The Hardy Boys The Ocean of Osyrin

It is a comic book, about an action adventure with lots of gadgets. It is based in the desert with the Hardy boys trying to find the stolen necklace. Being a comic style sometimes I found it hard to follow the sequence of the comic squares. It was a good book to read with an exciting, interesting and fun story line.
By Zana Yates-Walker

Authors' Choice. edited by Owen Marshall

Leading New Zealand writers, chosen by Owen Marshall, have chosen their favourite short stories in this collection published in 2001. The twenty-four stories are from well-known authors such as Barbara Anderson, C.K. Stead, Patricia Grace, Vincent O'Sullivan, Witi Ihimaera, Emily Perkins, Albert Wendt and the list of stars goes on.

At first I went to my favourite authors and was happy to find the stories were unfamiliar but as pithy and thought- provoking as ever. I also tried authors I didn't recognise, encouraged by each story being preceded by an explanation as to why the author chose the story for the collection. The reasons were as varied as the authors themselves, and I liked this insight into their thoughts.

I am a short story fan and thought it an interesting, varied collection. I would recommend Authors'Choice for high school English classes.

Stella Star

By Brigid Feehan Scholastic ISBN 1869436741

This was one of the last books left for me to read from my Natlib haul and it was with great trepidation and resignation that I finally picked it up to read, amazed at my self sacrifice and deligence to explore new material for the female students. A girly, woozy cover -Yick.

Well it wasn't too bad after all. Stella, at age 13, experiences changes and challenges over summer school holidays with family and friends. It was worth the read to find the section Brigid wrote re: Weird things about the Sutton parents. (Stellas neighbours) Particularly the description of Mrs Suttons lap. I found this delightfully funny and even laughed out loud!

I am sure young pre teen girls would enjoy this book and one I would recommend to them.

Oh yes - I got book 2 Maybe Stella in my bag too. OK, ok. I'll read it as well.

Incredible Inventions

Poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins. Harper Collins ISBN 0060872458
This book contains a range of poems each one about an invention, from straws to crayons to Velcro. All the poems are in chronological order of invention dates and at the end of the book they are all listed with information on creator and interesting facts about the item invented. Although I found some of the poems dull I did find the invention information rather interesting as did my 2 sons.

This book could be used as a catalyst to spark interest that could lead into an Inquiry unit within the class or library. Who invented the toothbrush, lightbulb or match? When? Where? Why? How?

Thunder Road by Ted Dawe

It seems I've been reading 'boys books' these holidays - first Exposure and now Thunder Road, and I have to say they've been great. Thunder Road is set in New Zealand and is about the very topical and controversial theme of street racing. The main characters are Trace, a country boy who finds himself in the Big Smoke, and Devon, a confident street-smart guy obsessed with fast cars. Trace is impressionable, and under the influence of his new mate Devon, gets sucked into the street racing world and its darker side of drugs and crime. The excitement of the strip turns dangerous and the story builds to a final, dramatic climax.

This is a very well-written realistic story with lots of street racing and criminal underworld details; an exciting and thought-provoking read for teens, especially boys. I think it could turn young people who find reading 'boring' onto reading with its fast-paced, current themes. I will definitely recommend it to students at my school.

Private Peaceful

World War I is a time in history which fascinates me. I've often looked at this book in the school library and mentally put it on my 'Must Read' list. I never got around to it until now. What a treat! 'Private Peaceful' by Michael Morpurgo tells the story of Thomas Peaceful, a private in the British Army. His story is written in flashbacks as he seeks to relive his life through one sleepless night. It isn't action packed or a riveting page turner, but it's so beautifully written it doesn't need to be. I finished with tears in my eyes, and that to me is the sign of a great book. I loved it!

Exposure by Mal Peet

I have often been told that Mal Peet is an excellent author but have not got around to reading any of his books. After reading Exposure I am a new fan. It is his third Paul Faustino novel with soccer as a main theme but the storyline does not relate to his previous novels Keeper or The Penalty. Set in South America. Otello is black and South America's top footballer, and Desmerelda is the beautiful, white pop-star daughter of a right-wing politician (note the Shakespeare's Othello reference). This story is full of excitement and drama; the celebrity couple lead an enviable life but struggle with the avaricious media. There is the politics of premier league football and the corruption within government and the police force, with the plight of homeless street children thrown in. This book reads like a quality TV drama. It is fast-paced and edgy, and has a very contemporary feel. Suitable for senior high school readers, Exposure will give teens an insight into the power of the media to create and destroy people, and the not-so-glamorous reality of celebrity. I loved it and I don't even like soccer. I am now keen to read Mal Peet's other work.