Cambridge High School Library 2012

The Vow

2012-02-26T19:35:00.003-08:00

The movie is great - and now we have the BOOK!!!!

Come and read the story of THE VOW- it is what the Princess Bride movie calls "True Love" and guys- you should watch it as well - sure it is soppy, but it has values in it that never die.

The Ink Bridge

2012-02-26T19:13:00.002-08:00

By: Neil Grant
Genre: Historical Cultural Drama
Location: FIC GRA

Set in Australia, with a young lad from Afghanistan called Omed who is asylum seeking, a candle factory, Hector- an Australian boy who has retreated into silence and festering secrets .... Sounds to me like a Bryce Courtney for teenagers. I read blurbs like this one on the back of these books and I am such a sucker for this genre- stories of broken people, sad people, foreigners, who collide and try and figure out how life works. .
As the front of the cover says
Two silent boys.
Two challenging journeys.
One remarkable story.

Clash

2012-02-26T19:02:00.004-08:00

By: Colin Mulhern

Genre: Teenage Boy Street Drama

Location: Fic MUL

ALEX: Underground cage fighter; school pyshco.

KYLE: Talented artist and classroom joker.

I had a skim though this book and found a scene in it that happened to my own brother- severe school bullying and a guy that steps in to rescue the poor guy getting dealt too. In my brothers case- the guy that rescues him was my other brother- he was bigger and tougher, in the rugby team, yet younger. My older brother ended up with a PhD in Micro Biology but will never forget the head in the toilet at aged 14. So this stuff still happens and this book is about that kind of stupid mindless abuse teenagers give out and those that have the guts to stop it.

Alex and Kyle in this book are the two that clash and this unleashes a catastrophic sequence of events...

"Clash is like a hard punch in the guts- in a good way" Anthony McGowan.

Three summers

2012-02-26T18:14:00.003-08:00

By: Judith Clarke

Genre: Drama

Location: FIC CLA

" From multi-award-winning author Judith Clarke, this is a magnificent and deeply moving story about two girls, a life-long friendship, and the heart's search for the real true thing. When Ruth and Fee finish school, they each must make a choice. Ruth's grandmother wants her to go to university and to see every marvellous place in the world. Fee wants to stay and be a mother. But for Ruth, leaving town means leaving Tam Finn, the elusive yet entrancing boy so unlike any other she has ever met. Judith Clarke's story of enduring friendship and the saving grace of love will leave you breathless."

BEAR GRYLLS Survival books

2012-02-21T15:34:00.002-08:00

We have just got two of Bear Grylls survival books into the library, these are not his stories of his exploits they are rather his practical guides to survival in the outdoors. As Scout Chief in the UK and Man vs Wild TV programmes show, he has a lot to teach us, especially if you are doing the survival units in outdoor education in year 12 and 13 this year.
These books will be gold for these studies. In case Bear Grylls is unknown to you- check out these YouTube clips.

Me & You

2012-02-21T14:40:00.003-08:00

By: Niccolo Ammaniti

Genre: Family

Location: FIC AMM

This book is going to be a gold mine for the seniors extending reading, written by "Italy's best writer" who the Independent calls " fearsomely gifted".

People are reviewing this books with words like, "breathless, a tour de force, gripping, engrossing, subtle, chilling and intimate.

Why- It is about two siblings hiding in the cellar of their apartment building, one who is avoiding his parents and his sister who has just appeared and is going through a heroin withdrawal. As they sit together, secrets are revealed and together they form an intense bond.

This is a book that I will be reading over the weekend, unless one of you beats me to it!

Wolves, boys and other things that might KILL me.

2012-02-21T12:47:00.004-08:00

By: Kristen Chandler
Genre: Drama
Location: FIC CHA

She may be IN over her HEAD, but she's FINALLY following her heart!

It's K.J.'s junior year in the small town of West End, Montana, and whether she likes it or not, things are different this year. Over the summer, she turned from the blah daughter of a hunting and fishing guide into a noticeably cuter version of the outdoor loner. Normally, K.J. wouldn't care less, but then she meets Virgil, whose mum is studying the controversial wolf packs in nearby Yellowstone Park. From the moment Virgil casts a glance at her from under his shaggy blond hair, K.J. is uncharacteristically smitten. Soon, both K.J. and Virgil are spending a lot of their time watching the wolves (and each other), and K.J. begins to see herself and her town in a whole new light.

Night Road

2012-02-20T19:36:00.000-08:00

By: Kristin Hannah

Genre: Drama

Location: FIC HAN

This book comes with a of hype and good reviews, a story of love and loss, of hurting those we love the most. Moving, haunting and completely unforgettable. Night Road raises questions no mother, daughter or son would ever want to answer. It is on my hit list to read and I suspect it will be one of those books that will make me think and ponder long after I have closed the back cover.

I am Number Four

2012-02-20T15:41:00.000-08:00

We now have the books- Number Four and Number Six,
Pitticus Lore the author, set to become one of the hottest names on the planet.
Go on watch the movie, but before you do, read the book.

Trapped

2012-02-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

By: Martin Van Beynen

Genre: Real

Location: 920

When I read this book at my desk- I cried. Why? Because my son was one of those rescuing at the CTV site within minutes of the earthquake- he was so close to it all. Like so many New Zealanders we are connected to this story. The story of my city, my cathedral, my family, all my three children who study in Christchurch. Tomorrow is one year on- this book tells the stories of the survivors, those people my son helped that day, for them one year on is a year they thought they may never have.

Tripwire

2012-02-19T14:51:00.000-08:00

By: Steve Cole and Chris Hunter

Genre: War

Location: FIC COL

Radical animal-rights activists have teamed up with the biggest terrorist organisation in the world to create Deathwing- a project that takes Improvised Explosive Devices to a whole new kill-level.

Felix- boy soldier and bomb disposal expert is going undercover to learn Deathwings secrets- and defuse the threat before millions die.

What I want to know- is why are there bats on the cover?

