Announcing some lovely new arrivals in the library
Beautifully illustrated Non-Fiction
Dive into the world of Creepy Crawlies in this beautiful Encyclopedia of Insects.
Packed with hundreds of bugs, every one is looked at in fascinating detail by natural history expert Jules Howard. The author's aim in writing this book was to share her love of the insect world and inspire others to commit to helping these insects survive for as long as possible - in a world where their habitats are being destroyed.
Summer Games Olympians share their stories of starting out as sporty kids. This book is full of inspiring break-through stories about elite athletes.
A wonderful book to share together and read as a family.
This is a wonderful collection of the favourite Little People, Big Dreams mini-biographies.
This collection is rewritten with new in-depth facts and figures about our world's movers and shakers. It is aimed at a slightly older audience than the original, individual book series.
Latest Releases
Unravelled by Shannon Messenger
Book 9.5 in the hugely popularKeeper of the Lost Cities series.
This book is narrated by the character Keefe who has been travelling the human world, learning about the ways of humans. His new knowledge uncovers some deeply held secrets of the Elvin world.
Dreamslinger by Graci Kim
This new book by NZ Korean author Graci Kim, is Due for release very soon.
Graci's series The Last Fallen Star is super-popular here and sits at number 5 on our most borrowed books in primary list! We have some Dreamslinger Royal Mail giveaway envelopes in the library. These include a 6 chapter sampler of the up coming book.
Ask Mrs. Coombridge if you would like one.
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman
A virus that makes people happier ruins the lives of powerful corporates who seek to prey on the insecure to sell their cure-all products.
A brand new book by Neal Shusterman, using his trademark 'ethical dilemma' dystopian adventure Style. Shusterman is author of the ever popular Scythe series.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Just released!
Remember Haymitch Abernathy? In this latest new book in the Hunger Games series, Haymitch's own rise from unwilling tribute to his experiences in 'the games' is revealed.
Coming to the Pinehurst Library soon.
Into the Wild by Hayley Lawrence
Into the Wild is a Young Adult(Teen)wilderness survival story set in the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia.
Five teenagers accept a survival challenge and are dropped into the harshest of bush conditions, deep in the Blue mountains. The story is told through the points of view of the five adventurers - slowing revealing an event that caused catastrophic consequences for the team. A tense and exciting adventure.
I am not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang
After falling short in her marks and university aspirations, seventeen-year-old Jenna Chen makes a wish to become her smarter, more successful cousin, Jessica Chen.
No one is more surprised than Jenna, when she wakes in the morning to see herself reflected in the mirror with Jessica's body! Jenna finds living life as Jessica Chen is not the dream world she imagined.
A story about walking life in someone else's shoes.
Thought I'd share this lovely selection of adventure stories that are new to our library. Each one has been loved and enjoyed and comes highly recommended by our young readers.
Katherine Rundell, author of the first book on the list has just been named the author of the year at the British Book Awards - the first time in six years that a children's author has received this prize.
I'm always excited to read a new book from this author and Impossible Creatures, has just won the prize for Children's Fiction Book of the Year at the same awards.
All the books in this list can be found in the Pinehurst Primary Library. Come in, browse and borrow.
Michele, Sharon and Deborah.
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
Two kids race to save the world’s last magical place in the first book of a landmark new fantasy series, from “a writer with an utterly distinctive voice and a wild imagination.” (Philip Pullman, author of The Golden Compass)
“Katherine Rundell is a phenomenon. She crafts original and brilliant books that delight readers of all ages and kinds.” ―Neil Gaiman, Newbery Medal Winner for The Graveyard Book.
Wild by Ele Fountain
Jack craves adventure, even if it means getting into trouble at school. He thinks he can get away with it as his mum is too busy to notice. But then she suggests that he comes along with her on a work trip – and doesn't tell them where they're going.
But this will be no relaxing holiday. Soon Jack finds himself on an expedition deep into the rainforest, far from anything he's ever known. He wanted an adventure - but has he plunged into real danger?
