Youtube links for Reading:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HETBirshGjE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuRuwR2JSXI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNpNfhpqDk4
Friday, 15 June 2012
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
The Hunger Games
If you enjoyed reading The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay bySuzanne Collins, I can recommend that you read Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi, and the first two books in the Lorien Legacies (I am Number Four and The Power of Six) by Pittacus Lore.
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Laters
by Ngaire Vakaruru. Published by the author, 2011, Auckland
Fourteen-year-old Mary is not a happy teenager, who has started to test the limits imposed by her family. The decisions she makes and risks she takes do not seem out-of-the-ordinary, but they do have devastating consequences.
Many teenage issues are highlighted in the story, from family relationships, internet safety, rape, suicide, to unwanted pregnancy.
I liked the book. Ngaire Vakaruru has written a good story about teenagers, for teenagers.
Fourteen-year-old Mary is not a happy teenager, who has started to test the limits imposed by her family. The decisions she makes and risks she takes do not seem out-of-the-ordinary, but they do have devastating consequences.
Many teenage issues are highlighted in the story, from family relationships, internet safety, rape, suicide, to unwanted pregnancy.
I liked the book. Ngaire Vakaruru has written a good story about teenagers, for teenagers.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Graceling
by Kristin Cashore
Published by Graphia, Boston. 2008
This is the first story in an adventure fantasy series. The main character is a young woman with "super powers", in a world where those, like herself, with mis-matched eyes, have been granted special powers. Unfortunately, these special people are usually made to work for the "leaders" or powerful people in the community. Kristin Cashore has created an enjoyable story - and I look forward to reading the next title in the series.
Published by Graphia, Boston. 2008
This is the first story in an adventure fantasy series. The main character is a young woman with "super powers", in a world where those, like herself, with mis-matched eyes, have been granted special powers. Unfortunately, these special people are usually made to work for the "leaders" or powerful people in the community. Kristin Cashore has created an enjoyable story - and I look forward to reading the next title in the series.
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Rugby World Cup Display
Visit the library to look at the results of the Rugby World Cup. Our new display will keep you up to date.
Act of Faith
by Kelly Gardiner
Published by Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 2011
Summary: Set in 1640. Isabella has to flee England because of her father's ideas. She finds refuge for a while, in Amsterdam, working for a printer. They travel together to Venice. But the world seems to be ruled by religious intolerance, which includes the Spanish Inquisition, who have taken a dislike to the printers radical ideas, and want to prevent him publishing them.
My response: I love stories of adventures which may have happened in the past. They are an enjoyable to
learn history. And to think about issues that people may have faced - such as "women's liberation", and equality. At the moment I am particularly interested in stories about the "Inquisition". My research into my children's heritage has found links to this era.
Published by Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 2011
Summary: Set in 1640. Isabella has to flee England because of her father's ideas. She finds refuge for a while, in Amsterdam, working for a printer. They travel together to Venice. But the world seems to be ruled by religious intolerance, which includes the Spanish Inquisition, who have taken a dislike to the printers radical ideas, and want to prevent him publishing them.
My response: I love stories of adventures which may have happened in the past. They are an enjoyable to
learn history. And to think about issues that people may have faced - such as "women's liberation", and equality. At the moment I am particularly interested in stories about the "Inquisition". My research into my children's heritage has found links to this era.
Almost True
by Keren David
Published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books, London, 2010.
Summary: Sequel to When I Was Joe. Someone is still trying to find Ty. The Police move him on to other locations. Who can he trust? His friends? His family? His girlfriend? What is the truth, anyway?
My response: I want to read more stories written by this author.
Published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books, London, 2010.
Summary: Sequel to When I Was Joe. Someone is still trying to find Ty. The Police move him on to other locations. Who can he trust? His friends? His family? His girlfriend? What is the truth, anyway?
My response: I want to read more stories written by this author.
When I was Joe
by Keren David
Published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books, London. 2010
Summary: Ty gets caught-up in a murder. And because he talks to the authorities, they become concerned for his well-being. He and his mother are given "witness (?) protection". They are given a new home, a new name, and a new look. Life is good! But it is a little difficult and the gangsters are still trying to silence him!
My response: Brilliant. Funny, and very enjoyable.
Published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books, London. 2010
Summary: Ty gets caught-up in a murder. And because he talks to the authorities, they become concerned for his well-being. He and his mother are given "witness (?) protection". They are given a new home, a new name, and a new look. Life is good! But it is a little difficult and the gangsters are still trying to silence him!
My response: Brilliant. Funny, and very enjoyable.
Sunday, 12 June 2011
Sacrifice
by Joanna Orwin
Published by Harper Collins Publishers, 2011, Auckland
I am impressed! Why are all of the new books so, so good? I liked "Sacrifice" so much, it was hard to stop reading to do the other tasks that needed doing this weekend. But now it is finished, and I can't wait to get into another new book.