The Look

2012-02-19T14:32:00.000-08:00

By: Sophia Bennett
Genre: Drama

Location: FIC BEN

Cool cover, made me want to purchase this book straight up, but then I read the blurb. This book has a whole lot more depth in it than it looks. Ted is spotted by a model agency, she is stunning, tall and beautiful- she has The Look. But at the same time her sister falls seriously ill.

Fame or family? Can she be a supermodel and a super sister? All in five-inch heels?

Matched

2012-02-19T13:35:00.001-08:00

This is going to be hot- better the Hunger Games so go the rumours- and we have the book Matched and its sequel- Crossed in our library for you. Check this out..

DESIGN

2012-02-16T16:02:00.000-08:00

By: Ewa Solarz

Genre: Technology- Non Fiction

Location: 745.409 SOL

The coolest book bought out by my favourite NZ publishers- Gecko- about all sorts of cool things that people have designed around the world. A great book to skim and enjoy.

Domestic

Equipment

Sleek

Ingenious

Groundbreaking

Noteworthy

Sirensong

2012-02-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

By: Jenna Black

Genre: Faeri Fantasy

Location: Fiction BLA

I will let Carrie Jones who wrote Need and Captivate share her review..

" Jeena Blacks bewitching journey into the land of Avalon blends mysterious guys, good friends, mortal danger and confusing relatives into a magical book that doesn't let you close it until you are done. be prepared to stay up late finishing this one. Its that good"

Battle fatigue; War is not an option

2012-02-16T15:43:00.000-08:00

By: Mark Kurlansky
Genre: War- or not
Location: Fiction KUR

Pacifism - why should you go to war, simply because you turn 18. Especially if it is the Vietnam War and you don't believe in it. But what if your family does? Joel Bloom is in this predicament- his only out is to cross the border to Canada and become a "draft dodger". But can he turn his back on everything his was bought up to believe, does he have the guts to be his own man.
I know if this was my son- I would be doing all I could to help him over the border to Canada, but what if your family forever would disown you if your did? This is Joel's problem- find out how he solves it.....

CHECK THIS OUT- Snow white and the huntsman movie.

2012-02-09T18:31:00.000-08:00

This looks like Lord of the Rings, but it is Snow White, the movie that made me cry when i took two young boys I was babysitting to watch, over 30 years ago. This version though is not cartoon- oh no- it is LOTR cross Red Ridinghood and it looks amazing. Will I cry- I think not, but I might get a tad scared!!

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt

2012-02-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

By: Beth Hoffman
Genre: Drama
Location: Fic HOF

Today is Friday and I have now found my weekend read!!!!

Steel Magnolias meets The Help in this Southern debut novel sparkling with humour, heart and feminine wisdom.
A book reviewer "Vivienne Serendipity" from Amazon says this about Saving CeeCee Honeycutt.

The book tells the story of CeeCee, a sweet young girl living with a psycotic mother. Her father left home, leaving CeeCee to cope with her mother. Life was really tough for CeeCee, yet she coped; until her mother was killed by an icecream truck. CeeCee is distraught,especially when she is shipped off to live a great aunt that she has never heard of. Can life get any worse?

When CeeCee moves in with Aunt Tootie and her feisty maid Oleta, life changes for the better. Aunt Tootie surrounds CeeCee with a wonderful world filled with good old Southern hospitality. CeeCee falls in love with all the eccentric people that make her welcome in Savannah. Her world becomes full of strong, wilful, independent women who nurture CeeCee back to happiness.

This book is full of a series of episodic events which highlight CeeCee's spiritual growth over her first summer in Savannah. You sit on the sidelines as you watch CeeCee meet the most amazing women who quickly pull CeeCee into their world.

' Life is full of change, honey. That's how we learn and grow. When we're born, the Good Lord gives each of us a Life Book. Chapter by chapter, we live and learn'.

'But, Mrs Odell, I've never heard of a Life Book'.

'It's not a book you can see or touch. It's a book that's held deep within your heart. It's guarded by your spirit'.

'My spirit?'

'Yes',she said, smoothing a loose strand of hair from her face. 'When a chapter of your Life Book is complete, your spirit knows it's time to turn the page so a new chapter can begin. even when you're scared or think you're not ready, your spirit knows you are.'

Dearly departed

2012-02-09T17:47:00.000-08:00

By: Lia Habel

Genre: Zombie romance

Location: FIC HAB

I parted the curtains. A skeletal face peered back at me, blackened eyes rolling in sockets seemingly unsupported by flesh. It smiled...

Normally I avoid the zombie world, leave that for my sons to talk about with their complicated "zombie plans"- but this novel just seemed a bit more catchy, maybe it is the " Darcy" like guy on the cover, gives a nod to a bit of Austen. Anyway I would love one of you to read it and tell me it is good!!

2012 in the Cambridge High Library

2012-02-09T17:25:00.001-08:00

Welcome back to the library for 2012. It is our hope that this year you all come and enjoy this wonderful place that belongs to all of us. If we can help you in any way please just come into our office and ask, we love to help you. keep an eye out on this blog, as we hope in 2012 to make it more interactive, this means youtube clips, movie and book trailers and opportunity for you to participate in our polls.

If you want a book and we don't have it , come and ask us, you are the best advice givers we have!!

Mrs Kirkbride and I look forward to serving you in anyway we can, whether it be helping you to locate books, good web sites, research needs for your learning, or even a happy chat in our office. All you need to do is ASK!!!

SUB

2012-02-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

By: Danny Danziger

Genre: War- Non Fiction

Location: NF 359.93 DAN

REAL LIFE ON BOARD WITH THE HIDDEN HEROES OF THE ROYAL NAVY'S SILENT SERVICE.

300 Million cubic miles of ocean

200 million pounds of hardware

ONE incredible hunter-killer.

Monsters of Men

2011-12-01T15:47:00.000-08:00

By: Patrick Ness
Genre: War
Location: FIC NES
Series: Chaos Walking Trilogy

Winner of Carnegie Medal 2011. Shortlisted for Galaxy National Book Awards: WH Smith Children's Book of the Year 2010 and Arthur C. Clarke Award 2011
The electrifying finale to the multi-award winning trilogy, Chaos Walking, this is a heart-stopping novel about power, survival, and the devastating reality of war. "War," says the Mayor. "At last." Three armies march on New Prentisstown, each one intent on destroying the others. Todd and Viola are caught in the middle, with no chance of escape. As the battles commence, how can they hope to stop the fighting? How can there ever be peace when they're so hopelessly outnumbered? And if war makes monsters of men, what terrible choices await? But then a third voice breaks into the battle, one bent on revenge...

