from experience), the plot of this adventure kept me interested. The story centres on three students whose ambitious ExpoFest entry makes them targets for theft and sabotage. The author maintains a breakneck pace, layering the narrative with high-stakes obstacles including car rammings, arson, and organised crime. It’s a gripping exploration of how far people will go to steal the "next big thing" in clean energy.
Toa the Tohora

By Alana Smyth

4 stars

The story by a local author of Toa, the baby orca who was separated from his pod and became stranded on Plimmerton Beach in 2021. He was rescued and housed by Plimmerton Boat Club, but passed away after a couple of weeks. A sad time for locals but it was amazing how the community all came together and this is reflected in this picture book.
The Adventures of Tupaia

By Courtney Sina Meredith

5 stars

The story of the Tahitian navigator Tupaia who sailed with Captain Cook on the Endeavour on his first voyage to New Zealand. Brutal beginnings, but this book really illustrates just what an important role Tupaia had. Illustrations are awesome as well.
Go Girl - A Storybook of Epic NZ Women

By Barbara Else

5 stars

Love this selection of Aotearoa women doing amazing things. I had no idea that Margaret Mahy was talent spotted!
Bastion Point - 507 days on Takaparawha

By Tania Roxborogh

5 stars

Diary fiction account of a 12 year old girl living with her family at Bastion Point in 1977/78. It just breaks your heart, especially with the death of 5 year old Joannee. Should be compulsory reading - a very sad and awful chapter in our country's history.
Kia Kaha

By Stacey Morrison and Jeremy Sherlock

5 stars

An exceptional tribute to Māori excellence. This book offers a rich exploration of Aotearoa’s history through the lens of its most remarkable achievers. A truly inspiring read. Loved it.
The Grand Opening - The Dragon Defenders #5

By James Russell

4 stars

A thrilling and satisfying finale to this five-book series. With the villainous Pitball capturing every dragon on the island, the action barely pauses for breath. Fast-paced and easy to read, with fun interactive elements woven throughout, this is a fantastic series for Years 5–8 readers who love high-stakes adventure stories packed with action and plenty of heart
All Is Lost - The Dragon Defenders #4

By James Russell

5 stars

This book sets the scene for the big showdown in book 5, the last book of the series. The island is hit by eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis. Action packed... And of course the evil villain still wants those dragons. The AR reads (especially the Osprey helicopter) is awesome.
Kupe & The Great Octopus of Muturangi

By Mat Tait

5 stars

Totally loved this retelling of Kupe's pursuit of a giant octopus which led him to discovering Aotearoa. The illustrations are awesome.
Omnibird

By Giselle Clarkson

5 stars

All things birds - what do look for when you see a bird, what type of bird, its anatomy etc. My grandmother used to tell us off as children if we referred to gulls as seagulls. She would have loved this book and so did I. Learnt heaps.
Kimi the Kekeno's Big Adventures

By Shelley Burne-Field

4 stars

Kimi and his best friend Rata are planning to leave their home and travel to the magical Stone Circle to meet the moon goddess Hine. They have lots of adventures on the way including getting caught in fishing lines, trying to avoid the deadly hammerhead sharks and meeting up with other kekeno's (fur seals). This is a wonderful coming of age story as Kimi grows in confidence and also shows just how loyal he is.
The Case of the Angry Ghost - Violet and the Velvets #2

By Rachael King

4 stars

It's band competition time but is the venue haunted by a ghost or is someone trying to sabotage the competition? Lots of action, clues and teamwork, plus it has a great cast of diverse characters.
The Unfamiliar Place - The Dragon Defenders #3

By James Russell

5 stars

Action packed but this time all the action takes off the island as the siblings head off to rescue their kidnapped grandparents. Never a dull moment in this series.
This is ADHD

By Chanelle Moriah

4 stars

A great reference book about how ADHD presents in different people. Very useful for those staff members who have students with ADHD.
The Inkberg Enigma

By Jonathan King

5 stars

A chilling mystery in a strange seaside town! With awesome graphics and a storyline that balances supernatural spooks with sinister secrets, I read it in one sitting.
The Pitball Returns - The Dragon Defenders #2

By James Russell

5 stars

Chaos descends on the island when the villainous Pitbull arrives to wreak havoc. Another page turning, action filled adventure.
The Dragon Defenders - The Dragon Defenders #1

