Eight year olds to teens edition.
Avid book collectors know that some of the best informed opinions on books are found over the counter at your local bookstore, so we’ve asked Aotearoa’s specialist children’s booksellers what they’re recommending for Christmas gifts this year.
Facing the big stacks of junior fiction, middle grade and YA novels in store can be overwhelming & confusing, so we’ve grouped these recommendations by age. Age guides are always just suggestions though! Check out recommendations for babies to eight year olds here.
With thanks to the Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop, Little Unity, Books for Kids, Chicken and Frog, Telling Tales and the Kiwi Kids Bookstore.
Books for eight to eleven year olds
Reading levels really begin to stretch in this age group, with some kids finding the transition from longer picture books to chapter books more enjoyable with illustrations and others devouring longer texts and beginning to read from the YA section. Kate from the Kiwi Kids Bookstore reminds us that ‘All books have equal merit as long as you enjoy reading them!’.
The Strange and Unlikely Tale of Montgomery, the Mysterious Bird of Mystery by Antony Elworthy.
A first children’s book from Ōtautahi illustrator and animator Antony Elworthy. This quirky, funny story has Gramps regaling his grandson with outlandish deeds from his younger days—involving mystery, magic, and a dastardly pigeon!
Detective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat by Li Chen.
This popular, locally created graphic novel is a super cute story following Beans the kitten hot on the trail of his missing hat … as long as he’s not late home for dinner. Li weaves in elements of classic detective fiction tropes —not really for the child readers, but a bit of goofy fun for adults reading Detective Beans aloud.
Flying Furballs (series) by Donovan Bixley.
The Kiwi Kids Bookstore’s top recommendation for readers aged 7 to 10 is Donovan Bixley’s Flying Furballs series. The stories are funny, the characters well developed, and there’s depth in the story layering to engage the reader, such as classic cat vs dog battles, super flying action during the early aviation era, daring spies and the intrigues of war, plus some European geography. With nine books in the series readers have plenty to enjoy.
When Bo Bimble Went Elsewhere by Sue Copsey.
We meet the perfectly round, impossibly green, and irresistibly soft and fluffy bimbles who all live a quiet, nervous existence in a hidden Fiordland valley … all except Bo Bimble who is full of questions about the wider world. A kea tells Bo about a predator fence soon to cut them off from the land beyond, so she sets off to visit before it’s too late. This is where she meets bird-nerd Bernie, who is startled to find a kakapo-like creature hiding in the cupboard of their campervan. It’s a beauty.
The One and Only Family by Katherine Applegate.
Set from the perspective of Little Unity’s favourite silverback gorilla, The One and Only Family is a wonderful ending to a beloved series. Applegate invites readers into Ivan’s world for one last incredible adventure—parenthood. Ivan navigates new and unique challenges with the help of his friends, Bob and Ruby. Suitable for all ages, this captivating story is about love, belonging, and the importance of found family.
Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor by Lucy Strange & Pam Smy.
Matilda Lockett lives with her Uncle Barnabus and charlatan psychic Aunt Signora. Matilda, however, really can speak to ghosts, namely her partner in crime Edgar Wilde. The lovely dark illustrations and haunted manor house provide a chilling atmosphere but ultimately this mystery is a perfect marriage of spooky and cosy.
Charlie Tangaroa and the God of War by TK Roxborogh.
A follow-up to her hugely popular Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea, in which we return to Tolaga Bay and follow Charlie’s adventures as he solves a mystery taking place in his hometown. Recently launched at Telling Tales’ parent store Scorpio.
The Midwatch by Judith Rossell.
Maggie Fishbone is not expecting much when she is turfed out of the orphanage where she’s lived all her life and taken to the dreaded Midwatch Institute in the city. Much to her surprise, the Midwatch turns out to be a secret training school for girls to help keep the city safe from the bad guys and is as welcoming and friendly as you could wish. As Maggie would say, ‘good gravy’! There are extra pages scattered throughout the book with mini lessons on morse code, how to hide and other useful skills. Set in a 1920s-type era, this great adventure story has a cool retro feel to it and is beautifully bound in embossed hardback.
Delta and the Lost City by Anna Fargher.