Puss in Boots

2011-12-01T15:44:00.000-08:00

I cannot wait for this movie- I loved Shrek and I reckon this will be just as good.

Survival Handbook

2011-12-01T15:35:00.000-08:00

In association with the Royal Marines Commandos:
Endurance essentials for great outdoors..

A great book for those of you who study Outdoor Education or who are in the "Sir Ed" team or in the "Get2go" team.

RAFA

2011-12-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

No words needed- photos say it all.

Recon Team Angel Assault

2011-11-29T18:52:00.000-08:00

By: Brian Falkner
Location: FIC FAL
Genre: Sci Fi war

The first in a high octane sci-fi adventure series by best-selling and award-winning author, Brian Falkner. It is 2030, and the world is at war with an alien race. The Bzadians. The battleground: Earth. Recon Team Angel, made up of teenagers from around the world, has been training for years. They have learned Bzadian languages. Learned how to operate their weapons. How to work, eat, and think like them. Now it is time to act. Recon Team Angel must slip behind enemy lines, work their way into the top-secret alien facility under Uluru, and uncover the truth. But what they discover will shock not just them, but all of humanity.

Pams Whisper

2011-11-29T18:45:00.000-08:00

By: Sue Lawson
Location: FIC LAW
Genre: Youth Fiction- relationships and family.

Pan Harris is is brash, loud and damaged. Ordered into foster care, Pan is full of anger at the mother who abandoned her, and the older sister who kept her from her father. Pan is certain that she knows the reality of her past - until she meets Hunter, the boy who understands her story better than anyone else, and who just may be the key to unlocking the truth of Pan's memories. But are some memories best left forgotten? And is Hunter worth Pan breaking her most important rule - Never. Trust. Anyone

I shall wear midnight

2011-11-29T18:36:00.000-08:00

By: Terry Pratchett

Location: FIC PRA

Genre: Pratchett- he has his own genre!!

My son and my nephew LOVE Pratchett and the Discworld books- it has made them funny, wierd, witty and maybe even wise, so when any new Pratchett books come out - Im in.

This new one "has brilliantly funny dialogue and high peaks of imagination" The Times. If you love language, puns, wordplay and the creation of formidible characters and stories- then you simply MUST read Pratchett.

The Bad Queen

2011-11-29T14:54:00.000-08:00

By: Carolyn Meyer
Location: FIC MEY
Genre: Historical Fiction

More of my favourite genre, historical fiction this time set in France. Who was Marie-Antionette- was she as bad as I have ben made to think, did she deserve her beheading on the streets of Paris.

History paints her as a shallow party girl, a spoiled fashionista, a callous ruler. Perhaps no other royal has been so maligned--and so misunderstood--as Marie-Antoinette. In this latest installment of her acclaimed Young Royals series, Carolyn Meyer reveals the dizzying rise and horrific downfall of the last Queen of France.

From the moment she was betrothed to the dauphin of France at age fourteen, perfection was demanded of Marie-Antoinette. She tried to please everyone--courtiers, her young husband, the king, the French people--but often fell short of their expectations. Desperate for affection and subjected to constant scrutiny, this spirited young woman can't help but want to let loose with elaborate parties, scandalous fashions, and other unimaginable luxuries. But as Marie-Antoinette's lifestyle gets ever more recklessly extravagant, the peasants of France are suffering from increasing poverty--and becoming outraged. They want to make the queen pay.

The Bad Queen is a fresh look at an endlessly fascinating life.

Urban Assassin

2011-11-29T14:45:00.000-08:00

By: Jim Aldridge
Genre: War

Location: FIC ELD

Mitch and the boys of Delta Unit are on their most dangerous mission yet. And this time it is personal...

THE MISSION: To stop the assassination of the British prime Minister by a ruthless renegade killer. But this assassin is no stranger to the team- he is a highly trained, ex-member of Delta Unit.

THE SQUAD: elite Black-Ops soldiers- Gaz, Two Moons, Tug, Benny and nelson- codename, Delta Unit.

HIGH OCTANE, ADRENALIN-FUELLED COMBAT ADVENTURE.

Warning: CONTAINS GRAPHIC SCENES OF WARFARE.

Carrier of the Mark

2011-11-29T14:31:00.000-08:00

This looks so cool- and we have it now in the library.

Spiral

2011-11-29T14:27:00.000-08:00

By: Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams
Series: Tunnel Series
Location: FIC GOR
Genre: Adventure

If you thought the Limiters were nasty, think again. They've brought their females with them this time. And all that stands in their way are Will and his friends, and a rag-bag team of retired commandos. It's a smoking spiral of chaos and not everyone is going to survive.

How to be a boy

2011-11-29T13:28:00.000-08:00

By: Short Stories - so a whole lot of authors.

Location: FIC HOW

Genre: Short Stories for the lads.

HOODIE, DRUGGIE, GANGSTER, BOY.

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

Ian Beck, Mal Peet, Tim Wynne Jones and 7 other authors write about what it really means to be a man. Inspiring and pro boys, a book to counter the bad press guys are getting and stories about manning up and showing what courage young men do have in the face of adversity.

Time Raiders - The Eternal War

2011-11-29T13:23:00.000-08:00

We have the new book in the library... check this out!!

MIDWINTERBLOOD

2011-11-29T13:10:00.000-08:00

By: Marcus Sedgwick
Location: Fic Sed
Genre: Everything- Love, Vampires, Sci Fi and Fantasy

What would you sacrifice for someone you've loved forever?

"I will live seven times and I will look for you and love you in each life. Will you follow?

