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Wharenui School

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    AES

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    Tracey Y

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Tracey Y

8,944 pts
(4,636 pages read)

  • Aroha

    By Dr Hinemoa Elder
    5 stars

    This non-fiction book that teaches the meaning of aroha (love) through Māori whakataukī (proverbs). It explains how kindness, respect, and caring for others can help us live happier and more balanced lives. The book encourages us to think about how Māori values can be used in everyday situations.

  • Whānau

    By Donovan Farnham
    5 stars

    This is a warm, beautifully illustrated book that combines meaningful te reo Māori expressions with reflections on family, connection and everyday life. It offers a gentle and accessible way to begin or deepen your Māori language journey, with phrases organised around speaking with, encouraging, and celebrating your whānau.

  • Mother of the Nation

    By David Hill
    5 stars

    Mother of the Nation by David Hill is an inspiring non-fiction book about Dame Whina Cooper and her lifelong fight for Māori land rights. It focuses on her leadership of the 1975 hīkoi, showing her courage, determination, and commitment to justice. The book is engaging and educational, making it especially suitable for younger readers.

  • Kōwhai Kids

    By Marion Day
    5 stars

    Kōwhai Kids is a creative non‑fiction picture book that follows the playful kōwhai “kids” as they banter and explore life in and around their native New Zealand kōwhai tree, showing its blossoms, visitors, and the animals it attracts. Through their adventures, the story teaches young readers about the kōwhai’s life cycle, its relationship with birds, and the importance of the tree in nature. The book also includes factual information about the tree and a simple guide to growing your own kōwhai from seed.

  • The Dragon Riders

    By James Russell
    5 stars

    Brothers Flynn and Paddy live on a magical island where adventures are part of everyday life. When their pet dragon, Elton John, takes them on a surprise journey to the annual dragon games, the boys are thrilled—but soon discover that not all dragons welcome visitors. The trip turns into a daring adventure where courage and quick thinking are put to the test.

  • Children of the Rush - Book 1

    By James Russell
    5 stars

    Set during the Otago gold rush, the story follows two very different children who form an unlikely friendship in a dangerous and greedy world. As they face threats from criminals in the goldfields, they must decide whether to stay safe or stand up for what’s right.

  • Mum's Busy Work

    By Jacinda Ardern
    5 stars

    Based on real conversations between Jacinda Ardern and her daughter while Ardern was prime minister, the book celebrates the love between a working parent and their child.

  • The Sparrow

    By Tessa Duder
    5 stars

    Set in the early days of Auckland’s founding in 1840, the novel follows a young protagonist navigating hardship, identity, and survival against the backdrop of colonial New Zealand. A great read that balances adventure with deeper themes of resilience, injustice, and belonging.

  • Clubs: A Lolly Leopold Story

    By Kate De Goldi
    5 stars

    Clubs is a witty and clever picture book about Lolly Leopold, a primary school girl who refuses to join any of her classmates’ clubs—like the Barbie Club, Lego Club, or the Harry Potter Club. As everyone else becomes “infected” with club mania at school, Lolly ends up one of the few not in a club and eventually forms her own quirky group with friends who are just as outside the crowd.

  • Old Bones

    By Bill Nagelkerke
    5 stars

    Old Bones by Bill Nagelkerke is about a boy named Jamie who moves into an old house and begins to sense something strange connected to the nearby Avon river. When he discovers bones and hears ghostly clues, he and his friends investigate a mystery linked to events from long ago. The story combines suspense and friendship while exploring how the past can affect the present.

  • Shadows In The Ice

    By Des Hunt
    5 stars

    Shadows in the Ice by Des Hunt follows a teenager who uncovers a mystery when a frozen body is found in a New Zealand glacier. As he investigates, he becomes caught up in danger, secrets, and environmental issues linked to the past. The story blends suspense with themes of courage, responsibility, and respect for nature.

  • I Am Not Esther

    By Fleur Beale
    5 stars

    I Am Not Esther by Fleur Beale sensitively explores the experience of a teenage girl who is required to live with her aunt and uncle and adopt a new identity within a community. The novel thoughtfully portrays the emotional challenges she faces as she struggles with isolation and loss of personal freedom. Overall, it is a compelling and respectful story about resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself.

  • Aotearoa: The New Zealand Story

    By Gavin Bishop
    5 stars

    Aotearoa by Gavin Bishop tells the story of New Zealand from the first Polynesian explorers who became Māori, to the many people who live there today. It shows how Māori culture, traditions, and connection to the land began and continue, even as Europeans arrived and brought big changes.

  • The Real Thing

    By Brian Faulkner
    5 stars

    The Real Thing by Brian Falkner follows Fraser “Fizzer” Boyd, a teenager with an extraordinary sense of taste, and his friend Tupai as they uncover a dangerous plot involving the secret Coca-Cola formula. When Fizzer notices something wrong with a can of Coke, the boys are drawn into a world of corporate espionage and kidnapping. The story is a fast-paced adventure that explores friendship, loyalty, and the power of uncovering the truth.

  • Coming Back

    By David Hill
    5 stars

    Coming Back by David Hill tells the story of Ryan, who has just got his driver’s license and is in the car with his friends, and Tara, who is out running on her way home — neither paying enough attention. A sudden car accident brings their lives together and impacts many people around them. The novel follows the long, difficult process of recovery and shows how lives can slowly be rebuilt after trauma.

