This article was published by Read NZ - click here to read it online.

"Here at Read NZ, we believe books can teach us many lessons; all of which are vital to going out into the real world with a deeper understanding of what’s to come. Leaving home can be daunting, but we’ve compiled a list of 10 books which should provide a solid foundation for any child and hopefully instil them with a little more confidence for their next big step.

(Note. We’ve sorted the books into an approximate age order, but it’s up to you or your child to decide what they will be comfortable reading and when!)

1. Hairy Maclary by Lynley Dodd
This series is an absolute classic, and with 20 books to choose from, they’ll provide you and your child with a great selection of bedtime story material.

2. Any Roald Dahl Book
From Matilda to The Twits to James and the Giant Peach, Roald Dahl has shaped many a readers childhood. They all hold important life lessons within and are also highly entertaining. Take your pick of the lot or let your little one choose!

3. Maui and other Māori Legends by Peter Gossage
Developing a knowledge of the legends creates an amazing connection to our country and fellow New Zealanders. This book incorporates beautiful illustrations to accompany the telling of the legends, and can be enjoyed by all ages, 0-101.

4. Greta’s story: The schoolgirl who went on strike to save the planet by Valentina Camerini
Greta Thunberg has been making her mark on the climate change front and this book is an unofficial biography of her experiences. As the effects of climate change begin to become more tangible, and will continue to do so for generations, this book is a great introduction to a very complex issue.

5. Under the Mountain by Maurice Gee
Maurice Gee is a very well-known New Zealand writer and Under the Mountain is engrained in the NZ literary world. It’s not often you read about the fate of the world being in the hands of 2 telepathic twins, so it’s definitely one to consider reading.

6. Love, Simon by Becky Albertelli
Love, Simon follows the story of a boy in high school who has to deal with his school, friends, and family finding out he is gay through a post shared on social media without his consent. The novel is a great example of the struggle all of us can face in discovering our self-identity, and provides some great LGBTQ+ representation.

7. Tu by Patricia Grace
This novel is narrated by Tu, a Māori soldier who fought in Italy in World War II. War is always important to read about so we can learn to avoid it at all costs. The loss of Tu’s two brothers during the war is both a reminder of the horrors of battle, as well as a glimpse for readers into a soldier grieving and his memories of war.

8. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
You’ve likely heard of this classic or will have stumbled across it in English class. It teaches many important lessons regarding racism and stresses the importance of empathy towards others. Racism is one of the worst parts of humanity and this book is an effective way of introducing this topic from a child’s perspective.

9. All about Kate by Josie Laird
Written by Kiwi author, Josie Laird, All about Kate delves into the all too prevalent body insecurity that children and adults of all ages experience. Self-image can be a difficult topic to approach, so this book might provide a helping hand. Please note this book contains content around weight insecurity and young adults would be the most appropriate audience.

10. 1984 by George Orwell
Another classic, 1984 addresses the potential dangers that can arise in particular governing systems. Orwell was the first to pen the term 'Big Brother', referring to mass surveillance in a community. This novel definitely makes you think a bit deeper into who is really in charge and could be a great thought initiator for teenagers to read before leaving the nest.

We hope this list gives you, the reader, or your children some great book inspiration for before leaving home. Moving out is a daunting task, but reading makes most things (if not all things) better.

- Kate Broadley, Victoria University intern at Read NZ Te Pou Muramura"