It’s our final installment of the NZCYA finalists before the winners are announced next week. Briar Lawry gets the downlow from her high school students on what they think of the finalists, with some insightful if not judgemental reckons. The…
Briar Lawry finds lots to unpack with two new reads to hit the shelves: a classic gritty YA story that tells a tough tale, and an illustrated novel with an unconventional form. Whakaari, by Marion Day Young adult books are…
18-year-old Stella Weston finds lots to rave about with two new gritty and complex YA novels that explore themes of mental health, budding relationships, and complex family dynamics. Catching A Falling Star, by Eileen Merriman Catch a Falling Star, expertly…
By Jax Calder Six words: A YA queer slowburn summer romance. What more do you need? Here’s an excerpt from the first two chapters from Jax Calder’s latest The Other Brother. It was awarded a 2023 Storylines Notable Book and…
Editor Hannah Marshall heads back in time in Tessa Duder’s newest YA novel, The Sparrow. Hannah puts some serious questions to Tessa, getting great insights into researching and writing historical fiction. Hannah Marshall: You’re a veteran of New Zealand literature….
By Helen Vivienne Fletcher Helen Vivienne Fletcher is back with Explosive, the fourth instalment in her fast-paced young adult ‘Reactive Magic’ series featuring a tried and true recipe for literary success: a magic school, spells and prophecies. Enjoy this excerpt…
Venice White finds lots to rave about with two new novels for the upper-YA audience, from veteran Kiwi authors Eileen Merriman and Leonie Agnew. Time’s Raven, by Eileen Merriman Time’s Raven is the second book in Eileen Merriman’s Eternity Loop…
In this batch of reviews, Charlotte Fielding shares her thoughts on a wholesome romance read and a spooky Stranger Things-style debut. The Stars Burn Bright, by Lynda Tomalin The Stars Burn Bright is a sweet YA romance, told from the…
Today we profile The Underground Bookstore, a collective of Wellington-based authors passionate about promoting and celebrating New Zealand writers and giving them the recognition they deserve. Here, Vanessa Evetts tells us about TUB’s origins, successes, and goals for the future….
Writer and neurodiversity coach Anissa Ljanta has put together a starter pack on neurodivergence for children, teens, educators and parents. It’s a lonely thing to feel like you don’t fit in, are always in trouble at school, or chronically struggle…