By James Russell

5 stars

A fabulous, Swiss Family Robinson–style adventure about a family living on a remote island whose peaceful life is shattered when three villains arrive, determined to steal a dragon’s egg and also kill a dragon. Packed with non-stop action from start to finish, this story never lets up. The AR Reads are a standout too, adding an extra layer that brings the adventure to life.
Erika and the Anger Mare

By Tom Percival

4 stars

Erika loses her temper - a lot. One night she finds herself stuck in a bad dream being chased by the ruthless Angermare who seems to be delighted by her short fuse. A fantasy series aimed at Y3/4s - this tale all about managing your temper.
Booked (graphic novel)

By Kwame Alexander

5 stars

Absolutely loved this graphic novel about 12 year old Nick who loves playing football (soccer) but whose world comes crashing down when his parents announce they are separating. The novel touches on fractured families, first love, bullying and words - Nick's father is a linguistics professor and the book is littered with little used words and their meanings. It is also about Nick's journey to discover the joy of reading. There is a lot about football as well!!
Rockybottoms - Big Little Blue #2

By Raymond McGrath

4 stars

Three very cute stories about the art of doing nothing. A great series containing mindfulness tips for our young people.
Stepping Up

By David Hill

5 stars

The strength of this novel lies in its raw portrayal of fourteen year old Ben, a protagonist whose determination is both his greatest asset and his downfall. By ignoring his father's safety instructions during a tramp, Ben finds himself trapped in a nightmare—literally stuck between a rock and a hard place. The narrative doesn't shy away from the physical and emotional cost of his choice, following his transition to life with a prosthetic limb and the heavy realisation that some mistakes can't be undone.
Black Spiral - Black Spiral #3

By Eileen Merriman

4 stars

A thrilling finale to the trilogy, with the villains finally getting what they deserve. This series will especially appeal to readers who enjoy science fiction with a strong dose of biology.
Pipi and Pou and the waves of destruction

By Tim Tipene

4 stars

In the fifth installment of the Pipi and Pou series, the action moves to the moana following reports of a devastating tidal wave and rough seas along the East Coast. The story discusses the human impact on our waterways and the tragedy of whale strandings. With a thoughtful "sprinkling" of Te Reo Māori throughout, it’s a fantastic resource for readers looking to expand their vocabulary while engaging with vital environmental themes.
Ravenous Rooster Stake-Out - Lulu & The Dance Detectives #4

By Sally Sutton

4 stars

Another criminal is on the loose! This time, Lulu and the Dance Detectives are showing off their line dancing moves at an all-you-can-eat buffet. The big question: can Lulu focus on the footwork, or will her appetite lead her astray? Constains fantastic illustrations and a solid lesson on consequences.
Sandypants - Big Little Blue #1

By Raymond McGrath

5 stars

Three very cute stories about friendship and what it means to be a good friend. Loved the illustrations as well.
Black Wolf - Black Spiral #2

By Eileen Merriman

4 stars

So I am well invested in this series (but am concerned about a small section of content in this book which definitely moves it into YA). Dystopian, science fiction, a heap of action plus some romance in the mix. Looking forward to book 3, the final book in this series.
Pipi and Pou and the River Monster

By Tim Tipene

4 stars

In this second installment of the series, the trio faces a formidable foe: Tunanui Paroro, a massive golden eel. Tunanui Paroro is furious about the junk polluting their river, sparking a narrative that blends adventure with a powerful environmental message. Te Reo Māori is seamlessly integrated throughout the narrative.
The Doggy Disco Hoax - Lulu & the Dance Detectives #3

By Sally Sutton

4 stars

Lulu and her fellow detectives have been scammed on-line. They decide to set up a trap at the fundraising disco to lure the scammer. A fun read that will appeal to dog lovers and sleuth wannabes.
Violet Black - Black Spiral #1

By Eileen Merriman

4 stars

Set in New Zealand, Australia and Germany, this novel follows two teens who wake from a virus-induced coma with newly minted telepathic powers. It’s a seamless blend of dystopian adventure and high-stakes romance. Very easy to read, but I will need to up the age restriction on who can issue it!
The Pool Party Poisoning - Lulu & The Detectives #2