  • Alex - The Quartet

    By Tessa Duder
    5 stars

    Tessa Duder’s Alex Quartet follows Alex Archer, a determined New Zealand teenager who pursues her dream of becoming an elite competitive swimmer while navigating school, friendships, rivalry, and first love. Across the four books, Alex grows in confidence and maturity as she faces setbacks, hard choices, and the pressure of high-level sport.

  • Wildlife of Aotearoa

    By Gavin Bishop
    5 stars

    Wildlife of Aotearoa by Gavin Bishop is a richly illustrated and engaging visual exploration of New Zealand’s unique animals, guiding readers through ocean, sky and land with fascinating facts and beautifully detailed artwork. The book weaves together natural history, Māori context and conservation themes.

  • This Is Where I Stand

    By Philippa Werry
    5 stars

    This picture book told from the perspective of a World War I soldier immortalised as a statue, offering lyrical reflections on both his wartime experiences and the passing of time around him. The evocative, poetic text and haunting illustrations gently explore memory, history, and the realities of war without glorifying it, making it powerful for readers of all ages. It’s a thoughtful and beautiful story that encourages reflection on ANZAC history, community, and what it means to be remembered.

  • The Leader's Suitcase

    By Carolyn Stuart
    5 stars

    The Leader’s Suitcase by Carolyn Stuart uses the metaphor of a leader carrying a suitcase to explore essential tools and strategies for effective leadership. The book focuses on the first set of leadership skills needed to set oneself up for success in a complex world, drawing from positive psychology and practical leadership practices. It serves as a guide for leaders to move from merely surviving to thriving and becoming the kind of leader they aspire to be.

  • Kiwi Moon

    By Gavin Bishop
    5 stars

    Kiwi Moon by Gavin Bishop tells the gentle story of a young kiwi who believes the moon is his mother watching over him. The soft, poetic text and warm illustrations create a dreamy nighttime atmosphere filled with wonder and emotion.

  • Ardie Savea

    By Jono Houzet
    5 stars

    A One Good Kiwi Story: Ardie Savea is a heartwarming children’s book that chronicles the All Black star's childhood journey and the determination required to pursue his rugby dreams. The narrative highlights the challenges Ardie and his brother Julian faced, such as finding creative ways to get to Saturday morning practices while their parents worked, emphasizing the "village" of support from family and friends that helped them succeed.

  • A Different Kind of Power

    By Jacinda Ardern
    5 stars

    In her memoir A Different Kind of Power, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern chronicles her journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a global icon of empathetic leadership. The book explores how she navigated unprecedented national crises—including the Christchurch mosque attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic—while redefining traditional notions of strength through kindness and vulnerability. Ultimately, Ardern shares an intimate look at the challenges of balancing motherhood with high-level governance, offering a manifesto on how leading with compassion can effectively change the world

  • What do you do with a chance?

    By Kobi Yamada
    5 stars

    In What Do You Do With a Chance?, a child is offered a glowing opportunity but hesitates out of fear of failure and the embarrassment of falling down. After watching several chances pass him by, he realizes that the regret of missing out is worse than the fear of trying, so he finally takes a "leap of faith." The story ends by revealing that chances are meant to be taken, because they are the paths that lead us to incredible new adventures and show us what we are truly capable of.

  • What do you do with a problem?

    By Kobi Yamada
    5 stars

    In What Do You Do With a Problem?, a child is followed by a persistent, dark cloud that grows larger and more intimidating the more it is ignored and worried about. After finally gathering the courage to face the cloud head-on, the child discovers that the problem actually contains a "hidden opportunity" to learn and grow. The story concludes by teaching that problems shouldn't be feared, as they are often the very things that make us stronger and braver.

  • What do you do with an idea?

    By Kobi Yamada
    5 stars

    After discovering a strange new idea, a young boy initially tries to hide it from the world out of fear that it is too "weird" or will be judged by others. However, as he begins to nurture and "feed" the idea with his attention, he finds that it makes him feel more alive and his world begins to shift from monochrome to vibrant color. The story concludes with the realization that ideas need courage to grow, and that once they are fully embraced, they have the power to take flight and change the world.

  • Harnessing the Science of Learning

    By Nathaniel Swain
    5 stars

    Harnessing the Science of Learning by Nathaniel Swain is a concise, practical guide that translates research from cognitive science into clear classroom and school-wide practices. Blending theory with real-world school case studies, it shows how evidence-based approaches to curriculum, instruction, and implementation can improve learning outcomes. Accessible and pragmatic, it’s especially useful for teachers and school leaders seeking to turn learning science into effective practice.

  • The Comeback Code

    By Jake Bailey
    5 stars

    The Comeback Code by Jake Bailey is a motivational guide about rebuilding yourself after major setbacks. Drawing on his experience surviving cancer, Bailey explains how resilience, mindset, discipline, and purpose help people turn adversity into growth. The book emphasizes taking ownership of your attitude, focusing on what you can control, and using challenges as fuel to come back stronger—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

  • Lessons in Living

    By Nigel Latta
    5 stars

    Lessons in Living by Nigel Latta is a practical, reflective book about living well in the face of challenge. Drawing on his work as a psychologist and his own life experiences, Latta shares simple, honest lessons about taking responsibility, focusing on what you can control, and valuing relationships. The book encourages resilience, perspective, and intentional living, delivered with warmth and humour.

  • Virtuous Educational Leadership

    By Viviane Robinson
    5 stars

    Robinson presents virtuous leadership as leadership that is ethical, learner-centred, evidence-based, and courageous, with a clear focus on improving teaching quality and equitable outcomes for all learners.

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