The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead
When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change.
Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself.
Not all Heroes by Josephine Cameron
Even though her family moved across the country for a “fresh start” after her little brother’sdeath, eleven-year-old Zinnia Helinski still feels like she’s stuck waiting for her new life to begin. Then she spots her new neighbor, Kris, climbing down the fire escape of their apartment building. He’s wearing a black eye mask! And Spandex leggings. . . . And a blue body suit?
Soon Zinnia finds herself in a secret club for kids who want to be heroes. The Reality Shifters don’t have superpowers, but they do have the power to make positive change in their neighborhoods. And a change is just what Zinnia is looking for!
At first, she feels invincible. Zinnia finally has friends and is on the kind of real-life adventures her little brother, Wally, would have loved. But when her teammates lose sight of their goals, Zinnia must find the balance between bravery and recklessness, and learn to be a hero without her cape.
Where the river takes us by Lesley Parr
One thing that helps distract Jason from the hardships of his family life, is the urban legend about a beast in the valleys. A wildcat that roams the forest three villages up the river from their bridge. When Jason's friends learn of a reward for proof of The Beast's existence, they convince Jason this is the answer to his and his brother Richie's money problems. Richie can get himself out of trouble before it's too late and the brothers can stay together.
And so a quest begins ... Starting at the bridge of their village and following the river north, the four friends soon find themselves on a journey that will change each of them ... forever.
The Creature Keeper by Damaris Young
When animal lover Cora learns that Direspire's mysterious owner is looking for a new Creature Keeper, she realises this might just be the chance she's looking for to save her parents' farm. But Direspire Hall is a spooky place and the strange creatures who live there are nothing like Cora is expecting. As Cora settles into her new life, it soon becomes clear that Direspire has its secrets, and that somebody will do whatever it takes to keep them hidden.
An exhilarating edge-of-your-seat story of one brave girl and many wondrous beasts.
Lost on Gibbon Island by Jess Butterworth
A beautifully-written survival story set on a Cambodian island, following a ship-wrecked girl named Lark, and a baby gibbon who becomes her companion. Together, they must evade poachers and find their way home.
'If you're reading this, hopefully you've come to rescue me. My name is Lark Taylor, and I've been shipwrecked on an island. The last mainland I was on was Cambodia, miles and miles away from home...'
The Adventure is now by Jess Redman
Sometimes it's hard to be Milton P. Greene. He says all the wrong things, his family is falling apart, and everyone at school avoids him because of the very embarrassing Bird Brain Incident. But when Milton plays his video game Isle of Wild, he becomes someone else--Sea Hawk, the brave and brilliant naturalist explorer who conquers danger at every turn. Then Milton's parents ship him off to the remote Lone Island for the summer, where his uncle Evan is an environmentalist researcher. The island is chock-full of spectacular species, and Milton realizes this is his chance to become the brave and brilliant naturalist he's always wanted to be--and even meet some fellow explorers!
But as it turns out, the future of the Lone Island is in some pretty serious peril, and the only thing that can save it is a field guide full of cryptic clues. If Milton and his unexpected new friends are going to protect the island, they'll have to trust each other, discover new truths, and embark on a wild and wondrous adventure all their own.
The children are especially fond of Geronimo, a homing pelican. But when the big bird fails to return from a delivery, Taber – the youngest sibling – is devastated; so much so, he mails himself to New York, where Geronimo was sent.
Daniel Redmayne is fast asleep on the first night of a white water rafting trip, when he's awoken by screams. The dam has failed. The river is surging, and their camp will be under water in a matter of moments.
As the shrieking roar of the river rushes closer, the kids scramble to higher ground. They make it to the cliffs to find their counsellors have been swept away behind them. Now they must make their own way down the river to find help and safety.
