Book List: Queer kids need books too…
Way back in 2017, Cathy-Ellen Paul did a great list of Queer Books for School Libraries, and we thought it was about time to add to that list! Queer kids need books! And so do we all—books help us empathise…
Young Adult
Book Awards: The Young Adult Fiction Finalists
As part of our coverage of this year’s NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, we’ve asked the authors of the young adult fiction finalists to explain the story behind their respective stories, and why they had to be…
THE SAMPLING: Katipo Joe—Blitzkreig
Brian Falkner is the author of over a dozen books for teens and younger readers, published in New Zealand, Australia, the US and the UK. Enjoy this extract from his latest book, first in a series, Katipo Joe: Blitzkreig.
Book Reviews: New YA from Mountains to Coasts
There are all manner of different YA titles hitting Aotearoa’s shelves this autumn, with a focus on real life storytelling and issues relevant to teen readers. Librarian Dave Tucker shares his take on four new books, including three authors already…
THE SAMPLING: A Trio of Sophies
Eileen Merriman has been a constant fixture in the Aotearoa YA scene since the 2017 release of her debut, Pieces of You. Each of her books has taken an unflinching approach towards teenage lives and their associated challenges and issues.
THE SAMPLING: If Only
Hawke’s Bay author, reviewer and bookseller Adele Broadbent is back with a new title for a young adult audience.
THE SAMPLING: The Book of Overthinking
Last year we shared with you a Sampling from Gwendoline Smith’s bestseller The Book of Knowing. And this year, Dr Know is back with a follow-up title, The Book of Overthinking.
The Reckoning: The death of YA fiction
“The death of YA – it’s a thing believe me. Google it.” It was a fleeting comment at a writer’s festival as we moved between venues and it filled me with dread. I did Google it on my phone in…
Book List: Verse Novels for Children and YA
Verse novels have been around for a number of years now and while they may never flood the market, their appeal is growing and becoming more and more a part of mainstream young adult literature. Desna Wallace introduces us to…
Book Reviews: Alex: The Quartet, by Tessa Duder
Alex still stands out in editor Sarah’s mind as one of the best flawed, real female characters ever written in New Zealand YA. Alex: The Quartet brings together the four Alex books in one handy package, giving her the ideal…