Book Reviews January 2007

Mira Falling dreams of becoming a star ... but achieving fame and fortune can be difficult when you're stuck in a boring seaside town like Harvest Bay, and have a brilliant brother who overshadows your every move.

When Sebastian Holborn and his wealthy family move into the house across the street, Mira thinks they will be perfect for her plans. Finally she's found a way to become a celebrity, with her name up in lights. But Sebastian's scheming twin sister, Lily, has other ideas ...

For every problem, however, there is a solution, and Mira will allow nothing and no one to stand in her way.

 This month we look at books for our older readers. These books would suit children around the age of 10 through to 15 years old.

Thieves - A Novel by Ella West, Publisher: Longacre Press, NZ RRP $18.99, Age Group: 13 plus

Nicky has a secret. Now you see her, now you don't.

She has the ability to disappear and reappear in another place, her gift controlled through the powers of thought alone.

Someone else has discovered Nicky's extrasensory talent, a group called the Project. Anonymous, benign in manner, yet also sinister in its secrecy, the Project spirits Nicky and four others away to a desert hideaway.

Constantly monitored by security, taken from their families and even their own countries, Nicky and her fellow travellers are gradually pushed into a world of espionage and intrigue.

But who are they working for? Is the Project inherently good, or is it inherently evil?

Reviewer's comment: This was an excellent book. A good read for the girls!

Shadows in the Mirror by Cameron Nunn,  Publisher: Black Dog Books, RRP (Not available),  Age Group: 13 plus

In the corridors of Hamilton College lies a secret. Behind the facade is a world of brutality, where rugby rules all and boys must learn to be men ... even if it kills them. When one student makes a stand, another must decide what really matters. Events of the past avalanche into the present and bring students face to face with the shadows in the mirror.

Reviewer's comment: This book covers the subject of bullying at a private boarding school. Although a good read, I feel that this book would suit 'mature' thirteen-year-olds and over, due to the subject matter. I did find the book hard to put down.

And did those feet ... by Ted Dawe,  Publisher: Longarce NZ, RRP $18.99,  Age Group: 11 to 14 years

Sandy will tell you: He looks like an ordinary kid on the outside, but on the inside, he's a time bomb. Ever since his mum died, and his father started slacking off on the dad front, he's felt lit up by a barely contained rage.

This is the story of how a boy faces up to a season of disasters: Some of his own making, some brought upon him by others. Told with gentle humour 'And did those feet ...' is another great novel by award-winning writer Ted Dawe.