Some of our students have been working through their Reading Challenge documents and recently sent me these wonderful reviews. It is always good to have peer reviews, so here's what the kids say are their favourite and most recent reads:
Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Words on fire is a great book for anyone who enjoys history, war, action, and a sweet and small love story on the way. It’s about a young girl named Audra, who is an illegal book carrier, trying to keep the Lithuanian culture alive. It is about an adventure she is on to save her parents who have been taken by the Russian government and she meets another book carrier as part of the adventure. In no parts of this story was I ever bored, and it always kept me interested and on the edge of my seat. I always thought romance was my genre until I read Words on Fire. I just wish the ending was longer and that the future of the characters wasn’t explained in one page. Overall, this was a 5-star read and I recommend this book to everyone.
Reviewed by Miley.
The Famous Five Collection by Enid Blyton.
The Famous Five is about 4 kids and a dog going on adventures! The oldest of all the kids was 13 years old when they first met and the kids soon became very good friends. Though they always accidentally fall into an adventure they never disappoint. The ending is a little repetitive, and it would have been better if the ending of a few books were a cliffhanger so the adventure could be way more exciting as there is more space to go into detail. But, the current story is satisfying enough for young readers from 5 to 9 years old. And it isn’t too boring for slightly older readers from 10 to 12 years old.
Considering the first book of the series came out in 1942, it still holds up really well as a fun story. I recommend it to families with young children as the book is a good length for kids.
I give it four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Reviewed by: Noah B
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.
A boy discovers his father’sidentity which ends up changing his life,doing many unnatural things and learning new life skills.This novel kept me entertained the entire way not losing interest once in this serieswhilst learning many new things. I would highly recommend this book or series since its very fascinating with many relatable feelings. The targeted age is around 12-year-olds.
I gave it 4/5 stars.
Reviewed by Otto
Horrible Science: Fight or Flight
The book Horrible Science: the Fight For Flight shows us how flight was made and all the fails the people had to go through to obtain flight. This book is fun to read because the information is easy to understand. This book made me feel happy because I understood the information .
I highly recommend it to people who are 13 years old or under.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewed by Edward
Brother's Keeper by Julie Lee.
Brother's Keeper is a very sad story. It is about a girl in North Korea who escapes with her family while the Korean war is happening. They go on a very long journey to South Korea. She must take care of her brother and bring him safely to South Korea. This story is very sad, and you will learn lots of new things about the Korean War. I rate this book 5/5.
I felt sad about this story because of how much they had to endure in the cold weather and the chase from the North Korean soldiers. I loved it because it taught me a lot of things and it was very interesting; I couldn’t take my eyes off the book.
This is also one of my favorite books I've read. Everybody should read it.
Really Recommended.
Reviewed by Zoe Q.
Arsenic For Tea by Robin Stevens
Arsenic for tea is a mystery story by Robin Stevens.
This book is the second book in the
A Murder Most Unladylike mystery series.
The main character, Hazel Wong goes to her friend Daisy Wells’ house to spend
the holidays, but on Daisy’s birthday one of the guests mysteriously dies.
Hazel and Daisy decide to investigate this mystery and find the murderer. The
pouring rain floods the lands, and they are trapped inside the house with a
dead body and murderer. They must find the murderer fast before they strike
again.
This is a mysterious and adventurous book. After I picked up this book,
I couldn't put it down. Millions of problems keep on coming up and it is interesting
to see how the Detective Society will resolve all the problems and find the
murderer.
I really enjoyed Arsenic for Tea, and I would recommend it to people
who enjoy reading murder mysteries. I would give this book a 5 star rating as I
personally really enjoy murder mysteries and this is one of the best ones I
have ever read.
Reviewed by Candy.
Waking Romeo by Kathryn Barker
After Romeo slips into a coma, Jules visits him every day- and walks us through the tragic story behind what seems to be the end of their love story. A mysterious time traveller - Ellis- travels from the future- to help wake her husband, Romeo. He shows her what real love is like and makes her rethink her love for her seemed-to-be-perfect husband.
This romance-oriented Sci-Fi novel is ideal for readers aged 15-20. It has a shifting point of view and is inspired by a combination of Emily Brontë's ‘Wuthering Heights’ and William Shakespeare's ‘Romeo and Juliet’, assuming they had alternate endings. It’s the best character development I’ve ever seen in a book- and I would highly recommend it. 5 stars.