Have you ever had the feeling that you've lived another life? Been somewhere that has felt totally familiar even when you've never been there before, or felt that you've known someone even though you are meeting them for the first time? In a novel comprising seven parts each of them influenced by a moon - flower moon, harvest moon, hunter's moon, blood moon - and travelling from 2073 back in time to the dark of the moon and the days of Viking saga, this is the story of Eric and Merle who have loved and lost one another and who have been searching for each other ever since. In the different stories the two appear as lovers, mother and son, brother and sister, artist and child as they come close to finding each other before facing the ultimate sacrifice. Beautifully imagined, intricately and cleverly structured this is a heart-wrenching and breathtaking love story, but it also has the hallmark Sedgwick gothic touch with plenty of blood-spilling, a vampire and sacrifice.

Passion- The Book Trailer

2011-11-29T13:08:00.000-08:00

This series is running hot in the library- check out the trailer and you will see why!

Virals

2011-11-29T12:54:00.000-08:00

By: Kathy Reichs
Genre: Forensic Fiction
Location: FIC REI
Fourteen-year-old Tory Brennan is as fascinated by bones and dead bodies as her famous aunt, acclaimed forensic anthropologist, Tempe Brennan. However living on a secluded island off Charleston in South Carolina there is not much opportunity to put her knowledge to the test. Until her and her ragbag group of technophile friends stumble across a shallow grave containing the remains of a girl who has been missing for over thirty years. The question is, did whoever was responsible for the girl's death have anything to do with the sick puppy they rescued from a secret laboratory on the same island? With the cold-case murder suddenly hot, Tory realises that they are involved in something fatally dangerous.

If James Patterson loves it- you simply cannot go wrong.

Stay With Me

2011-11-29T12:37:00.000-08:00

By: Paul Griffin

Location: FIC GRI

Genre: Youth Fiction- Drama

The door opens, and this guy comes in, kind of tall, clean cut, definitely nice-looking, but there's something wrong with him. he strikes me as both wounded and perhaps a little dangerous...

And so it began...

The latest Listener magazine rates this book really highly as its number one youth fiction for 2011- so it must be good.This story is about hope, and first love and it will apparently change the way you think about the world- sounds like a challenge to me!!

The Rogue Princess

2011-11-29T12:09:00.000-08:00

By: Eve Edwards

Genre: Historical youth fiction

Location: FIC DEW

LONDON, ENGLAND 1586

I love historical fiction and none more than set in Tudor England. Throw in some forbidden love, a merchants daughter who falls in love with a vagabond and we have a great story.

The Shadow Girl

2011-11-29T11:57:00.000-08:00

By: John Larkin
Genre: Youth Ficton:- A thriller with survival themes
Location: FIC LAR
"Tragic, comic and epic, The Shadow Girl is as devastating as it is inspiring " Marcus Zusak.
The shadow girl never imagines she would live on the streets. After her parents disappear, life with her aunt and uncle takes a sinister turn. Terrified that the authorities will believe her uncle over her, she flees. Then she pretends...
I TRIED TO BE FORGETTABLE THAT'S' HOW I SURVIVED.

Tin Tin Movie Trailer

2011-11-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

You all would have seen the Tin Tin comics and posters around the library- that is because I am very excited about the Steven Speilberg/Peter Jackson movie that is coming our way over Christmas. So come on in - read a few of the comics and get the vibe before you watch the movie.

Muppet Movie

2011-11-21T11:56:00.001-08:00

Oh yeah cant wait..

Lion King 3D Trailer

2011-09-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

This has got to be amazing... and since I am going to Africa, I think relevant!!

Off to Africa

2011-09-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

Well it is holiday time and for me I am heading to Africa. I will not be chasing wild lions or sneaking up on elephants, but rather doing all we can to aid and assist untrained teachers in the schools for the poor, run by the poor. These schools are all over Africa, but we will go to Tanzania, Ghana and CapeTown.It is with an organisation called RATA and you can check it out on www.rata.org.nz. One of my jobs will be to help set up three libraries in Ashiamen, a slum area near Tema in Ghana. These schools will boast the best libraries in almost any school in the capital city when we have finished- kids will have access to books, and that access will enable them to discover their worlds. They have no computers- so books are it!
So have a great holidays and value the freedom you all have to chose whatever book you wish to read, and the power you have to enlarge your world view and understanding by having access to books- because many many kids can't.
See you all when I get back- and drop into the office if you want to hear more!!

The Help- Movie trailer

2011-09-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

If you love this move- come and get the book!! I just have to make sure that the staff who are reading it- return it!!!

The Iron Queen

2011-09-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

By: Julie Kagawa
Genre: Fantasy
Series: The Iron Fey
Location: FIC KAG

Meghan Chase, who is half faery, half human, knows that the struggle against the Iron Fey is not yet over and that they will tear her away from the banished prince she loves and force her into battles she may not survive.

Ashes Ashes

2011-09-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

By: Jo Treggiari
Genre: Sci Fi

Location: FIC TRI

The world has ended.

What comes next..

Jo Treggiari spins a thrilling tale of adventure, romance and one girl's unyielding courage through the darkest of nightmares.

Conspiracy 365: Revenge

2011-09-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

By: Gabrielle Lord

Genre: Adventure

Location: FIC LOR

Series: Conspiracy 365

Prologue: I knew something was wrong as soon as I saw the envelope.

It was waiting for me on my pillow. A red wax seal marked it like a thick wet drop of blood. I ran to the window and looked out, but the front yard was dark and quite. Cautiously, I pulled the curtains back across and picked up the creamy coloured envelope. The front was blank, but the seal on the back was carefully pressed with something feathered. I held it under a lamp. A chill shuddered through my body...

Callum Ormond has been warned. He has 30 days. The countdown has begun.

The Scorch Trials

2011-09-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

By: James Dashner
Location: FIC DAS
Sequel: The maze
Genre: Adventure fantasy

" .... A MUST FOR THE FANS OF THE HUNGER GAMES".
Thomas was sure that escape from the maze meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one knew what sort of life they were going back to. The earth is a wasteland. Government and order have disintegrated and now Cranks, people driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim.and meal.Thomas can only wonder - does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED? The pulse-pounding sequel to The Maze Runner.