Sacrifice is set in the South Pacific in the future. But in a way, you could be forgiven if at moments you thought it was in the past. The residents of New Zealand's Northland are finding life to be very tough. The residents are food gatherers rather than cultivators because the land has been devastated by volcanoes and tsunamis. But some of the elders can remember a time when there were particular crops, long gone, which may once again suit the environment they now find themselves in. So five young men are sent out on a remarkable journey across the dangerous seas to see if they can find remnants of those crops in the unknown lands to the north. The survival of the Northland residents depends on the success of these "travellers". Will the god of the sea protect them in their quest?
Recommended for Year 9 - adults
Published by Harper Collins Publishers, 2011, Auckland
I am impressed! Why are all of the new books so, so good? I liked "Sacrifice" so much, it was hard to stop reading to do the other tasks that needed doing this weekend. But now it is finished, and I can't wait to get into another new book.
Sacrifice is set in the South Pacific in the future. But in a way, you could be forgiven if at moments you thought it was in the past. The residents of New Zealand's Northland are finding life to be very tough. The residents are food gatherers rather than cultivators because the land has been devastated by volcanoes and tsunamis. But some of the elders can remember a time when there were particular crops, long gone, which may once again suit the environment they now find themselves in. So five young men are sent out on a remarkable journey across the dangerous seas to see if they can find remnants of those crops in the unknown lands to the north. The survival of the Northland residents depends on the success of these "travellers". Will the god of the sea protect them in their quest?
Recommended for Year 9 - adults
Monday, 6 June 2011
Ashes
by Kathryn Lasky
Published by Puffin Books, 2010, New York
Kathryn Lasky is another master storyteller! Thirteen-year-old Gabby is living in Berlin in 1932. What does she think and how does she feel about the changing political environment she is growing up in? She is probably more "aware" and more "thoughtful" than most thirteen-year-olds, but this is understandable when you realise that her father is a Professor of Astronomy and the family's close friends include Albert Einstein.
Highly recommended for all readers
Published by Puffin Books, 2010, New York
Kathryn Lasky is another master storyteller! Thirteen-year-old Gabby is living in Berlin in 1932. What does she think and how does she feel about the changing political environment she is growing up in? She is probably more "aware" and more "thoughtful" than most thirteen-year-olds, but this is understandable when you realise that her father is a Professor of Astronomy and the family's close friends include Albert Einstein.
Highly recommended for all readers
Books Change Lives - new display
We are gathering resources for a new display in the library with the theme: "Books Change Lives".
Please add comments to this post, or come and see a librarian, if you know of someone who has a "book that has changed their life", or have a "story" of your own to share.
Please add comments to this post, or come and see a librarian, if you know of someone who has a "book that has changed their life", or have a "story" of your own to share.
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Dirt Bomb
by Fleur Beale
Published by Random House New Zealand, 2011, Auckland
BOYS! Just the story for you, particularly if you like the idea of getting a beaten-up old car to work so that you can have fun in a paddock! Finding a car might be easy, but I think you might need a little bit of luck to find a paddock.
I hope you like the story as much as I did -I couldn't put the book down until I had finished it. This story is perfect for any male New Zealand teen.
Published by Random House New Zealand, 2011, Auckland
BOYS! Just the story for you, particularly if you like the idea of getting a beaten-up old car to work so that you can have fun in a paddock! Finding a car might be easy, but I think you might need a little bit of luck to find a paddock.
I hope you like the story as much as I did -I couldn't put the book down until I had finished it. This story is perfect for any male New Zealand teen.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
La Rochelle's Road
by Tanya Moir
Published by Black Swan, 2011, Auckland
The Peterson family have bought, unseen, a piece of land on Banks Peninsula, and leave behind a relatively comfortable life in London, to make their fortune in the new colony.
This is in 1866. The resultant life is not easy. There is much grief and the family is ill-equiped to cope. The story is centred around Hester, the teenage daughter, and a diary or journal written by the previous owner of their land.
This is a good story, which has been well-written. Look out for more from this author.
Recommended for Senior Students and adults.
Published by Black Swan, 2011, Auckland
The Peterson family have bought, unseen, a piece of land on Banks Peninsula, and leave behind a relatively comfortable life in London, to make their fortune in the new colony.
This is in 1866. The resultant life is not easy. There is much grief and the family is ill-equiped to cope. The story is centred around Hester, the teenage daughter, and a diary or journal written by the previous owner of their land.
This is a good story, which has been well-written. Look out for more from this author.
Recommended for Senior Students and adults.
Sunday, 29 May 2011
The Thief Lord
by Cornelia Funke
Published by Chicken House, Frome, Somerset, 2010
Two orphaned children are running away from their uncle and aunt. They find their way to Venice, and are befriended by a group of street children. A detective has been hired by the Aunt to find them - and so the adventure progresses.
Cornelia Funke is a brilliant story-teller, and this story has to one of her best ones.
Highly recommended for all readers, children and adults.