Reviewed by Michelle
Legend, Prodigy and Champion by Marie Lu.
"Legend" by Marie Lu is a dystopian action series set in a future where two teenagers, June, and Day, from opposite sides of society, uncover a government conspiracy and fall in love.
This fast-paced romance explores the themes of inequality and revenge, with an alternating point of view between the two main protagonists. The author highlights the characters’ relationships well- with a very innovative dynamic.
This is one of my favourite series of all time- with ‘Champion’ really standing out. The books get progressively better as the series goes on.
5 stars.
Reviewed by Michelle
Book review: Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The novel “Hunger games” is written from the point of view of the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, and is set in the Capitol of the nation of Panem. The Capitol is a harsh and cruel place which sends one boy and one girl from each district to go participate in the “Hunger Games”. It is a fight to the death and the last one standing wins the whole thing. Katniss Everdeen at the age of Sixteen sees this as her death sentence. As she steps up for her sister’s place in the Games. But if she is to win, she brings glory and fame to herself and her family.
I liked this book, as it is an adventurous and violent book! It is of interest to children that enjoy a jarring and violent story. I rate this book 5 out of 5 and recommend it to young adults from 12+.
Reviewed by Elvies
Holes by Louis Sachar
Holes is an
exciting adventure story that follows a boy named Stanley Yelnats. Stanley is
sent to a strange place called Camp Green Lake for a crime he didn't commit.
But this is no ordinary camp, there's no lake, and the kids there have to hard labour digging big holes in the ground every day.
As Stanley and his friends
dig, they uncover secrets about the camp's history. Together Stanley and his
friend Hector Zeroni are challenged to save their lives.
Rating = ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewed by Sofia.
Haikyuu! Vol. 4 By Haruichi Furudate.(Graphic Novel)
The volleyball training camp kicks off. Hinata and his teammates train in preparation for the practice game against Nekoma, but they’ll need to polish their receiving skills if they want to win. After all their hard work, the moment they’ve all been waiting for finally arrives—the revival of the long-standing rivalry between the Cats (Nekoma) and the Crows (Karasuno, Hinata’s team)! I like the new relationships that Hinata makes with the new characters and the new characters themselves as they provide more comedic relief. I like the determination and build up that Karasuno displays even though its just a practice game because when reading it made me fired up and curious as to who will win the game. I would recommend this book to all ages anyone who enjoys slice of life and comedy. If you like this book I would also like to recommend watching the anime and reading and watching the series Blue lock.
Review by Lena.
The Fault in our Stars by John Green.
This romantic drama follows Hazel Grace and her star-crossed lover, Gus. Hazel Grace is diagnosed with cancer at 13 years old. 3 years later, she meets 17-year-old Augustus Waters at a support group.
With the love of the same book and author, they fly to Amsterdam to meet the estranged author – Peter Van Houten.
I loved this book; it shows the importance of the common phrase ‘You only live once.’ It also displays the important ideas of friendship, love, family, life, and death.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. Green has conveyed emotions and scenarios well, the only thing I would change about this book is some of the characteristics of Peter Van Houten, even though his personality is extremely important in the story.
I recommended this book for people aged 14+.
Reviewed by Kacey.
The boy who stepped through time by Anna Ciddor.
This book is about a boy who is on holiday in France, he is exploring the ruins of the Romans, when he is transported to the Roman time. He blends in as a slave to try and survive, and he makes a friend, but he is worried that he might know his fate. He is faced with a decision to help his friend or find a way home.
This book is very exciting because it kept my on the edge of my seat and it made me want to keep reading. You learn about the Romans and how they live. I thought the character was very cool because he is very calm and cool even while being transported through time.
I think that people aged 9-14 would enjoy this book.
A wonderful new fantasy series - one of the best I've read in a long time. Skandar and the Unicorn Thief will be popular with lovers of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.