Heart of danger

2011-09-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

By: Fleur Beale

Genre: SciFi

Series: Juno

Location: FIC BEA

The third gripping book in the JUNO series...

Off the Island of Taris, and having survived the pandemic, the people from Taris settle into their new life around Aotearoa. But two year old Hera's life is threatened and Juno is being pursued by the handsome Ivor. A desperate journey of survival and the powerful use of Juno's mind that is unleashed in a terrifying way all mingle to enable Juno and her family from Taris to maybe, maybe- have true freedom.

Girl about time

2011-09-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

By: Kerstin Gier

Genre: Fantasy

Location:FIC GIE

Imagine falling in love in another century. Gwyneth did.

Gwyneth discovers she has inherited a secret time-travelling gene, and she is not the only one. Soon she is caught up in a dangerous mystery with a gorgeous boy- and a sinister society determined to spin the past....

Torment

2011-09-12T16:59:00.000-07:00

By: Lauren Kate
Genre: Fantasy
Location:FIC KAT

This is the long awaited sequel to FALLEN!!! Finally it has arrived. Is it true that "love never dies"? It took Lucinda an eternity to find her beloved angel, Daniel.He waited for her - but now they are separated again as the Outcasts want Luce dead.
While separated Luce learns a lot about her past she discovers more about Daniel- is he hiding something from her?
Are they truly destined to be together?..
Well read it- and find out!!!

Reckless : Cornelia Funk

2011-08-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

The secret life of bees

2011-08-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

By: Sue Monk Kidd

Genre: Drama -Family

Location: FIC KID

Like the freedom Writers this book has been out of the library a while and again we finally have it back on the shelves. I loved the movie, but as they say- the book is even better.

Did Lily kill her mother at age four? At 14 can she deal with her fears that she did kill her Mum. All she wants is a mothers love and forgiveness- is that too much to ask?

Could a black servant be her friend and help her through this pain, and the anger of her unyielding father? This book is about a journey, its about love, its about redemption.

Its a goody!!

The Freedom Writers Diary

2011-08-18T20:52:00.001-07:00

With: Erin Gruwell

Genre: Autobiographical

Location: NF 370.11 FRE

Well it has been out of the library so long, and I have hunted it down all year- and finally we have our mitts on a copy. The movie was amazing and this book tells the story of the "Freedom Writers". It is written in a diary fashion with many of the students contributing. It talks of the huge impact the holocaust survivors has had on these students and how being a writer has impacted the students life holistically. This book will be brilliant for Yr 12 thematic studies and for 12905.

Inheritance - the Book Trailer

2011-08-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Christopher Paolini's new book comes out on October- its the last one in the series. Eragon started it- so just how will it end?

Hunger Games Trailer

2011-08-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

Ok- its not the super official trailer- but it is still AMAZING!!!

A straight line to my heart

2011-08-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

Author: Bill Condon
Genre: Fiction

Location: FIC CON

A funny, poignant, heartwarming story of first love, first job, friends, family and the inevitability of change in the first summer out of school.

School is over, not just for the year, but forever. Tiff and Kayla are free, which is what they've always wanted, but now summer is nearly at and end and that means life decisions. Tiff is hoping her job at the local paper will lead to something more... But 'The Shark' soon puts her straight on what it takes to become a hard-nosed reporter like him. At home, Reggie - the only grandad she's ever known - has quit the smokes and diagnosed himself as cactus. Then Kayla hits her with some big news. And into all this stumbles Davey, the first boy who has ever really wanted to know her.

Pig Boy

2011-08-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

By: J. C. Burke

Genre: Youth Drama

Location: FIC BUR

"Last Friday I collided with adulthood. It was like a slap across the face with a wet hand. I can still feel the sting"...

On Damon's Styles eighteenth birthday he was expelled from school. But its what happens afterwards that changes everything.

First thing to do is get his firearms licence, then learn to pig hunt. Then he will need all he needs to know. Oh and he had better get a lock for his wardrobe- so his Mother wont find out about his plan.
Damon's taking matters into his own hands...

The invisible hero

2011-08-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

By: Elizabeth Fensham

Genre: Youth Fiction

Location: FIC FEN

Philip was used to being the odd one out- the loner. But who are the villains- the heroes, not only do they study them at school, they soon learn who they are face to face in their world. The issues of justice and persecution are not just historical things you learn at school, sometimes you learn them in your own small world.

Blood Ninja

2011-08-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

By: Nick Lake

Genre: Ninja Fiction

Location: FIC LAK

"A fast paced, gripping book, with ninjas. Its all i could ask for really" Conn Iggulden

Blatantly brilliant..A thrilling and action packed tale of horror, duty and destiny. " Derek Landy -author of Skulduggery Pleasant.

Taro has been bought up a fisherman's son. He will become a ninja, a silent assassin trained in the arts of death...

He will face Samurai, warriors, warlords- all for the title of Shogun.

BUT- he must do all this in darkness for no Blood Ninja can face the light of day.

I am so strong

2011-08-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

By: Mario Ramos

Genre: Humour

Location: Picture Books PIC RAM

This is my favourite picture book in years- it is funny, witty, and written so subtly sarcastic- YET it carries real themes about bullying and self esteem. It is a perfect read aloud to anyone who you make listen to it- including anyone that dares set forth into the librarians office.

The Horse Girl

2011-08-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

By: Mary Finn
Genre: Historical Fiction

Location FIC FIN

" A remarkable book- a writer to watch"

The fate of one horse- Belladonna, will change two lives for ever. Set in 1757 , Thomas Rose discovers a girl concealed in a ditch outside his rural village- she looks drab. Yet she enchants Thomas with tales of the circus and dancing on her horse.. This book feels like a youth version of Water for Elephants- just its set in the 18th century and in England and its about a horse not an elephant.. I loved Water for Elephants so here is hoping this one is as good:)

The bridge

2011-08-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

By: Jane Higgins

Genre: Dystopia

Location: FIC HIG

Southside, the hostiles live in squalor and desperation. They are hungry to cross the river.

Cityside- ISIS is in charge. Its job- to keep the hostiles at bay.

The city is at war... Nik and Fyffe are on the run- across the bridge..

