The topic of this book may seem a little dry but is actually interesting reading. Ann Beaglehole is a refugee immigrant herself (Hungary 1956), and here examines our country’s response to refugees and asylum seekers since 1840. She looks at why particular groups have been chosen over others and how policies have changed over the […]
Putting a spotlight on refugees Read Post »
This was the second novel for Pulitzer Prize-winner Paul Harding, and was published near the end of 2104. His debut novel is called Tinkers and, if this story is anything to go by, it is not surprising that it’s an award-winner. The praise for it includes such words as wonderful, remarkable, captivating, hypnotic . .
Bleak, but an excellent read Read Post »
This is a must-read parenting guide by Australian author, teacher and expert in restorative practice, Shelley Davidow. Her award-winning books deal with a wide range of social issues. This book explains the importance of minimising stress for our children and gives lots of hot tips on how to do so. Part one discusses stress, part two
Must-read parenting guide Read Post »
This is an amazing little graphic novel written to help teenagers combat anger and build resilience. The author and the illustrator are a husband and wife team and are both trained school counsellors who live in New South Wales, Australia. Andy is the angry protagonist who undertakes a journey of self-discovery. The aim is to
Giving teens tools to deal with anger Read Post »
Siobhan Harvey is an internationally recognised poet who has been critically acclaimed through receiving or being shortlisted for many awards. She won the Kathleen Grattan Poetry Award 2013 for her Cloudboy collection. These poems share what life is like with an autistic son. The point of view is Cloudmother’s, and she first compares her son
New Zealand poetry collections show depth Read Post »
The fact that this is No 5 in family saga The Cazalet Chronicles probably speaks for itself. In fact, Elizabeth Jane Howard was awarded a CBE in 2002, the same year her autobiography was published, and is the author of 14 highly acclaimed novels. This instalment starts in 1956 and chronicles continuing Cazalet fortunes to
Not a page-turner but good enough Read Post »
This is Katie Fforde’s 20th novel and is a Sunday Times bestseller. One doesn’t have to read too many pages to discover why. It’s basically a light-hearted love story with 20-something real estate agent, Bella, as the protagonist. She’s been with Nevil for three years and now he’s proposed. However, he is also her boss
Light-hearted love story Read Post »
Eighteen essays by chiefly Australian and Kiwi scientists detail what is happening as our planet gets warmer and examine both political and ethical issues. It is certainly an eye-opening read as there are impacts on our food and water supplies as well as on the spread of infectious diseases. How is our health being affected
Climate debate heats up Read Post »
Christchurch based poet Gary Elford taught at three different schools on the Regent Street site now occupied by Aurora College, Invercargill, for 16 years, so many of you will know him. I thoroughly enjoyed this, his second poetry collection. The poems are evocative of the south. Several days since reading, these are the ones I remember
Southern connection in highly recommended poetry collection Read Post »
First published by Corgi in 1992 and republished in January 2014, this delightful home-school romp was written by 16-year-old Caitlin Moran who is now an award-winning The Times critic, interviewer and columnist. She has authored two other novels in the intervening years. My favourite part of the book is Moran’s introduction in which she details
Columnist’s early life a fun read Read Post »