By Sally Sutton

4 stars

Lulu and her dance-mad friends have a new mystery to solve, this time at a pool party which someone seems determined to sabotage. A great choice for junior readers who enjoy mysteries.
Jason Mason and the Dastardly Master of Disguise

By Jason Gunn and Andrew Gunn

3 stars

Another top-secret mission lands in the lap of schoolboy Jason Mason. Can he stop a plot to blow up every toilet in Wellington before it’s too late? It’s not quite as laugh-out-loud as the first two books, but it’s still a fun pick for readers who love quirky, offbeat adventures.
Jason Mason and the Flightless Bird Fiasco

By Jason Mason

4 stars

Jason Mason has a new mission and it involves his nemesis Hugh Jarse. Can Jason Mason save the day again? Lots of laughs and quirky comments abound in this humorous book (why is the grassy park in Palmerston North called The Square when it's actually a rectangle)? Loved all the kiwi references.
Ghost Boys

By Jewell Parker Rhodes

5 stars

This graphic novel adaptation is phenomenal. It follows 12-year-old Jerome, a Black boy from a poor neighbourhood whose life is tragically cut short after a white police officer mistakes his toy gun for a real one. As a ghost, Jerome meets other Black children who suffered similar fates, creating a powerful chorus of voices. Tackling heavy themes like police brutality, systemic racism, and bullying with honesty and care, this is a confronting and unforgettable read.
Amari and the Night Brothers

By B. B. Alston

5 stars

Amari and the Night Brothers is a fabulous fantasy romp starring Amari, a total underdog in the Harry Potter tradition—"ordinary kid", extraordinary destiny, and absolutely no time for self-doubt. Packed with magic, secret organisations, and plenty of twists and turns, this fast-paced adventure is a fun read.
Drift

By Pip Harry

5 stars

Totally loved this verse novel about Nat, newly arrived in Sydney from Singapore with his mum, and Luna, the girl next door still healing after horrendous cyberbullying. Tender, emotional and deeply heartfelt, it’s a story that is so relevant in today's world.
Frances Bloom

By Katrina Nannestad

4 stars

This story is a chaotic delight! It follows 8-year-old Frances Bloom, a rule-breaking free spirit who solves her "annoying parent" problem by shipping them off in a box. The plot kicks into high gear when a suspicious teacher tries to expose Frances’s secret life, forcing her to scramble and find fake grandparents to maintain her cover. The narrative overflows with Frances's vivid imagination, but the highlight for me is the antagonist—the teacher is villainous, campy, and perfectly over-the-top. Great for young students (Y2/3/4s) who enjoy silly, high-stakes fun - and the illustrations are awesome.
Olive Oil the New Zealand Way

By David Walshaw

5 stars

Written by my second cousin, who swapped banking suits for gumboots on the Kāpiti Coast—and went on to win top honours for his olive oil. The book is brimming with humour, memorable anecdotes, and a generous helping of all things olive.
Fire on High

By David Hill

4 stars

He came for the solar eclipse; he walked into a revolution. Jonno wins a trip to a volatile nation in South America where civil unrest is the new normal. The tension snaps when the unrest follows them into the sky, turning their flight into a battle for survival. Action packed.
No Safe Harbour

By David Hill

4 stars

A quick read that follows 15-year-old twins who are aboard the Wahine on 10 April 1968. As the storm rages and the ferry begins to fail, the terror is palpable and relentless. This historical fiction brings the disaster to life and is a great way to learn more about one of New Zealand’s most tragic maritime events.
After Words

By Helen McConnochie

5 stars

The 1931 Napier earthquake shattered the city centre and claimed 256 lives. This extraordinary book weaves together interviews and letters from survivors and their descendants, creating a haunting, deeply moving record of the disaster. From the stench of dead fish left behind as the sea retreated, to moments of looting and astonishing acts of bravery, every page carries the weight of lived experience. It is confronting and impossible to forget.
Finding

By David Hill

4 stars

A very approachable way to learn about our country's history since it covers key events such as the 1938 earthquake, 1953 Tangiwai disaster and the 1981 Springbok tour. This book highlights the fortunes of seven generations of the same family, from migrating from Scotland through to the on-line age. It also demonstrates the importance of family, taonga and connection with the land. An easy read, bursting at the seams with historical information.
Enemy Camp

