Hi everyone, this week I’m giving you a post with a trio of Kiwi teen tales. There might be a post with one of them from a few years ago, but the other two were ones I read not too long ago. I had to go searching for titles that showcased not just the unique landscape that is New Zealand but also the dramatic writing from some awesome Kiwi writers. Enjoy your reading below!
Antipodes by Michele Bacon (Sky Pony Press, 2018) gives the story of one teen who spends a year abroad in New Zealand, specifically Christchurch in the South Island. Erin Cerise lands in Christchurch determined to overcome her losses of swim team championship, her boyfriend Ben, and her reputation. Her mother is certain studying abroad will regain Erin’s chances of a good future. Despite the itchy school uniform and the cold house her hosts’ provide, Erin finds herself drawn to the gorgeous scenery, enjoying rock climbing, and at least one guy who’s making her journey worthwhile. With months ahead of her, Erin slowly begins to draw on the years behind her, one step back into her memories at a time. As she rebuilds herself from the other side of the world, she finds that although her life has been turned upside down and she’s far from home, every way she moves takes her closer to where she came from.
My review: I found this lovely YA read an excellent one describing the landscape of the South Island and the way of life there. Although you can’t help feeling sad for Erin in the beginning and wondering what had happened to have her transfer to NZ, the BEFORE chapters slowly showcased her life in the States in great detail. I liked how Bacon had used those sections out of sequence, more or less how our memories work. There are some mature themes of sex, drugs and drinking explored here, so this is best suited for older teens. Overall this was a well-written story and I liked how Erin slowly finds herself and what is true to herself.
Adele Broadbent’s If Only (One Tree House Ltd, 2020) was a story I was recommended by a former manager of mine. It is a story of love and whales. The main character Kayla isn’t sure about breaking rules, and her first try was a disaster. What follows after a little white lie gets Kayla thinking, If only she’d chosen differently.
My review: A lovely and somewhat gentle read on friendship, love and loyalty. Based somewhere along the dramatic coast of New Zealand, this teen tale follows young Kayla as she traverses the stormy seas of friendship amidst the dramas of high school, first love and a curiosity on the life of whales. I found the descriptions of Kayla’s inner turmoil along with her hopes and fears expertly crafted in Adele’s signature style. I enjoyed this story despite some of the darker themes that emerged as the story unravelled. A great read for teens!
The impossible story of Hannah Kemp: a novel by Leonie Agnew (Walker Books, 2023) takes readers to a small town somewhere in rural New Zealand. Hannah Kemp is dealing with a traumatic accident which she was responsible for and is puzzling out questions about her own life and family. Misunderstood and frustrated, Hannah escapes the disapproving glances in her small town by losing herself in books. Her story changes when she meets Dylan – a boy who works in a bookstore – and a mysterious mobile library comes to town. Every book on the bus contains true stories about local people, revealing an impossible collection of hidden secrets. Hannah finds that information is power, until she discovers her own book on the shelves… and her world suddenly turns upside down.
My review: For a teen read, this was quite dramatic. Not exactly ‘clean YA’ but the mystery aspect kept me going forward and trying to figure things out. I liked how it was written in first person narrative and we get to hear Hannah’s version of everything, even the tragic accident she’s responsible for and how she’s dealing with the punishment and the consequences. I loved how both Hannah’s parents are academics and how her father, being a Filipino, is an English teacher and shares a love of books like her. The debates she has with him over what she’s reading and the references here and there are really awesome. The mystery/fantasy element where the ‘stories’ from the mobile library end up being real was quite a new concept. Although I’m not a huge fan of Hannah’s meanness to the librarian in the beginning, the ending is truly awesome!! I can see why it won the Tessa Duder Award in 2022. Hannah’s character arc and how she finally realizes the choice is up to her is really lovely to read!!
Best quote:
“Whatever happens next, it’s my choice because I do know the answer.
I’m the author of my own story, who else?” – Hannah
I hope you all enjoyed this selection of Kiwi teen stories.
Stay safe and keep reading
Miss Mahee
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 