Thirteen-year-old Skandar Smith has only ever wanted to be a unicorn rider, and the time has finally come for him to take his Hatchery Exam, which will determine whether he is destined to hatch a unicorn egg. But when Skandar is stopped from taking the exam, and the mysterious and frightening Weaver steals the most powerful unicorn in the world, becoming a rider proves a lot more dangerous than he could ever have imagined. And what if Skandar was always destined to be the villain rather than the hero? Get ready for unlikely heroes, elemental magic, fierce sky battles, ancient secrets, nail-biting races and, of course, bloodthirsty unicorns. Publisher review
Highly recommended. We will have copies in the Primary library and the College 7-13 library.
Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin.
I listened to the eAudiobook of this one, and I loved the Japanese language references and accent of the reader, Susan Momoko-Hingley. I was gripped by the story and delighted by the unique characters.
Kurara has never known any other life than being a servant on board the Midori, but when her party trick of making paper come to life turns out to be a power treasured across the empire, she joins a skyship and its motley crew to become a Crafter. Taught by the gruff but wise Himura, Kurara learns to hunt shikigami – wild paper spirits who are sought after by the Princess. But, are these creatures just powerful slaves for the Crafters and the empire, or are they beings with their own souls – and yet another thing to be subjugated by the powerful Emperor and his Princess?
5 Stars - age recommendation 9-14years. Held in college 7-13 library.
The Midnight Children by Dan Gemeinhart.
What a wonderful story. Rav is a boy who is bullied, friendless, and who’s life is a daily, depressing struggle. He lives in Slaughterville, a town known for its meat works, where his dad works. Rav’s parents are good solid citizens, but his dad has difficulty communicating with his son, which reinforces Rav’s feelings of otherness.
Rav is fascinated when a family of seven children mysteriously arrive and move in to the house next door. Rav becomes part of their secretive lives, and especially close to Virginia, who is around his age. He finds out that these children have no parents, and are on the run, desperate to stay together.
A mysterious, suspenseful adventure with beautiful messages of friendship, loyalty and believing in yourself. However, there are dark, possibly frightening elements to the story, with quite graphic detail of the slaughterhouse and its processes, and a man (The Hunter), who is searching for, and intent on capturing the children. This could be disturbing for sensitive young readers. Suitable for mature upper primary and year 7 and 8s.
Until the Road Ends by Phil Earle
Oh, the cuteness of this cover!
When Peggy saves a stray dog from near-death, a beautiful friendship begins. Peggy and Beau are the only thing that can ever come between them is war. Peggy is evacuated to the safety of the coast, but Beau is left behind in the city, where he becomes the most extraordinary and unlikely of war heroes. Night after night, as bombs rain down and communities are destroyed, Beau searches the streets, saving countless families. But then disaster strikes, changing Peggy’s life forever. With her parents killed, both she and Beau are left alone, hundreds of miles apart. But Beau has a plan to reunite them at long last . .
Teenage Fiction
One of Us is Back by Karen McManus
The latest book from Young Adult mystery/crime writer sensation, Karen McManus. This book takes us back to Bayview High, the setting for the first murder mystery in One of Us is Lying, and One of Us is Next.
Our readers just can't get enough of these exceptional teen mysteries and the release of the TV series has made them ever more sort after.
Cop & Robber by Tristan Bancks
Tristan Bancks is an Australian author who writes gripping crime novels for teens & middle grade students. His books include Two Wolves, The Fall, and Detention.
The suspense and tension of these novels make them wonderful recommendations for reluctant readers, and for boys who want action books featuring young male central characters. Harder to find than you'd think!
Below by David Hill
When Liam dares his classmate Imogen to come on a forbidden tour of the railway tunnel being drilled through a nearby mountain, he hopes she’ll quit protesting about it damaging the environment — his dad is an engineer working on the tunnel, after all.
Just as they reach the huge tunnelling machine everything goes horribly wrong. When the rocks stop falling and the dust settles, they are trapped, kilometers below ground, in the dark. Water is trickling in and beginning to rise. And nobody knows where they are.