Published by Chicken House, Frome, Somerset, 2010
Two orphaned children are running away from their uncle and aunt. They find their way to Venice, and are befriended by a group of street children. A detective has been hired by the Aunt to find them - and so the adventure progresses.
Cornelia Funke is a brilliant story-teller, and this story has to one of her best ones.
Highly recommended for all readers, children and adults.
Bel Canto
by Ann Patchett
Winner of the Orange prize for Fiction 2002
Published by Fourth Estate, London, 2001
Kidnappers/Terrorists storm a gathering hosted by the Vice President of an unnamed country. A Japanese businessman had been enticed to celebrate his birthday by the party organiser using a well-known opera singer as the bait. But, neither of these people was the target of the kidnappers. The target was not present. The kidnappers and their victims remained "holed-up" for months while a settlement was negotiated with the government.
This story is about love in its many guises. It is a well-written story that can be enjoyed on many levels. I particularly liked the many links to classical music and found that the ending of the story built to an incredible finale.
Recommended for: Senior students and adults
Suitable for NCEA Levels 2 & 3 English texts
Winner of the Orange prize for Fiction 2002
Published by Fourth Estate, London, 2001
Kidnappers/Terrorists storm a gathering hosted by the Vice President of an unnamed country. A Japanese businessman had been enticed to celebrate his birthday by the party organiser using a well-known opera singer as the bait. But, neither of these people was the target of the kidnappers. The target was not present. The kidnappers and their victims remained "holed-up" for months while a settlement was negotiated with the government.
This story is about love in its many guises. It is a well-written story that can be enjoyed on many levels. I particularly liked the many links to classical music and found that the ending of the story built to an incredible finale.
Recommended for: Senior students and adults
Suitable for NCEA Levels 2 & 3 English texts
Everlasting
by Angie Frazier
Published by Scholastic Press, New York 2010
Camille lives with her father who runs a trading business based in San Francisco. It is time for Camille to marry - and she has been promised to a young man who is going to help save her father's business. Camille and her father set out on her last voyage before her marriage. This eventful voyage will change her life forever.
I enjoyed this story, but it was not as engaging as others that I have read.
Recommended for young teenagers.
Published by Scholastic Press, New York 2010
Camille lives with her father who runs a trading business based in San Francisco. It is time for Camille to marry - and she has been promised to a young man who is going to help save her father's business. Camille and her father set out on her last voyage before her marriage. This eventful voyage will change her life forever.
I enjoyed this story, but it was not as engaging as others that I have read.
Recommended for young teenagers.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Suggestions for lunchtime activities in the Library
We want ideas for interesting activities that we can organise for lunchtimes in the library.
There will be a small reward given to every Wainuiomata High School student who posts their idea on this blog during May 2011.
There will be a small reward given to every Wainuiomata High School student who posts their idea on this blog during May 2011.
Cassandra Clare visits Lower Hutt
On Tuesday, 10 May, 2011, eleven senior students had the opportunity to visit Chilton St James School to hear Cassandra Clare talk about her books. They returned from the event buzzing with enthusiasm, talking about the author, and about the types of questions that the audience asked the author at the end of her presentation.
Special thanks to John McIntyre from The Children's Bookshop in Kilbirnie for organising the event.
Special thanks to John McIntyre from The Children's Bookshop in Kilbirnie for organising the event.
Sunday, 1 May 2011
A Waltz for Matilda
by Jackie French
Published by Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 2010
Yes, this is a story based on Australia's national song - "Waltzing Matilda" - and it is a very good one too. Jackie French has to one of the best story-tellers around. She has an amazing ability to create story in accurately portrayed historical situations. This story is about a girl growing-up in difficult circumstances in Australia in the 1890's. Historical events, such as Trade Unions, Women's suffrage, Australian Federation, and ethical issues, such as race relations (aborigines, immigrants) and looking after the environment (farming practices in the outback) are brought to life in this novel. Thank you, Jackie. I can't wait to read your next book.
Suitable for all readers.
Published by Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 2010
Yes, this is a story based on Australia's national song - "Waltzing Matilda" - and it is a very good one too. Jackie French has to one of the best story-tellers around. She has an amazing ability to create story in accurately portrayed historical situations. This story is about a girl growing-up in difficult circumstances in Australia in the 1890's. Historical events, such as Trade Unions, Women's suffrage, Australian Federation, and ethical issues, such as race relations (aborigines, immigrants) and looking after the environment (farming practices in the outback) are brought to life in this novel. Thank you, Jackie. I can't wait to read your next book.
Suitable for all readers.
Three to Get Deadly
by Janet Evanovich - A Stephanie Plum novel
Published by Penguin Books, London, 1997
Janet Evanovich never fails to please. Her gritty characters and humourous prose are delightful. Her Stephanie Plum novels are crime stories with a difference. They are funny!
Suitable for adults.
Published by Penguin Books, London, 1997
Janet Evanovich never fails to please. Her gritty characters and humourous prose are delightful. Her Stephanie Plum novels are crime stories with a difference. They are funny!
Suitable for adults.
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