The story is told mostly through the eyes of Delta, a half-dog half-wolf and her adventures in the time of the Pompeii eruption. In this story the animals live as they do in our real world yet fully understand everything humans say and are able to think independently—the main animal characters also have a degree of self-determination while the majority of the other animal characters live by instinct or training. The historical setting is excellent—we are given a good look at society of the time, and little hints for the curious to follow up on. Being in Pompeii during the eruption is thrilling, and the chase and fight scenes are gripping. But through it all, love and loyalty drive the plot.
Also mentioned:
- Runt by Craig Silvey
- The Wild Robot series by Peter Brown (Runt & The Wild Robot were released as movies this year, which might capture the attention of reluctant readers!)
- The Hudson, The Hunt & The Helicopter by Joan Joass for an adventure set in Waitemata Harbour
- The Amorangi and Millie adventure series by Lauren Keenen for some good NZ history wrapped in an exciting story
- The Red Collie Mysteries by Kiwi Kids Bookstore’s own Kate Gordon Smith
Books for twelve to fourteen year olds
Readers in this age group will enjoy plot-driven adventures but may be interested in some of the older themes presented in YA too.
Below by David Hill.
David Hill is one of our master storytellers and this story has everything —a daring adventure into a tunnel, a life and death situation, a desperate rescue, conflict between the male and female main characters, conflict about their points of view on mining and conservation, misunderstanding and opportunities for resolution, New Zealand bush, and the realisation how much you care for friends and family.
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Tim Miller.
Distinctly Nessy, this is a zany, funny novel about a school peopled with animals. Our main character is Zeke, a monitor lizard, who with his friends Daniel and Alicia (also monitor lizards), has been made a Hall Monitor (strange coincidence). The three of them have to put up with and try to outwit school bully and wannabe supervillain Pelicarnassus (yes a Pelican). And did we mention that Zeke has France on his knee?—yes the actual country France. There are lots of issues covered here—bullying, stereotyping, mental health issues, loss and family issues. But these are done well with tenderness and humour.
Just Keep Going by Donna Blaber.
The third book in the Whāngarei-based author’s Just series but each is a standalone story. If you have young teens who love Northland beaches and water sports, are intrigued by dolphins, care about the environment and remember the stresses and disruption of lockdown, the Kiwi Kids Bookstore think they’d enjoy this tightly-written, fast-paced story.
The Grimmelings by Rachael King.
The runaway hit of the year—haunting, steeped in atmosphere, with themes of the significance of story, language and myth.
Nine Girls by Stacey Gregg.
Essential kiwi reading! Following a young girl’s return to her mother’s hometown of Ngāruiawahia in the early 1980s, her journey into her own heritage, and the history of Aotearoa.
We Do Not Welcome Our Ten Year Old Overlord by Garth Nix.
A Stranger Things-esque thriller-mystery, set in the Australian outback involving aliens, spooky little sisters, and a supernatural adventure!
The Murderer’s Ape by Jakob Wegelius.
Sally Jones, is a curious, clever, and courageous gorilla on an extraordinary adventure. With rich illustrations and thrilling mysteries, The Murderer’s Ape incorporates hard truths, detective work, unexpected friendships, and the experience of a lifetime in a unique and unforgettable story. An absolute delight that will have you believing in everything Sally Jones can do.
End of the Alphabet by Fleur Beale.
Set in Aotearoa the story is intimately familiar and Fluer Beale’s writing makes the normal, but difficult, life of a 14-year-old girl so gripping. You can’t help but root for Ruby Yarrow, a fantastic and quietly inspiring protagonist who we get to watch break out of her shell and take control of her life.
Storm Child by Ele Fountain.
Maya and her friends surf every day if they can—they don their wetsuits, take their boards, and stay in until they’re blue with cold. But then there’s a surfing accident and Maya’s Dad’s fishing boat is capsized in a storm and so her world shifts. There’s plenty of action here in the pacific paradise where the waters aren’t always quiet and sparkling and plenty for an outdoors kid to enjoy. The touch is gentle so you aren’t overwhelmed by volume, yet the issues are there for the discerning reader to follow up on.
Also mentioned:
- The Clockwork Conspiracy by Sam Sedgman
- Chronicles of Whetherwhy by Anna James
- Echo by Arlo Kelly (Books for Kids say, ‘I know it has been out a couple of years but it is still my hand picked go to’)
- Sticking for Pigs and Tomo by Mary-Anne Scott
- Charlie Tangaroa and the God of War by Tania Roxborogh was chosen for this age group too.
