You can access the library website here at any time to see what else is new, search for items, reading lists and for links to research and academic databases.

Some holiday reading focus now, as the days stretch out and summer feels … hot. Time for all those outdoorsy things we love to do in Aotearoa, and then to wind down and relax - with my personal fave – a book. North Woods is a multilayered story of a single house over 400 years of inhabitants and change. The Big Bike Trip might be inspirational, the Beasts of England is a sophisticated sequel of the ever-popular Animal Farm – revolution take two. Talking of favourites, the Topp Twins have published their story of how two country kids from Huntly with a love of country music and yodelling, became iconic, comedic taonga of New Zealand. Lastly, the 18th Diary of a Wimpy Kid book is out – the perfect can’t-go-wrong Christmas present.

North Woods / Daniel Mason

This is a book to read slowly and savour every sentence. Built in the forests of western Massachusetts, there is a yellow house. For 400 years it has stood as the history of America and the cycling of seasons revolves around it. The story is of the many intertwined lives that lived and died there; of the house, of the passage of time and the woods themselves take on a role, with Nature and Man pulling the strings. The characters are compelling and complex and the language sweetly evocative. The author is a Pulitzer prize finalist, and it shows. I hope this draws you in.

"Now, in the place that was once the belly of the man who offered the apple to the woman, one of the apple seeds, sheltered in the shattered rib cage, breaks its coat and drops a root into the soil, lifts a pair of pale green cotyledons. A shoot rises, thickens, seeks the bars of light above it, gently parts the fifth and sixth ribs that once guarded the dead man's meagre heart."

Beasts of England / Adam Biles

A political and social satire, Animal Farm Revolution #2. Based on the same farm, set in current day England. Only Benjamin the donkey is still around from the first revolution, and he connects this book with the original - as he can remember. The farm is now a petting zoo but corruption and lies bring the animals to their knees as they infight and cause division between themselves. The author references Brexit, refugees, Trump, the Press, Twitter, fake news and rumours, ruling classes, society, inequity, pollution, disease and more. This would be great for senior students to make comparisons between this and Animal Farm. What has changed or has it all really remained the same? Good review here:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/sep/13/beasts-of-england-by-adam-biles-review-animal-farm-for-the-post-brexit-era

The Big Bike Trip / Freddie Gillies

Four young Kiwis off on a bike trip across the world – fourteen months and 23,000 kilometres cycling across more than 20 countries later, a youthful dream became a reality. This book records their adventures – the highs and lows, sickness, culture-shock, fears, self-doubt, weather extremes and is peppered with stunning photographs taken along their way. “It was the time of their lives”. Inspirational.

Untouchable Girls : The Topp Twins Story / Jools and Linda Topp

Camp Mother and Camp Leader, Ken and Ken, Prue and Dilly, well known for their political views and strong beliefs, funny as heck, and life of the party Topp Twins. Here they are telling stories and anecdotes about their well lived lives. Real Kiwi gals.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid : No brainer / Jeff Kinney

Another situation for Greg Heffley to sort out. His school is falling to bits and in danger of being closed for good (sort of good news) but, oh no – this would mean having to go to a new school with new students…. time for Greg to figure out how to save his school.