Hi there, here is my very first book review. The first one is a ‘tween’ read that’s pretty much a tribute to the country I now call home: New Zealand. If you are someone who enjoys a good adventure read then you will enjoy this one!!
Title: Project Huia
Author: Des Hunt
Genre: Fiction – Contemporary (NZ)
Publication details: Scholastic; Auckland, NZ, 2013
ISBN: 978177543176
What this book is about: Logan Whittaker’s grandfather Jim grew up near Palmerston North in the 1940’s. One day, he and his sister Mavis spotted a beautiful and unusual bird in the kowhai tree outside their home: it was a huia bird, which was believed to be extinct. Although it flew away they tracked it down deep into the Manawatu Gorge. More than sixty years later, 11-year-old Logan has returned to the Manawatu with Grandpop Jim and a scientist to try and solve the mystery of what happened to that huia.
My review: I really enjoyed reading this book!! It took me deep into the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. Set in the Manawatu Gorge, Des Hunt took me from the 21st century back in time to the 1940’s. His expert description of the area gave me not just an exquisite picture of the native flora in New Zealand, but also the change in landscape as the years had gone by. The story itself I found was really well written. With a cast of memorable characters in Logan and his Grandpop Jim, you can’t but help being caught alone in this adrenaline-pumping adventure and heart-warming tale of family secrets and tragedy. One of the main reasons I chose this book to start off with was because this New Zealand author, Des Hunt, focuses most of his books on the native wildlife and natural environment of New Zealand. I found myself learning so much more about this country I now call home. I don’t want to spoil too much of the story so I won’t go into plot details and such. It’s up to you to decide if you think it’s worth reading though!! That being said, fans of the outdoors, conservation, and the natural world will love Des Hunt’s books!!
My rating: 5 ⭐
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 