By David Hill

4 stars

This book is set in Featherston in WWII where Ewen's father works as a soldier at the Japanese POW camp. Filled to the brim with historical information, old school discipline and key topics of the time like polio. It’s a diary-style slow burn—so slow, in fact, that it’s been gathering dust undisturbed for three years on my library's shelves. But it’s a hidden gem! I’m now on a personal mission to hunt down the history buffs and convince them to read it.
Stage Left, Heart Right

By Kate Forster

5 stars

Finally, a romance book appropriate for our Year 5 and 6s! I picked it up to vet it (and in preparation for Valentine's Day), but ended up reading it in one sitting because I had to know how the friendship and relationship dramas resolved. It’s got first love, parent issues, and enough angst to remind you why being fourteen is exhausting.
Just Looking, Thanks

By David Hill

3 stars

A quick read about Josh who runs away from home and ends up in a shopping mall where someone is trying to frame him. Not a lot of character development but it is fast moving with a few twists and turns along the way.
The Summer I Turned Pretty

By Jenny Han

2 stars

A book about summer romances. The main character Belly was pretty annoying, petulant and moody with a habit of flirting with multiple boys at the same time (including brothers). I am too old and too cynical - clearly not the target age group.
Detective Beans - Adventures in Cat Town

By Li Chen

5 stars

This graphic novel features a mix of crime-solving capers and quieter moments that let readers get to know Beans himself—along with his loyal best friend Biscuits and his ever-patient mum. It’s cute, character-filled, and purr-fectly funny, balancing silly tales with plenty of heart.
Detective Beans & The Case of the Missing Hat

By Li Chen

5 stars

A purr-fectly quirky mystery about a cat detective who takes his missing hat very seriously. Loved the illustrations and humour
One on One

By Craig Brown

4 stars

This is a clever, highly readable collection of 101 brief encounters between famous people across history, with each individual appearing in two encounters to create a daisy chain effect. Each chapter spins a quick, fascinating snapshot of how two famous (or infamous) lives briefly overlapped. It’s witty, gossipy, and perfect for dipping in and out of, making you feel both entertained and oddly well-informed.
Letters from the Upside

By Katya Balen

5 stars

Absolutely loved this story about Con who has been trying so hard to manage his anger, but when the class bully makes a hurtful comment, Con hits him and ends up being suspended. I loved Con's journey - you can really feel his anger, guilt and frustration. Katya Balen (the author) nails it. Loved it.
Stella & Marigold

By Annie Barrows

4 stars

A new series aimed at junior readers from the author of Ivy + Bean. Super cute stories about two quirky young sisters who both have big imaginations. Just loved all the "wild" adventures that the two siblings have - who needs to travel when your imagination can do all the work. The accompanying illustrations are superb.
Gone

By Michael Grant

4 stars

Action packed dystopian YA series set in a small town in California where everyone aged 15 and over disappears in a blinding flash, and the remaining residents are trapped inside a dome, cut off from the outside world. It is a survival story as gangs begin to form resulting in power struggles, lots of violence and some kids start to develop strange powers. Never a dull moment (and as a complete off the topic moment, the reader also learns that the author is married to Katherine Applegate).
Pride and Prejudice

By Jane Austen

5 stars

A book I return to year after year. No matter how many times I read it, Elizabeth and Darcy still remind me why this is, quite simply, the greatest novel ever written.
My Life Of Crime

By Fleur Beale

4 stars

A coming of age story about 13 year old Ant who lives with his over-protective mother, step- father and step-sister. Ant has a lot of growing up to do and he starts by managing himself (picking up his clothes, making his own breakfast), progresses to getting back at the local bullies and finally realizes his dream of travelling to Wellington. A quick and entertaining read.
The Observologist

By Giselle Clarkson

5 stars

Loved this book which is all about observing nature. It is written with humour and accompanied by wonderful illustrations. Full of useful information and prompts the reader to start noticing things they’ve been ignoring their whole life.
Tomorrow, When The War Began

By John Marsden

4 stars

Eight teenagers from a small rural Australian town go into the bush for five days. They return home to find Australia has been invaded and their families captured. This is a tense read with a heap of action. It leaves you feeling unsettled and quietly impressed by the resilience of ordinary teenagers faced with extraordinary circumstances. It also makes you want to read the remaining 6 books in the series.
Sticking With Pigs

