What’s New Teen Space

Go Set a Watchman. Harper Lee
Jean Louise Finch has returned home to enjoy the summer vacation with her father but instead finds herself at loggerheads with him as the realisation that they don’t share the same political viewpoint sinks in. Set twenty years after Lee’s first novel To Kill a Mockingbird this story also deals with the subject of racial inequality at a pivotal time in the history of America. Thought-provoking discussion interspersed with Jean Louise’s reminiscences of childhood help to make this a very readable book.

Etta and Otto and Russell and James. Emma Hooper
Etta has left her husband a note to say she is off to see the water and “will try to remember to come back”. As she bravely undertakes the 3,232 kilometre walk from the Canadian prairies to the coast with only a coyote for company, stories from her long life (of war, loss, love and companionship) are woven into the narrative. These and the present day story of her epic journey to the sea combine to make this an enjoyable and entertaining novel.

Emilio. Sophie Masson
This is a fast-paced and exciting read set in Mexico, where thirteen year old Emilio lives with his mother. Everything changes dramatically one day when he returns home from school to find his mother has been kidnapped and he suddenly finds himself involved in an undesirable world peopled with drug lords and federal police. How can Emilio survive alone in this place and will he ever see his mother again?

Ink and Ashes. Valyenne E Maetani
Claire is confused when she finds out that her mother has been lying to her about her late father since the time of his death. Her attempt to find out the truth leads to an exciting adventure for her and her faithful gang of young super-sleuths, and danger looms around every corner as unimagined secrets are revealed. This award-winning book is one you won’t want to put down.

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl. Paige McKenzie
Sunshine has felt uneasy about their new house since she and her mother arrived there and her thoughts are soon confirmed when a poltergeist makes its presence known. But when her mother refuses to believe her, Sunshine starts to doubt her own sanity. As strange goings-on continue, the only person she can trust is her new school-friend: charming, handsome Nolan. This is a chilling and compelling tale.

Walk on Earth a Stranger. Rae Carson The year is 1849 and times couldn’t get much tougher for Lee and her best friend Jefferson as they work hard to provide food for their poverty stricken families. When word of the gold rush arrives they are tempted to leave their hometown in search of their fortunes. Lee is a fine shooter and also has a witch-like ability to divine gold, but can she break away and make it to California with only Jefferson for support?