Billy T James Movie Trailer

2011-08-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

Passion

2011-08-09T17:54:00.000-07:00

By: Lauren Kate

Genre: Chic Fantasy

Location: FIC KAT

Series: Fallen series

Angels are better than vampires.. and the Fallen series prove it. In the latest in the series Luce and Daniel go backwards in time to unlock the curse that forbids them to love. Each century, each of her lives - holds a different clue.

Can her and Daniel unlock their past, so they can have a future?

"Dark, seductive mysterious- an unforgettable love story" Cindy

Withering Tights

2011-08-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

By: Louise Rennison

Genre: Humour for Chics

Location: FIC REN

Tallulah Casey- charges around in her tights, hanging out with her famous cousin- Georgia Nicolson- who has confessed in her books already. Now its Tallulahs turn to expose the stories of first kisses- of growing up and all the crazy stuff around it.

It was the winner of the Roald Dahl FUNNY prize.

The Godless Boys

2011-08-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

By: Naomi Wood

Genre: Religious Fiction. Coming of Age

Location: Naomi Wood

If you were forced to live with faith- or without, which would you choose?

England 1986. The church controls the country and the Secular Movement has been banished to "The Island". On The Island- religion is banned. A gang of boys patrols the community, searching for signs of faith and punishing any believers.

Then an English girl arrives- wanting to find her mother- long since vanished.

Then comes the love bit... a boy on The Island falls in love with her- but another wants revenge. Violence erupts...

This book is about faith, power, love, revenge. It is violent and yet it is tender.

Whisper

2011-08-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

By: Chrissie Keighery
Genre: Drama

Location: FIC KEI

Being a teenager is hard enough. But being a deaf teenager... Hard does not even begin to cover it.

How do you act when your friends are talking about you behind your back, or if a boy likes you?

You'd hear the whispers..wouldn't you?

Little red riding-hood movie trailer

2011-08-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

Miracleville

2011-06-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

By:Monique Polak

Genre: Youth fiction- Family/religion

Location: FIC POL

16 year old Ani lives in a tiny Quebec town of Sainte-Anee-de-Beaupre, where the family runs Saintly Souvenirs- a tourist shop catering to the many pilgrims who come to the town seeking a miracle. Ani is a good girl- devout and obedient, her sister though is the opposite: irreverent, over- sexed and hyperactive. When Ani's faith is tested and she is confronted with something shocking in her mothers past- she has to rethink her whole existence..

I started to flick through this book and ten minutes later I realised it had grabbed me- students were waiting at the library desk while I was getting to know Ani and Colette. As for the secret- well it is an issue that the catholic church is facing and so it is a topical book that handles it very well . It may not be in the library in the holidays- I will have it.

Liberator

2011-06-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

By: Richard Harland

Genre: Fiction Thriller

Location: FIC HAR

CONSPIRACY + MURDER + STEAM POWERED ACTION.

Starwars cross Mortal Engines

Col and Riff led the oppressed Filthies to victory, but now the revolution on their mountain sized juggernaut is falling apart. A saboteur strikes, and suspicion and paranoia reign.

Will Riff deny her love and brand Col a traitor? Can anyone stop the extremists taking over? And can they defeat the juggernauts massing for war?

"A page-turner pulse pounding read" " A terrific novel- hard to put down.."

TOP GEAR 100 Fastest Cars

2011-06-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

By: TOP GEAR and THE STIG

Genre: What do you think?

Location: NF 629.222 TOP

Porsche, Jaguar, Ferrari, Lotus, BMW, Maserati, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, MG, Audi... the fast cars, amazing stats, photos, cool factors and Top Gear repartee.

Along for the ride

2011-06-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

By:Sarah Dessen

Genre: Family youth fiction

Location: FIC DES

Insomnia, parents divorce, summer at the beach with Dad and his new family, gossiping girls at work, crushes and ELI- a fellow insomniac who becomes her nocturnal guide. With an endless supply of long summer nights between them, almost anything can happen...

Terminal Velocity

2011-06-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

By: Andy McNabb Genre: War fiction Location: FIC McN Series: Drop Zone

This wasn't going to be a situation he could negotiate; it was a fight for his life.

Andy McNab goes Cherub SAS style... some say that this series will rival Muchamores Cherub series- that's a big call, but McNab has been around the block and this could just be his biggest success ever.17 year old Ethan Blake goes skydiving for fun- except he doesn't- he is actually on a crack SAS covert operation unit. Homeless teenagers are scattering the streets- dead- and they need an undercover agent to go into the organised crime unit called The Raiders- to see what is going on. Ethan's life just got very dangerous.

Wither

2011-06-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

By: Lauren DeStefano

Genre: Sci Fi - Chic lit

Location: FIC DES

WHAT IF YOU KNEW EXACTLY WHEN YOU WOULD DIE?

In our brave new future, DNA engineering has resulted in a terrible genetic flaw, woman die at the age of 20, men at 25. Young girls are being abducted and forced to breed in a desperate attempt to keep humanity ahead of the disease that threatens to eradicate it... 16 year old Rhine Ellery is kidnapped and sold as a bride to Linden, a rich young man with a dying wife- even though he is kind to Rhine- she is desperate to escape. With the help of a servant called Gabriel she attempts to escape... in what little time she has left.

What is real?

2011-06-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

By: Karen Rivers

Genre: Youth Fiction

Location: FIC RIV

My life used to be a pitcher of white, pure, clean, delicious milk just bubbling over goddamn wholesomeness. My entire life. My whole family was shiny and perfect, snipped right out of the stereotype catalogue, Mum, Dad, me, Chelsea and our loyal dog Glob....

I'm seventeen now and that's all gone. seventeen doesn't sound old. But it is . Trust me....
How the perfect life becomes a life of hell.... the pitcher of nice milk turned sour.

Thunder over Kandahar

2011-06-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

By: Sharon E. McKay

Genre: Fiction- Cultural

Location: FIC MCK

A powerful novel of enduring friendship set amid the terror and chaos of present-day Afghanistan.
Best friends Tamanna and Yasmin cannot believe their good fortune when a school is set up in their Afghan village;however, their dreams for the future are shattered when the Taliban burn down the school and threaten the teacher and students with death. Tamanna faces an arranged marriage with an older man, and the Taliban target Yasmin's family- the girls realise that they must flee....

