The Unquiet by Carolyn McCurdie (Longacre Press, 132 pages, 10 to 13 years)

This book is oh so cool! It is a bit of sci-fi and the magic of Maori legend thrown together and working wonderfully to make a spellbinding novel.

The book is a bit creepy too, Pluto - the planet, disappears. The Unquiet is swallowing up planets and entire countries on earth. It is up to Anaru and Tansy to save the world. But how will they do it and what magic will they discover to make it happen?

Tansy is a typical 'outsider' kid, she doesn't fit in and hates her new school and new friend. That friend is Anaru, who wouldn't accept Tansy explanation "I never have friends and if I did decide to have some, I wouldn't choose you."  Instead Anaru tells her, she probably would choose him as a friend because everyone likes him. That doesn't impress Tansy.

This New Zealand fantasy adventure is gripping and original. It is Carolyn McCurdie's first book and we hope just one of many more. 

Recommended read for 10 to 13 year olds, suit both boys and girls. Easy to read chapters, hard to put down.