Category: Contemporary Fiction

Listen, Slowly by Thanha Lai

Hi everybody, welcome to another week of summer book reviews!! For me, growing up, summer meant going back home for holidays to Sri Lanka to see my extended family. My siblings and I share some fond memories of those years and the connections we made then fostered the relationships we have as adults. Well, I think so anyway! This next book is about a young girl’s travels to South East Asia to learn more of her roots. I hope you all enjoy this one as much as I did!! Continue reading “Listen, Slowly by Thanha Lai” →

Half a chance by Cynthia Lord

Hi there, this third week we will be hopping back over the Atlantic to experience a summer in New Hampshire instead. I know that technically summer in the northern hemisphere falls during the middle of the year, but the American summer stories are full of so many awesome adventures and the characters in these books I’ve read give an extra element to the meaning of summer. This next story is not however a typical summer camp story but of a summer of changes for one young girl. So sit back and enjoy this award-winner of a tale! Continue reading “Half a chance by Cynthia Lord” →

Astrotwins by Mark Kelly

Welcome to this first book review of the new year!! In keeping with the theme of summer through this month, this first choice of mine is not one book, but two! And it’s about a pair of twins who have the wildest summer adventure you could ever imagine!! So strap yourselves in for a wild ride of a read as this summer takes off!! Continue reading “Astrotwins by Mark Kelly” →

Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass

Hi all to this last week of 2018!! And what a roller coaster of a year it has been!! I hope everyone had a happy Christmas and, like me, is looking forward to the coming New Year, with so many possibilities ahead! This last post is a delightful book I read by another awesome writer I discovered! If you enjoy scientific phenomenon and family stories, then this is definitely for you!! Continue reading “Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass” →

Adventure in archaeology

Hi all, today is a special post. I thought I would explain a little more on my fascination on archaeology. I guess it’s that aspect of looking for our place in history and unearthing what it means to be human. I have always believed that much of the answers to our present and future lie in the past. Whether it’s in the form of  a clay pot used to house grains or the remains of palaces buried deep under layers of sand! And yes, the whole Indiana Jones side of it comes into play too!! I hope you enjoy the books I’ve selected for this special post! Continue reading “Adventure in archaeology” →

Samantha Sutton and the labyrinth of lies by Jordan Jacobs

Hello all, although Christmas is just around the corner, today’s post will be a slightly different book. Down here in New Zealand, summer has arrived. The days are longer and at times warmer. So, in celebration with all things summer and beachy, prepare yourself for some summer adventures!! Continue reading “Samantha Sutton and the labyrinth of lies by Jordan Jacobs” →

Anzac reads for history fans

Hello everyone, here is an extra little post for any historical fiction fans out there. As a tribute to the country I call home, I thought to end this month featuring some more Anzac titles. The selection of titles in this post are written by both popular Australian and New Zealand children’s authors. Continue reading “Anzac reads for history fans” →

The Anzac Violin by Jennifer Beck

Hi there, this second week I wanted to review a delightful book that came across my path whilst working one day. It’s a sophisticated picture book or graphic novel type read rather than a normal tween read but I thought it deserved to be highlighted. This delightful read is about a young soldier who travelled from New Zealand and found himself in Gallipoli and is actually based on a true story. I hope readers will feel the tug at their heartstrings as mine did!! Continue reading “The Anzac Violin by Jennifer Beck” →