Books for teens aged fourteen and up
There is a wealth of great books available for teenagers.
My Family and Other Suspects by Kate Emery.
Ruth and her extended family are staying at her grandmother’s farm for the weekend. Then one night, her sick grandmother dies and the whole family comes under suspicion. The book is narrated in the first person by 14 year old Ruth who is fearless and funny. We hear of her and her cousin’s attempts to work out who could possibly have killed their grandmother. Lots of intrigue, family revelations, humour and a couple of scary moments. A very entertaining murder mystery.
When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson.
This much anticipated novel from Jandy Nelson doesn’t disappoint. It’s a riveting story of family, food, neglect, magical happenings, secrets and revelations. The Fall family live in Paradise Springs, California. Mum, Bernadette and each of the three children are struggling and dealing with the disappearance of their father and husband many years ago. One day a rainbow-haired girl named Cassidy appears and her life becomes entwined with the lives of each of the Fall children in a seemingly magical and significant way. As the stories of each of the family members unfold, there are many twists and turns, lots of heartache and yearning, but mostly lots of love and people finding out who they truly are. Just lovely!
In Our Own Back Yard by Anne Kayes.
This one combines a heap of awesome and important things such as the familiar setting of Auckland Tamaki Makaurau during the 2020 lockdown, the interesting family discussions that occurred during that period and the very real anger and conflict within Aotearoa during the 1981 Springbok tour. Kayes is a fantastic storyteller, and this great read that offers our teen readers a highly relatable story.
Katipo Joe (series) by Brian Faulkner.
A fantastic series for any teen who likes spy and war stories. These are thought-provoking reads —the conflicts, moral dilemmas and sheer waste of war, how one man’s ideology could cause such destruction, and how some people followed, some people had no say, and some people fought with every ounce of their being.
The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry by Ransom Riggs.
The first in a new fantasy series. If you loved Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children you’re in for an equally peculiar and wonderful read. Leopold encounters strange and surreal incidents from a 1990s TV show —and is drawn into the mysterious Sunderworld.
Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow.
A heart-wrenching look at a teen’s struggle to overcome her issues with addiction. A gripping, relevant read which doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the immense pressures teens face in their daily life.
The Mess of Our Lives by Mary-Anne Scott.
A challenging and honest read that looks at the difficult decisions a young boy must make around his dysfunctional family life. But ultimately this is a story of hope and a sometimes difficult journey to acceptance and self-love.
Also mentioned
- White Lies, Maori Myths and Fairytales by Falstaff Dowling-Mitchell (Books for Kids note, ‘been out a few years but very relevant … Sooo good!’)
Non fiction
Secret Factopia by Paige Towler.
The Factopia team have done it again! Another book full to the brim with amazing facts—this time about all things to do with secrets and hidden things. Find out about where the recipe to Coca-Cola is kept and who he first spy to use the code name ‘007’ was. The book also has secrets of it’s own, with ten mice hidden in the pages for the reader to find. A beautifully produced book with great graphics and photos.
Epic Adventures: Explore the world in 12 amazing train journeys by Sam Sedgman and Sam Brewster.
Totally inspirational. Makes Chicken and Frog want to pack their bag!
Dear Moko by Hinemoa Elder.
Wise whakataukī that will be treasured forever.
Ultrawild by Steve Mushin.
An audacious plan to re-wild our cities, using technology and natural resources—and is visually one of Telling Tales’ top picks this year. Comic-book style drawings, full of tiny, hilarious details, in a gorgeous pastel palette, will absorb kids for hours on end.
The Observologist by Giselle Clarkson.
Can’t go past Giselle Clarkson!
The Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop
1 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011
Little Unity
31 Vulcan Lane, Auckland 1010
Books for Kids
310 Grey Street, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216
Chicken and Frog
3 Clifford Square, Featherston 5710
Telling Tales
Five Lanes, The BNZ Centre, 101–111 Cashel St, Christchurch 8011
Kiwi Kids Bookstore
With thanks to Pictura Books and The Children’s Bookshop (Wellington) too.
If you don’t live close to one of our wonderful children’s booksellers, all books listed here can also be purchased from Bookhub.
