The Pinehurst librarians, Michele Coombridge, Sharon Blake and Deborah Walsh list their reading recommendations.
Picture Books
Perfect to read with students and discuss what’s happening in our world right now. (Now that we've had a second year of lockdowns, this book may seem a rather romanticised view on what might just be our 'new normal'. The sentiment that we should all 'walk this earth more lightly', is a good one, however.)
The rock from the sky by Jon Klassen
There's a dry-wit humour to this clever picture book about friendship with difficult people.
An older book that is new to our library this year. This delightful book is based on the true story of two male penguins at Central Park Zoo, who are companions and want a family of their own. Both an award winner and a banned/challenged book in the U.S. which is an interesting juxtaposition.
My elephant is blue by Melinda Szymanik (NZ author)
Full of humour and heart, My elephant is blue is a hopeful story about big heavy feelings.
Hound the detective by Kimberly Andrews
Join Hound as he solves another tricky mystery.
Primary Non-fiction
Inspired by a true incident when 28,000 plastic toys in a container ship fell into the ocean and spread throughout the marine world. Lots of detail about plastic pollution, where it comes from and where it all goes.
We loved reading this one online, during lockdown.
A story about New Zealand's famous colossal squid and other creatures from the deep.
Our response, resilience and recovery in times of tragedy.
Wonderful real-life happenings from the Apollo moon landings; Apollo 11 to Apollo 17.
There is still so much to be learned from the natural world. This book is full of stories and informational details that teach us about the wisdom and nature of trees.
Learn about fact-checking in a humorous style.
Primary Fiction
An awesome adventure featuring Maori mythology and set in the Tolaga Bay area. (NZ author)
Michele
As a big fan of time travel novels and sci-fi in general, I loved this book and think it is a great one for senior primary and intermediate aged children, as an introduction to the world and rules of time travel and sci f-fi.
Sharon
Sharon
Sticky Pines is a sleepy little town 'where things get weird' . No one else can see problems, but Lucy Sladan, UFO believer, knows something is afoot in Sticky Pines. As things get weirder and weirder, she must try to solve the mystery and find the truth. Funny, with just the right amount of 'creepy' for younger readers.
Deborah Walsh & Michele Coombridge
Suspicion and accusation runs high among the passengers of the Highland Falcon. Will Harrison, the youngest person onboard, solve the mystery and catch the culprit in time?
Michele & Sharon
A brand new illustrated series for younger readers about animals and adventure from much-loved author Jess Butterworth - writer of classic adventure stories in vibrantly described settings.
Michele
Middle Grade Fiction (9-13)
Unplugged by Gordan Korman
A middle grade adventure & mystery novel with themes of identity and friendship. Loved this one, and highly recommend this author.
Michele
Dog by Andy Mulligan
Adventure and fast-paced action, with a lot of humorous dialogue from the animals. Satisfying ending too. Themes of identity, bullying, separating parents and animal violence are mixed within this mystery adventure.
Deborah
With her friends—Robert, the clockmaker’s son, and Malkin, her mechanical fox—Lily is plunged into a murky and menacing world. This books is a middle-grade steampunk, fantasy adventure.
Michele
This is a great senior primary or intermediate read. I was intrigued by the idea behind this book "a Lifeling can save the life of another by giving up some of their own". It is a real hook and made the book a compelling read.
Sharon
A group of young teens must take charge of their colony space ship after an unknown event leaves all the adults in suspended sleep, and with only an A.I. to give them instructions. Fast-paced action and adventure with twisty-turny dangers lurking in every corner of deep space.
Michele & Sharon
Survival and adventure in a rural forest fire.
Michele
When school camp goes bad. Warning - may involve zombies and aliens!
Michele
Gentle, funny, heartwarming.
Deborah
Teen fiction
Tiger daughter by Rebecca Lim
A contemporary immigration story, set in Australia. Wen is a resourceful girl with a strong core of self-belief. She dares to challenge the old ways and create a better future for herself, and ultimately, her family.
Deborah
Katipo Joe by Brian Falkner (Book 1 & 2)
War, espionage and adventure. Brian Falkner's latest series is an excellent read.
Deborah
"This well-crafted and suspenseful novel touches on the topics of refugees and immigrant integration, terrorism, Islam, Islamophobia, and the Syrian war with sensitivity and grace." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review.
Deborah
Deborah & Michele
Sharon
Adult Fiction
"Mitch Albom has done it again with this moving memoir of love and loss. You can’t help but fall for Chika. A page-turner that will no doubt become a classic.” --Mary Karr, author of The Liars’ Club and The Art of Memoir. Five stars
Deborah
NZ author, Fiona Sussman makes her mark in the kindness genre, alongside the greats such as Eleanor Oliphant, and Harold Fry. Five stars.
Michele
Patricia Grace’s writing never fails to move me. Her characters and their lives resonate with me, and touch on experiences and emotions in my own Whānau.
Five stars once again, Patricia Grace.
Deborah
Merry Christmas and happy holiday reading from the Pinehurst Library team.
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