By Mary-Anne Scott

4 stars

A gripping survival tale about a boy yearning to escape the stresses at home, who heads into the bush on a hunting trip with his uncle. If you have ever wondered what actually happens to a wild pig once you have killed it in the bush, then this book is for you. It doesn't shy away from the gritty, gut-splattering reality of field butchery.
Enemy At The Gate

By Philippa Werry

5 stars

Even though I wasn't around for the 1936/37 polio epidemic, Enemy At The Gate somehow felt like a nostalgic trip down memory lane, complete with old-school discipline, terrifying teachers and the simplicity of life before technology. The author has done an awesome job bringing this era vividly to life in a way that's tense, fascinating and oddly familiar. Loved it.
Jupiter Rising

By Gary Schmidt

5 stars

While this sequel to Orbiting Jupiter doesn’t hit with the raw, breath-stealing force of the first book, Rising Jupiter is still a beautiful read that sneaks up on your emotions and leaves your eyes a little misty. Loved it.
Ambushed

By Fleur Beale

3 stars

Published in 2001, Ambushed is a classic school story that follows Richard, a rural boy navigating life at a city Intermediate. While some aspects may feel slightly dated, the central themes of confronting bullying and finding the courage to turn the tables on the bullies remain relevant.
Get Out! Go Wild!

By Marion Day

4 stars

This anthology aimed at 9-13 year olds serves up a mixed platter of stories, poems, recipes, jokes, and fascinating facts - all centred around hunting, fishing, fire-fighting, mythology, species that have been introduced to Aotearoa and traditional medicines found in the bush. The accompanying photographs are amazing especially the ones where the boar that has been killed is larger than the young person carrying it. Will definitely appeal to those with a love of hunting.
Hooked

By Al Brown

5 stars

As kids, we’d hang off the bridge at Ocean Beach hunting eels. The problem was, I was too squeamish to deliver the killing blow. So, like a tiny aquatic mobster, I’d just lay the eel out on the bridge and wait for a hit-and-run driver to solve my problem. I just wish that this book had been around in my misspent youth. Beautifully illustrated, humorous and full of useful information about fishing - including a few pages devoted to how to choose a lucky fishing hat. Great recipes at the back plus details on how to fillet a fish. Ideal for aspiring anglers.
Busted

By Dan Gemeinhart

5 stars

(Y5-8) I genuinely can’t remember the last time I laughed out loud so often—or so hard—while reading a book. Pg 269 with its description of the toilet still has me laughing. About two 12 years old who bust out a resident from a retirement home. Witty and wildly (quacking) entertaining.
The Library - A Fragile History

By Andrew Pettegree and Arthur der Weduwen

5 stars

Think book banning is a modern invention? Nope — it’s been ruining good reading for over 2,000 years. Throughout history libraries have been shaped and threatened by politics, power, culture, technology and religion. This amazing book provides a history of libraries from ancient scrolls accessible only to the elite, to printed books for the masses, and now to digital collections. This book is a joy to read, perfectly appealing to my love of reading, my work in libraries, and my passion for history... And even New Zealand gets a couple of mentions.
The Last Secret Agent

By Pippa Latour with Jude Dobson

5 stars

Courageous, brave, determined, resilient, smart... just some of the words that could be used to describe Pippa Latour, who as a 23 year old was parachuted into Nazi occupied France to work as a British Secret Agent for the Special Operations Executive (SOE). She posed as a 14 year old soap seller but her real job was to send coded messages to help the Allied war effort. She only told her family in 2000 when one of her sons saw something on the Internet about her. Amazing read.
Teine Sāmoa

By Dahlia Malaeulu

5 stars

Honest, moving and beautifully grounded, this book gives voice to young Sāmoan girls living in Aotearoa trying to find their place between culture, family expectations and the wider world. The book is divided into three sections - fiction, teaching notes and real stories from Sāmoan women ranging from a year 8 student to teachers and lecturers.
The Songbirds of Florence

By Olivia Spooner

5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction novel set in WWII about two women who join the NZ Women's Auxiliary Corps and serve overseas in Egypt and Italy (they were known as Tuis), working with Lady Freyberg. An effortlessly informative and charming read which doesn't shy away from the horrors of war.
Undivided

By Neal Shusterman

5 stars

A brilliant book to wrap up the Unwind series—fast-paced and gripping. Couldn't put it down.
Here Upon The Tide

