Monday, July 9, 2012

Unwind - Neal Shusterman

The recent re-discovery of 'dystopian' literature by teens, makes this a good choice for classroom study. Set in the near future, Unwind is set in a society where until the age of 16, you can be 'unwound' and your parts recycled.

Teenagers who question, challenge or are just not up to the grade, can have this 'punishment'.

Connor, Risa and Lev, challenge the system and survive - to help lead a struggle to change society...

Check out the book trailer here

Justice and utu - David Hair

The 4th book in the series, Justice and utu suggests that David Hair is onto a winning concept.

Set in modern day NZ and the mythical Aoteroa of the past, Matiu continues his battle against the dark forces of the tohunga and his servants.

As riveting and fast paced as it's predecessors, this is a book that many teens will enjoy.

Read more about this author and what inspires his writing here

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Slated - Teri Terry

Imagine a world where up to the age of 18 a child's  brain can be re-programmed, any previous memories wiped and all emotions limited and controlled? What would happen when the memories of some of those who have been 'slated' begin to surface? Can you really eradicate the essence of a person?

Slated touches on these and other issues.

Kyla's mind has been wiped; she has been given to 'new' family and her life is controlled by the 'Lorders' (law and order agents). But like any society that is heavily repressed - there will be rebellion.
The first in a series of three, I enjoyed this dystopian view of our possible future.


Friday, April 20, 2012

Steel Pelicans

Des Hunt is a prolific writer of teen fiction. His latest book Steel Pelicans resonated with me as a large part of it is set in my old 'home area' of Pukekohe, Tuakau and Port Waikato!

Pelly, the main character, is a kiwi who has lived in Australia for most of his life. His best friend Dean, loves making fireworks and explosions - often getting them both into trouble. After Pelly's dad takes a job back in NZ Pelly finds it difficult adjusting to life as a day boy at the local boarding school - where bullying is a serious issue.

Pelly and his new friend Afi, stumble across a smuggling ring at the local beach spot 'the Port'. Dean's arrival for the school holidays, adds to the chaos and excitement and
danger.........

Des Hunt's books always features aspects of the NZ landscape and environment. You can read more about Des and his writing here Des Hunt

Floors - Patrick Carman

Imagine living in a hotel where every room holds a secret. Where every floor is not what it seems. Where ducks are not what they seem. A hotel populated by an array of intriguing characters.

That's the Whippett Hotel of Patrick Carmen's Floors.

Leo lives in the hotel's basement with his father, the caretaker. The hotel's creator Margenza Whippett has disappeared, but left Leo a series of mysterious coloured boxes and riddles - which need to be opened and solved.

Fast paced, adventurous, mysterious and humourous. An enjoyable read.

Check out the author's website and podcasts here

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Erebos - Ursula Poznanski

Erebos is a computer game, unlike any game ever played before - it seems to be alive, so alive that it crosses over from the world of the computer into the living world. Not just anyone can play - you have to be invited. And then you only get one chance to play.

But there is something sinister about a game that becomes so encompassing, a game that takes the lives of players totally.

An unique story - a creepy story.......

BZRK - Michael Grant

A war is being fought - and the future of mankind is at stake. But this is no ordinary war - it is a war being fought at a 'nano' level - organic controlled organisms that can travel into our very being, build our memories and desires, controlling everything we do.

Two groups are waging this war - and to be honest I wasn't sure which side is the right side to win.

A complicated and action packed tale. You can check out Michael Grant's website here BZRK

Saturday, March 3, 2012

The bookseller of Kabul - Anne Seierstad

Post 9/11 Norwegian journalist Seierstad lived with a bookseller and his family for three months in Kabul. As a western woman , wearing the burkha, she had access to both the male and female sections of the household and so her narrative provides a unique insight into the lives and minds of a middle class Afghani family.

She tells of the everyday concerns of the patriach of the family, Khan, but also of the day to day issues concerning the women of the household - the shame of a second wife being brought in, the drudgery of the youngest female of the household, the lack of education of both the males and female children of the household as the take on roles in the family business empire.

A fascinating read that has caused its' subject - the anonymous 'Khan' family much difficulty in their homeland. You can read more about that here - The bookseller of Kabul

Friday, March 2, 2012

Extremely loud and incredibly close - Jonathan Safran Foer


9 year old Oskar's father 'disappeared' on Sept 11. A chance find of a key leads Oskar to believe that his father left a clue to his whereabouts - a clue that he must solve. So he begins his journey to look for the lock that the key fits - even if it means looking for every possible lock in New York City.

Oskar's journey brings him into contact with an array of interesting characters on the way to discovering some truths about himself, his family and his father.

Wonderfully written, interspersed with graphic images and cartoon pages - highly recommended.

The Phoenix files - Chris Morphew


I've been catching up on some teen fiction the last few weeks - namely this series by Australian author Chris Morphew.

The final book in the series - Fallout - is due for release and April. The end of the world is coming closer - except for the selected inhabitants of the twon of Phoenix - where nothing is as it seems. Teenagers and friends, Peter, Jordan and Luke have carried on the fight to discover the truth behind the Co-operative and the town of Phoenix.

Fast paced and full of action, this series is a must for the lovers of sci-fi.

You can check out the authors website here - Morphew
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