Theodore Boone; Kid Lawyer

2011-06-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

By: John Grisham

Genre: Youth Fiction

Location: FIC GRI

A perfect murder

A faceless witness

A lone courtroom champion knows the whole truth

and he's only thirteen years old.

meet THEODORE BOONE.

Prisoner of the Inquisition

2011-06-23T15:17:00.000-07:00

By: Theresa Breslin

Genre: Historical Fiction

Location: Fic BRE

"Unputdownable" The Times

This book has a fantastic cover- if you judge a book by its cover- then you will read this book. I bought this book for the library before I even turned a page- but then I also love history. So what is it about..

The flames begin to rise around her...

Zarita, only daughter of the town magistrate, lives a life of wealth and privilege.

Saulo, son of a beggar, witnesses his father wrongfully arrested and brutally dealt with. Hauled off to be a slave at sea, he swears vengeance on the magistrate and his family.

The cruel agents of the Inquisition arrive in Zarita's town bringing suspicion, terror and death. Then, amid the intrigues of the royal court, Zarita and Saulo meet once more, to face final acts of betrayal and revenge.

Tehran, Lipstick and Loopholes

2011-06-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

By: Nahal Tajadod Genre: Non fiction- travel

Location: NF 920 TAJ

Tehran, Lipstick and loopholes is a wry and humorous account of Nahal Tajad's quest to get her Iranian passport renewed. She embarks on a bizarre journey, meeting a colourful cast of characters along the way: two photographers who specialise in Islamic portraits, a forensic surgeon who specialises in human organs and a grandmother who offers a live chicken to an implacable official.
"She knows that the people have no weapon against all oppression: laughter. Laughter that brings about mutual support and quite simply makes life possible.

Nobody's child

2011-06-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

By: Michael Seed

Genre: Autobiography

Location: NF 920 SEE

"This book has the rare ability to distress, shock, inspire and, in Fr Michael's own inimitable way, to amuse.

Michael was starved, tortured and abused by his father. his mother committed suicide, he was badly bullied at school, yet despite this appalling start in life Michael refused to surrender, and with incredible resilience and determination he grew up to become hugely successful and influential in both church and the secular world.

After a lifetime of silence, he now feels able to tell his story. It is shockingly painful yet has raw courage and he shows how you can triumph over the horrors of a stolen childhood.

Act of Faith

2011-06-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

By: Kelly Gardiner

Genre: Youth Fiction- Historical

Location: Fic Gar

"When ideas were dangerous, one girls found the courage to act"

ENGLAND 1640: Sixteen year old Isabella is forced to flee her home when her fathers radical ideas lead him into a suicidal stand against Cromwell's army. Taking refugee in Amsterdam, Isabella finds work with an elderly printer, Master de Aquila. He travels to Venice to publish his radical book and Isabella discovers a world of possibilities- where woman work alongside men and where books and beliefs are treasured. But Europe is in the throws of religious upheaval and intolerance- will they survive.

My Name is Mina

2011-06-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

By: David Almond

Genre: Youth Fiction

Location: FIC ALM

Mina's a rebel. She can't be controlled and she won't fit in. People say she is weird. Some say she's just crazy. But all she wants is to be free, to be happy and to be herself..

One night she sits in the moonlight, she picks up an empty notebook and begins to write.

What follows is a clever, quirky, witty and engaging story- that celebrates the richness of the everyday world Mina lives in.

First they killed my Father

2011-06-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

By: Loung Ung

Genre: Autobiography

Location: NF 920

"A daughter of Cambodia remembers" We purchased this book to tell support the unit studies about human rights, that then look at the Khmer Rouge. It is the personal story behind the historical facts, and will give you a heart, probably a broken one concerning people that live through such horror.

This is the story of the daughter of a high ranking government official pre Pol Pott, its the story of a families desperate fight for survival and how the fight was lost, and yet won. Its harrowing- yet hopeful. It is about courage and love in the face of unspeakable brutality.

My Name is Asher Lev

2011-06-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

By: Chaim Potok

Genre: Jewish Fiction

Location: FIC POT

A Library should always have the librarians favourite book of all time- ever- in the collection. This book is mine. I love the way Potok writes, I love the complex simplicity he writes with, I love how he paints pictures in my head with the words he writes, and I love how this book connected with my own upbringing. How can you challenge the very culture you are encased with as a child, yet keep the fragments of it that matter the most. How do you protest against smothering cultural expectations without rejecting the basis of them?

Asher Lev does- and that is why I like him.

Man on Wire

2011-06-02T17:07:00.000-07:00

By: Philippe Petit

Genre: Non Fiction autobiography

Location: Non Fiction

NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE

On a hot summer morning in New York City, 1974 , a bold young Frenchman named Philippe Petit walked a high wire he'd illegally rigged between the World trade centre's twin towers. At daybreak he gave the high wire performance of all time, making eight crossings in over an hour. It was a six year quest achieved. How did he do it?

This book is awe-inspiring!!!

Street Kid

2011-06-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

By: Judy Westwater

Genre: Autobiography

Location NF 920

One child's desperate fight for survival.

Judy was three years old when she was snatched from her mother. Kept like a dog in his backyard- she ate from bins to stay alive. Judy was taken to South Africa where her life became unimaginably appalling. Beaten , treated as a slave and subjected to horrifying cruelty- escape was her only option. But living on the streets was just as dangerous. Through sheer determination she survived and she determined that she would care for those children on the streets as she once was. She formed the Pagasus Children's Trust, an organisation that now works in several countries giving street children a home, an education and hope.

Defiance

2011-06-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

By: Nechama Tec

Genre: NF War

Location: NF

NOW A MAJOR FILM

This is the true story of the Bielski Partisans.