By Blair McMillan

4 stars

About an unlikely friendship between 14 year old Amir who has fled war torn Syria and 15 year old Milly who was deeply affected by the Christchurch earthquakes that happened a few years earlier. Both are grieving and suffering from the impact of events that were beyond their control. An awesome debut novel.
Stardust

By Neil Gaiman

5 stars

Stardust is one of my favourite movies and the book didn't disappoint. The book definitely has a more understated ending but if you enjoy fantasy romance with lots of quirky characters, then this is the book for you (and make sure you watch the movie, so good).
The Survivor Wants To Die At The End

By Adam Silvera

3 stars

YA. This book is long and has very dark subject matter (suicidal thoughts, a toxic relationship and self-harm), and it has the nerve to end on a cliffhanger. This book could have done with a severe edit. Will I read the next book in the series - absolutely!
The First To Die At The End

By Adam Silvera

4 stars

YA (14+). The prequel to They Both Die At The End and covers the first day that Death-Cast goes live. People can opt to sign up to Death-Cast and so will be phoned just after midnight on the day that they are going to die. But the launch of this new service doesn't go to plan and not all calls are made. This story follows Orion and Valentino, whose lives briefly and beautifully collide. Read with tissues.
The Winter Soldier: Cold Front

By Mackenzi Lee

4 stars

YA - One for Marvel fans and tells the story of Captain America's best friend James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes. It is told in two timelines, 1941 when he is a 16 year old American, determined to enlist and 1954 when he is a brainwashed Soviet assassin known as the Winter Soldier. Action packed.
Outside the Cage

By Carly Waddleton

4 stars

8 - 12 year olds. Short chapters. Dinosaur lovers will devour this book which is set in a world where towns are protected by giant cages and dinosaurs still roam. 11 year old Spencer must race against time to uncover the truth behind mysterious dinosaur attacks that have everyone believing that his family is behind the attacks.
Unsouled

By Neal Shusterman

4 stars

Book 3 of 4 in this dystopian series where unwanteds get sold or tithed by their parents so that their body parts can be reused. A heap of action, and the reader learns more about the architect of this technology who was tormented by how his invention ended up being used. Can't wait to read book 4.
An Amazing Chocolate Cake Summer

By Marie Munro

3 stars

(9 to 12 year olds). I have done a lot of painting in my time, both outside and inside my house and it wasn't until I read this book, that I realized that I have been doing it wrong. This book is full of information about plumbing, painting, construction and wiring (with a helpful glossary at the back). It is about a community that comes together to renovate a dilapidated house and there is something magical about the chocolate cake that sustains everyone over the long, hot summer. This is a story about friendship, community and giving without expecting anything in return. If you are considering a career as a tradie, this is your book.
From the Cutting Room of Barney Kettle

By Kate De Goldi

4 stars

This quirky and delightful novel tells a tale that slowly unfolds. Schoolboy Barney wants to be a famous film director. His slightly younger (but extremely well organized) sister Ren helps him. Then they decide to make a film about their neighbourhood which is full of quirky characters. But there is a thief amongst them and what about the mysterious envelops that are starting to appear? While I enjoyed the gentle pace of this novel, I do feel that it will appeal to adults rather than children/young adults.
Ride North

By Maria de Jong

4 stars

Aged 8-12. Set in Aotearoa, Folly’s mother has died and in her opinion, her father has taken up with a new girlfriend a bit too quickly. They live in Dargaville, and her father announces that they are moving to Auckland. Folly is shocked and decides that she wants to take her mother’s ashes to Cape Reinga. She heads off with her trusted horse Tooth without telling anyone and has a heap of adventures along the way. This would make a great class read-aloud.
Time Twins

By Sally Astridge and Arne Norlin

3 stars

(10-13 year olds) - Born a world apart, united by magic. This story, written by two authors living in Sweden and Aotearoa, follows two children born at the exact same moment—one in each country. They discover they have the ability to teleport to each other's homes. Through this instant connection, they forge an unbreakable bond of friendship, helping each other navigate the challenges of bullying and underscoring the vital roles of friendship and family.
Saving Sam

