by Kay Mercer

'Sup Teen Space?

New and recommended books for young adults to enjoy
Image by: Amanda Booth

Three Things I Know are True Betty Culley
This book portrays the aftermath of a family tragedy. Jonah, who has always been a carefree risk taker, accidentally shoots himself with his best friend's father's gun. It is a tragic accident, and the consequences for him are immense as he suffers irreparable brain damage. But it is not just Jonah who is left to suffer - his mother, sister Liv, his best friend and his friend's family have to cope with the guilt, bitterness, and hopelessness of the situation. Told from the perspective of Liv, this great story addresses some tough issues in a sincere and very compassionate way. This novel is written in verse form and is very easy to read. It is also available as an e-book through BorrowBox

Image by: Amanda Booth

Falling into Rarohenga Steph Matuku (reviewed by Laura Shepard)
Falling into Rarohenga by Steph Matuku follows teenage twins, Kae and Tui, as they head home after school from a hard day of not getting along. When Tui heads upstairs looking for her mum, she discovers a vortex has opened up on the floor of her bedroom. Tui gets sucked in and in attempt to help her, Kae also falls in. They arrive in Rarohenga, the Māori underworld, which unlike heaven or hell, is more a general place of the spirits and doesn’t have anything to do with sin. This world is also occupied by magical creatures like Taniwha, Tūrehu (fairy folk) and Atua such as Tāwhiri-mātea (god of the winds, clouds, rain, hail, snow and storms). Kae and Tui have been brought to Rarohenga by their aunty, who wants them to save their mum from the clutches of their father, a domineering man, who just won’t take no for an answer. Despite various entities that are out to kill them, their main barrier is each other where they are forced to see each others strengths in order to succeed. There were so many twists and turns in the plot that I kept wondering if they really were going to pull the rescue off, it definitely had me sweating a few times! My favourite sub-character was a river taniwha that features about midway through the book. Tui discovers that the way to communicate with it, is to stare into it’s eye, and it will read your thoughts and share its own. My favourite part of this book was the humour that is maintained between Kae and Tui. This was a taunting, teasing kind of humour which suited their age and situation. The book starts with a chapter written from the perspective of Tui, and then the next chapter is written from the perspective of Kae, this pattern continuing to the very end of the book. The twins largely stay together throughout the book, so we experience the same events but from two very different persepctives. I loved how this book wove in te reo Māori, and pūrākau Māori with ease. It’s funny, thrilling, and emotional all at once. I would definitely recommend this book. This book is shelved in YA but I feel it would be suitable for mature 10-12 year olds also. 

Image by: Amanda Booth

The Left-Handed Booksellers of London Garth Nix
This historical fantasy is set in 1983 London. Eighteen year old Susan Arkshaw is leaving her village home to begin her studies in London as an art student. She is also intent on seeking information about her father who she has never met and about whom her mother barely speaks. She begins her quest with a visit to an old family friend 'Uncle' Frank Thringley. But this is when things take a dramatically unexpected turn. Before her eyes her uncle is turned to dust by the left-handed bookseller Merlin St Jacques. Then, instead of threatening Susan, Merlin actually becomes her saviour as he sweeps her away from the encroaching black fog and the deadly warden, Raud Alyas. Merlin leads her into an alternate old world magical London and there begins this suspenseful adventure. This book is also available as an e-book and audio book on BorrowBox.

Image by: Amanda Booth

The Messenger Markus Zusak
Ed Kennedy is no one special. In fact, if anything, he is a bit of an underachiever. However when he unwittingly thwarts a robbery attempt at a local bank he finds himself an unexpected hero. This is also when anonymous assignments start arriving in the form of playing cards with three clues written on them. As Ed embarks on solving these clues he becomes involved in the lives of strangers and with that involvement he begins to feel a sense of responsibility for them. This unusual novel by the author of The Book Thief carries you along an unpredictable story path and finishes with a very thought provoking end. It is available as an e-book and newly available as an audio book on BorrowBox.

T.B.G:Teen Book Group Crossover: A Graphic Novel Book Club
If you love to read, and love to share what you are reading, you should head along to our Teen Book Group (Years 8-10) or Crossover (Years 9-13). In both groups you can discuss what you're reading, and get great recommendations from others, as well as explore everything the library has on offer for young adults!