Ceridwyn Roberts brings our first batch of YA reviews for 2023, featuring stories full of space travel, mystery, and more. Na Viro, by Gina Cole Na Viro by Auckland-based writer Gina Cole (Fijian, Scottish & Welsh) has stunning world-building—rich and…
Sarah Forster shares her thoughts on two middle-grade novels set in post-apocalyptic utopian worlds, packed with plenty of adventure, miracle technology, and imaginings of the future. Kidnap at Mystery Island, by Carol Garden I love the cover of this futuristic…
Former teacher, feminist book blogger and parent, Annelies Judson gives an insightful commentary on this batch of very Kiwi picture books. My Mum is the Queen of the Road by Jennifer Beck & Lisa Allen My Mum Is The Queen…
The Sapling editor and picture book author Linda Jane Keegan gives a summary and her two cents on 20 bird books released this year. Some might suggest (okay, they have suggested, multiple times) that there are too many bird books…
Linda Jane Keegan is back with another round of non-fiction reviews, this time with a selection of picture books all about the unique flora and fauna that we share our environment with. Where is it in town? by Ned Barraud…
Briar Lawry reviews two pukapuka inspired by pūrākau Māori—featuring a retelling of the separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku and an action-packed adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world. Stories inspired by pūrākau Māori are nothing new—it’s a growing and evolving space…
Hannah Marshall offers us her opinions on four recent junior fiction releases—featuring talking cats, taniwha, secret agents and more. Pipi and Pou and the Raging Mountain and Pipi and Pou and the River Monster, written by Tim Tipene and illustrated…
Sarah Forster reviews two recent YA novels for us—one, a gritty story of overcoming grief and trauma, and the other a time-travelling novel that takes us from 2019 to 1869 and back. Between the Flags, by Rachel Fenton CW: bullying,…
Christmas is quickly approaching, so bookseller Becks Popham has four festive reads that are perfect for building up the holiday hype. The Chaos Before Christmas, written by Sarina Dickson and illustrated by Lily Emo As someone who has worked in…
Cassie Hart reviews two YA books that delve into the mythical realm. From a retelling of Hades and Persephone to a mystery novel with a supernatural twist, these novels are sure to offer ultimate escapism. Lore Olympus Volume Three, by…