By Susan Brocker

4 stars

Ben's mum has died, his dad is in prison and his older brother Sam seems to be making some seriously bad decisions. Ben and Sam's aunt and uncle reluctantly agree to foster them. Ben is lonely and quiet but then he encounters a frightened unwanted guard dog whom he names Layla and begins to train her. Meanwhile Sam seems to be going from bad to worse - does his mean vindictive PE teacher have anything to do with it? This is the story about the healing bond that develops between Ben and Layla and it is also about self-esteem, developing resilience and standing up for what is right. A great coming of age read.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

By Sherman Alexie

5 stars

YA - This book has been sitting on our school library shelf without being issued for the past 6 years. I decided to read it over the holidays and absolutely loved it. 14 year old Arnold Spirit (Junior) lives on an Indian reservation in Spokane, WA. He was born brain damaged to alcoholic parents, and it was just assumed that he would stay on the reservation all his life with his destiny being the same as most kids that stay there - live in poverty and drink a lot. After an incident at school, he decides to change schools and begins attending the all white school in a nearby town. He has two things going for him - he is bright and a great shooter at basketball. This book is written in diary format and it is really funny - heartbreaking, but incredibly funny. But behind the laughs are serious messages about what life is like on the reservations. PS - I am going to keep this book in our library, put an age restriction on it and begin to promote it more.
Komodo

By John Lee Schneider

4 stars

Horror. This starts out as a boat trip. A married couple are on the verge of divorcing and they set out on a boat trip with the captain, the wife's best friend and the husband's ex-best friend who is in love with the wife. Next minute the boat is hit by a rogue wave and capsizes in shark and jellyfish infested waters. The survivors end up on an island inhabited by Komodo dragons. This becomes a story of betrayal, revenge with lots of savage deaths and gore. The action is fast paced, the chapters short and the reader learns heaps about komodo dragons.
The Midnight Club

By Christopher Pike

3 stars

YA - Set in a hospice for teenagers with terminal illnesses. Five teenagers meet at midnight each night to tell scary tales. They make a pact that whoever dies first will try and contact the others from beyond the grave. A sad read as the characters share their real fears about death, unfulfilled dreams and the unknown.
They Both Die At The End

By Adam Silvera

5 stars

I love the premise behind this book. On the day that you are going to die, you get an early morning call (usually between midnight and 1am) by a caller from an organisation called Death-Cast to say that you are going to die that die. So recipients have less than 24 hours to get their affairs in order. The story follows two teenage boys Mateo (aged 18) and Rufus (aged 17) who are strangers who both receive the Death-Cast call on the same day and are brought together through an app called Last Friend and they decide to meet to spend their remaining time on Earth together. Mateo is an introvert whereas Rufus was in the middle of punching someone when he got his call. They try to live a lifetime of experiences in less than 24 hours. This book is all about whether you are living or existing. It is about friendship, morality and courage. Couldn't put it down.
The Leaving

By Tara Altebrando

4 stars

Eleven years ago there was a traumatic incident at the local kindergarten and six children disappeared without a trace. Now five of them have returned and are now teenagers but they have no memory of where they have been and they have no memory of the child who is still missing. So the two big questions are: What happened to Max (the sixth child) and why hasn’t he returned with the others; and where have they been and why do they have no memories? What a fantastic idea for a story. I was riveted by the plot, although I did feel that the author could have executed it a bit better - particularly the ending which left me feeling disappointed.
Mondays Are Murder

By Ravena Guron

4 stars

Kay is returning to her hometown for a week. It holds painful memories for her after the death of her aunt and her best friend Ivy who died under mysterious circumstances. She is staying with her cousin and Uncle and on her arrival finds a threatening note on her bed signed by "Monday" stating that there are going to be a series of events happening each day finishing with her (Kay's) death on Monday. At first Kay thinks that it is a joke.... but then awful things start happening as per the note. This story is full of suspense and intrigue and I thought that I knew who "Monday" was but was totally wrong. A riveting read that keeps you guessing right up until the end.
Unwholly

By Neal Shusterman

4 stars

Book two in the Unwind series set in a dystopian world where children under the age of 17 can be "unwound" - either as part of a tithe, or because their parents have signed a consent form. Being unwound means that you are killed off and your body parts distributed to those in need. Lots of action for our three main characters with revenge, violence and betrayal on the agenda. The author is definitely setting the scene for a big show down.

6 - 0 - 1

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Plimmerton School

34,218 pages read and 8,353 team points

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