Holiday Reading 2004

New Zealand titles: Fiction for older readers

Beale, Fleur New song in the land: The story of Rawina, from her capture and slavery as a young child through to her escape to the mission house in the Bay of Islands as a 14-year-old. In the Bay of Islands, Rawina learns the new ways and language that means she is present at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. A title in the My story series.
Beames, Margaret Josef's Bear: 11 year old Josef dreams of finding his father in post-war Germany. All he has to do is remember him by is a small wooden bear. So, with the bear in his pocket and a pistol, in his pack, he heads for Berlin. This title was first published as an Ebook.
Cartwright, Pauline Finding father: Mary has moved with her family to New Zealand from Australia, ahead of her father, who intends following later. However unforeseen events keep Mr Brogan in Australia for seven years and Mary's mother has to cope with raising the two children on her own. When gold is discovered in the Otago hills Mary is sure her father will be there. Dressing as a boy she makes the long and dangerous trek from Dunedin to Dunstan — the site of the latest gold rush. A title in the My story series.
Corlett, Shirley You've got guts, Kenny Melrose: Set in New Zealand just after World War I, Briden Orphanage is an orphanage from hell. Kenny is determined to escape, and so are some of his friends and his younger sister. But there is something in his past that he is being punished for, something that his father did that Kenny can't understand.
Falkner, Brian The Real Thing: Only three people in the entire world know the secret formula for Coca-Cola. So, when all three are kidnapped, the giant American corporation is in deep trouble .
Hunter, Eirlys Slave Stealers: Finn has been longing to return to the game. School is not holding his attention. His teachers have noticed the change in him and have voiced their concerns to his parents. Not even sports hold any appeal and his parents are worried. The final instalment in the Finn's quest series.
Jones, V.M. Beyond the Shroud: Adam's much anticipated return to Quested Court is overshadowed by Hannah's disappearance. Once more the five friends must face the dangers and challenges of Karazan.
Lasenby, Jack Aunt Effie and the island that sank: Aunt Effie is restless. She and her 26 nieces and nephews are off again in the scow Margery Daw - on a treasure hunt across the pirate-infested waterways north of Auckland. Third in the series.
McKay, Sandy Who wants to be a millionaire?: Picture your average, ordinary Kiwi Family. Then picture this same family winning six million dollars! But money has unpredictable powers.
McNabb, Linda The stonekeeper's daughter: Nakita changes her destiny when she touches one of her father's sacred stones and is forced to flee to a very different world.
McVeagh, Janine Earthquake: In February 1931, disaster strikes Napier - an earthquake that destroys the school and much of the town centre. A title in the My story series.
Sullivan, Jillian Shreve's Promise: Shreve visits an old lady, Zelda, as part of her school work, and they become special friends. Zelda's son turns up and tells Shreve to stay away, but Zelda secretly asks Shreve for her help and is obviously distressed. On top of that, Shreve keeps seeing a young girl hanging around who seems to disappear too quickly to be real. Winner of the 2002 Tom Fitzgibbon Award.