Young Adult

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…

Book Reviews: New Chapter Books And Novels

Chapter books and novels are order of the day in our reviewing neighbourhood, with three new books targeted at the junior/middle fiction space, and special guest appearance by the latest Philip Pullman. Teacher and former bookseller Annelies Judson shares her…

Cult Appeal: Reading I Am Not Esther and Beyond

Gem Wilder shares her journey into the world of the Children of the Faith in Fleur Beale’s beloved trilogy: the stories of Kirby, Rebecca, Magdalene and so many more young women (and men) who are fictional… but easily could be…

Book Reviews: YA fantasy that burns bright

Fantasy’s a funny word for the genre of imaginative worlds, considering how many of the places created are the last place anyone would ‘fantasise’ about living in. But naming conventions aside, it’s a beloved genre by many, including your team…

THE SAMPLING: Amundsen’s Way

From the author of the highly acclaimed Into the White, Amundsen’s Way: The Race to the South Pole (Allen & Unwin) is the gripping tale of the Norwegian explorer’s courage, determination and ruthlessness in the race to the South Pole.