When Zachary Beaver came to town by Kimberly Willis Holt

Published by Henry Holt, 1999. ISBN 0805061169.

Thirteen year old Toby and his friend Cal are intrigued when a trailer containing Zachary Beaver, the fattest boy in the world, is parked in their town. Set during the summer of 1971, this story explores the themes of obesity, friendship, and coming of age. While getting to know Zachary, the boys also have to cope with their own problems. Cal's older brother Wayne is fighting in Vietnam, Toby's mother has gone to Nashville for a singing contest and he is left at home with his father. As the summer progresses the boys learn more about themselves and the nature of friendship. A great book for boys aged 10 and up. National Book Award Winner 1999.

The bower bird by Ann Kelley

Published by Luath Press, 2007. ISBN 1906307326

This story is written in the first person by 12 year old Gussie, who isn't well enough to attend school because she requires a heart and lung transplant. Consequently she has plenty of time to observe and photograph the birds and other wildlife in the garden. She has so many things that she wants to do before she dies, including finding her ancestors and working out how to cope with her parents divorce. At no time do you feel that this is a sad story, Gussie is very philosophical about her failing health, and she is determined to live life every day. The writing is wonderfully descriptive, 'bumblebees heavy with nectar tumble drunkenly from towering echium, perfect tower-block cities for white butterflies, who fold and unfold their wings in an ecstasy of weakness.' A beautiful story, suitable for Year 8 and up. Category winner in the 2007 Costa Book awards, and sequel to 'The burying beetle'.

Teeth marks by Rose Moxham

Published by Allen & Unwin, 2007, ISBN 9781741147711
Set in a small town in Australia, this story begins in the middle, with 19 year old Nick having an accident on a bike that results in him spending time in an orthopedic ward trussed up in traction. Through flashbacks we see how he came to be here, the people he met along the way, and the decisions he took that lead to his accident. It is the story of a road trip through which Nick comes of age, a story about love, friendship, hope and consequences. A great read for teenagers, and will especially appeal to boys.

The hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

Published by Oxford Children's Classics, ISBN 978019272004.

This version of the famous story featuring Sherlock Holmes and his faithful companion Dr Watson is complete and unabridged. It is a long time since I read this story but I found it as exciting and interesting as the first time I read it. The book is the size of a paperback but hard covered, and has 212 pages so it is not too off putting for junior readers. The story is a classic who done it, with Holmes and Watson racing against time to unravel the mystery of the fearsome phantom beast of the moors before Sir Henry Baskerville, the present owner of Baskerville Hall, is attacked and killed by it. The feeling of malevolence that permeates the story is bound to appeal to those children who enjoy horror stories.

World Shaker by Richard Harland

Published by Allen & Unwin, Crow's Nest, N.S.W., 2009. ISBN 978174175095

Sixteen year old Col has just been chosen by his grandfather to become the next Supreme Commander of the Worldshaker juggernaut, a mobile city that travels the world constantly. But his whole future changes when he meets Riff, a fourteen year old girl Filthy, who has escaped from below and who is set to lead a revolution against the tyrrany of the establishment of the upper decks. Set in an alternative history, World Shaker is an exciting and thought provoking story described by the author Richard Harland as 'steampunk' at its 'steampunkiest'. While it is a great adventure story it also explores the themes of social injustice and slavery. I will be recommending this book to students who love fantasy, steampunk, and thought provoking adventures.

Trish

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.