Can they stop arguing and start working together to escape before it's time runs out?
A suspenseful adventure story by award winning New Zealand author David Hill. Winner of the New Zealand Book Award Junior Fiction award 2023.
Ages 9-13 will find this an engaging read.
The Arc by Ben Oliver
(The Loop - Book #3)
The Loop is a dystopian series that has gained a lot of young adult interest since its release in 2020. The Arc is book three in this series
Luka Kane is a 16 year old, serving his second year in a futuristic and oppressing prison where every inmate is on Death Row. When we first meet Luka he is beaten down by the futility of incarceration, but when rumours spread of an uprising, Luka seizes an opportunity to escape. This rebellion unleashes a series of terrorising threats, blood thirsty zombies and tough choices. Luka's narrative on remaining ethical, and keeping his humanity, run through his every life-and-death decision.
This series is gritty, intense, violent and it is an action-packed read.
Age recommendation - 13 years upwards
Non-Fiction and Visual Texts
Around the Ocean in 80 Fish & other Sea Life by Dr Helen Scales (illus. by Marcel George)
This stunning Non-Fiction resource introduces land lubbers to 80 of the ocean's strangest and most surprising inhabitants.
Beautifully illustrated in fine water colours, while not compromising on the depth of text, this book is suitable for any age and will be well used by primary and college students.
Celebrate with Us by Valerie Wilding
Meet 20 children from around the world as they tell us about the feasts and festivals they enjoy and the religions and customs they follow.
This Is Our World ― Celebrate With Us!, written by Valerie Wilding, is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed This Is Our World . It’s a vibrant and colorful celebration of our planet’s cultural diversity―an unforgettable journey that brings the people, customs, and religions of 20 places around the world vividly to life for young readers.
Germ Lab: the gruesome story of deadly diseases by Richard Platt. illus. by John Kelly
Prepare to be infected with fun and fascinating knowledge. The Germ Lab tells the gruesome story of deadly diseases, told by the filthy pests that spread the germs!
Discover history's worst epidemics and pandemics and see how and why they happened, including the "Black Death", polio, and coronavirus. Hear the "eyewitness" accounts from the pesky rats, flies, ticks, and creepy-crawlies who spread the most terrible viruses around the world and cause the most damage. Watch out for terrible typhoid, beware of malicious malaria, and learn more about cruel Covid-19.
Brave Every Day by Trudy Ludwig
From social-emotional learning expert Trudy Ludwig and award-winning picture book illustrator Patrice Barton (co-creators of The Invisible Boy) comes a story about managing anxiety and finding the courage to stand up for yourself and others.
With themes of 'bravely trying' and finding support in friends with similar fears, this thoughtful book will be added to our Emotional Resilience resources list.
Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures by Jason Pamment
This is the second book in a Junior Graphic Novel series about a tiny lad named Ember, living alone among a world of Giants, finding his way and trying to fit in.
In this book, a kindly sea turtle tries to help Ember settle in to a new school, where a cast of weird and wonderful classmates make him feel even less at home. But, perhaps their stand-offish nature is not quite what it seems.
Picture Books
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
I simply love this picture book!
Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing.
While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial—a frightening intruder. It’s a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas.
A Caldecott Honor Winner and New York Times Bestseller!
We're going to find the Monster
Award-winning author Malorie Blackman's (Noughts and Crosses YA dystopian series)latest work is a wonderful picture book about a dad who invites his children to come in from the garden and 'Wake the Monster'.
A cute story full of imagination and playfulness with a strong 'Going on a Bear Hunt' vibe.
The Eight Gifts of Te Wheke by Steph Matuku.(illus. by Layla Mutton-Rogers)
A trickster octopus named Te Wheke snatches Tamati's little sister while they play at the rock pools. To get his sister back from the depths of the ocean, Tamate must pay Te Wheke in eight treasures.
A delightful story set on the New Zealand sea shore.
Hope you enjoy sharing these books with your young people.