In 1942 a small group of Jewish resistance fighters established a community deep in the forests of Belorussia. They offered protection to any Jewish fugitives who could find there way to them. Within two years they numbered more than 1200- men and woman, old and young. It was the largest armed rescue operation of Jews by Jews in the war, perhaps in any war ever.. This story was told by their leader Tuvia Bielski two weeks before he died to the author of this book.

"We may be hunted like animals, but we will not become animals...Every day of freedom is an act of faith"

The Shattering

2011-06-01T20:28:00.001-07:00

By: Karen Healey

Location: FIC HEA

Genre: Youth Fiction

I had a plan for what to do if a member of my family was murdered. It went

1. Find the killer

2. Make sure that they were guilty.

3. Destroy them . Completely.

But what if it is suicide- or is it?

Generation Kill

2011-06-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

By: Evan Wright

Location NF 920

Genre: War

NOW A 7-PART MINI-SERIES.

"A pungently written combat narrative and a close range study of a bunch of twentysomething warriors trying to get a handle on who they are." Time

"A complex portrait of able young men raised on video game as and trained as killers" The New York Times

Generation Kill on TV grabbed my attention and the final in the episode made me sit in silence and ponder for a long time.. This is the story of Generation Kill- funny, frightening and sometimes profane, a first hand account of the personal toll of victory and of the randomness, brutality and camaraderie of the new American war.

All I Ever Wanted

2011-06-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

By: Vikki Wakefield

Genre: Youth fiction

Location: FIC WAK

"A thriller, a gritty romance, and a sparkling journey into hope. I loved this book" Paul Griffin

RULE NUMBER ONE: I will not turn out like my mother.

Mim wants to be anywhere but home- in a dead suburb and with a mother who won't get off the couch.

She's set herself rules to live by, but she's starting to break them... and in nine days she will turn 17. What she doesn't know is her life is about to change forever...

Sky Burial

2011-05-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

By: XINRAN Genre: Autobiography Location: NF 920

AN EPIC LOVE STORY OF TIBET

In this haunting book Xinran recreates Shu Wen's remarkable journey in a grand story of love, loss, loyalty and survival. Moving, shocking and finally enriching, Sky Burial paints a unique portrait of a woman and a land, both at the mercy of fate and politics.

A friend like Henry

2011-05-24T17:37:00.000-07:00

By: Nuala Gardner

Genre: Biography

Location: NF 920

The remarkable true story of an autistic boy and the dog that unlocked his world.

"truly affecting...terribly touching" Evening Standard

When Jamie and Nuala Gardner chose a puppy for their son Dale, they weren't choosing an ordinary pet. Dales autism was so severe that his behaviour could veer from silence to shrieking banshee in just seconds. Jamie and Nuala spent most of their waking hours trying to break into his autistic world.

But the Gardner's' lives were transformed when they welcomed Henry, a gorgeous Golden retriever puppy into the family. With patient work, the bond between dale and his dog helped them produce the breakthrough in their son they had long sought.

The Queens Lady

2011-05-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

By: Eve Edwards

Genre: Historical Fiction

Location: FIC EDW

Surrey, England ,1554.

When Lady Jane Rievauko begins service to the Queen at Richmond Palace, she is thrilled at the courts' newest arrival- Master James Lacey. However James is setting sail on a treacherous journey to the Americas seeking absolution for what he sees as past sins.

But when Lady Jane is forced into a terrible situation by her own family, there is only one man to save her....

Time Raider: The Doomsday Code

2011-05-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

By: Alex Scarrow

Genre: Fantasy/Sci

Location: FIC SCA

Series: Time Raiders

Liam O'Connor should have died at sea in 1912

Maddy Carter should of died in a plane in 2010

Sal Vakram should have died in a fire in 2026

But all three have been given a second chance- to work for an agency that no-one knows exists. its purpose: to prevent time travel destroying history.

In this book the Time Riders travel back to Sherwood forest to discover the origins of an ancient message..but a strange hooded man is looking for the same thing. What is the cryptic link from the past and what does it hold for the future.

La Rochelle's Road

2011-05-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

By: Tanya Moir

Genre: Historical NZ Fiction

Location: FIC MOI

Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres, Canterbury is my favourite place and I love Banks Peninsula. My family have a bach there and last time I went to Akaroa I foraged around all the historical sites and the Onuku Marae- so when this book came out- set on Banks Peninsula during its settling years- it became a must read.

1866 Daniel Peterson and his family leave London to go to a farm in the peninsula- they are at the mercy of the land, the weather and the neighbours- a motley, suspicious assortment of old whalers, escaped convicts, wary french settlers. Then Daniels daughter discovers a secret- a hidden diary that tells of the scandalous Etienne La Rochelle and his Maori lover...

SOS ADVENTURE SERIES - Fire Storm and Ice Quake

2011-05-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

By: Colin Bateman

Genre: Adventure Fiction

Location: FIC BAT

Colin Bateman is such a well known author and now he has turned his hand to writing adventure stories wrapped around natural catastrophe's. The combination is sure to be a winner. Chris Ryan cross Robert Muchamore- it has to be good.

Great read for the boys!!!

FLY GIRL

2011-05-19T17:47:00.000-07:00

By: Sherri L. Smith

Genre: Fiction- War and racism

Location: FIC SMI

"A dynamic heartful novel" Washington Post

All Ida Mae Jones wants to do is fly... her daddy was a pilot and she wanted to be one too- which is very difficult if you are a young black woman. When America enters WWII the Army forms WASP (Women Air force Service Pilots) and Ida has a chance to join- but she has to use her light skin to pass as a white girl. Can she deny her identity and family to fly- can she fulfil her dream without losing herself...

An Elephant whisperer

2011-05-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

By: Lawerence Anthony

Genre: Non Fiction- Autobiography Location NF 920 ANT

This books is about life, loyalty and freedom from a remarkable herd of elephants.

When Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a rogue herd of wild elephants on his Thula Thula game reserve in Zululand, his common sense told him to refuse. But if he did not take them- then this herd would have to be destroyed.

As Anthony risked his life to create a bond with the elephants- he came to realise what a special family they were...

This book will appeal to animal lovers and adventurous souls everywhere.. and i just has to put a photo of a cute elephant in this blog- cause they are !!!!