Reading on Up

Reading On Up
Books to share with children from
eight to twelve years old
Compiled by
Storylines
Children’s Literature Charitable Trust
of New Zealand
www.storylines.org.nz
Reading On Up
It’ll be great if you read some of these stories to your kid(s). It'll be even
greater if you read some with your kids. You’ll both end up healthier.
A lot of people see reading as a passive activity, a process of sitting and
absorbing. It’s not. For one thing, how many 8-12-year-olds just sit to read or
hear stories? They shift around; they jerk in their seats at the tense bits; they
laugh and gasp and go ‘Aww, sick!’ For the audience at this age, and for the
adults who read to them, books are an emphatically physical activity.
More significantly, books also promote mental and emotional fitness. They
extend kids’ emotional range, let them make comparisons and contrasts
with themselves - comparisons that can reassure and stimulate them.
Children who read stories where someone their age has triumphs or
laughs or adventures feel ‘Yes! I can do that, too!’
Books develop neural links that no other activity seems to. They deepen
a young reader’s inner resources, and take them into those quiet, deep,
timeless experiences that are such an antidote to the distraction and
fragmentation of the world.
And of course, books let kids enjoy themselves. They’re great fun: alarming
fun, gentle fun, rude fun, loving and sad fun. (Indeed there’s such a thing.)
They let you as an adult have the huge pleasure and privilege of sharing that
fun with your or other kids.
So books and reading represent one of the healthiest, most unreservedly
good gifts that any teacher, parent or rellie can offer a child.
In New Zealand, we’re lucky to have a whole lot of stand-out writers for this
age-group. (Actually, it’s not luck; it’s due to the dedication of publishers,
editors, authors, groups such as Storylines.) Their work affirms that this
small country holds big stories. It will make young readers feel that New
Zealand and their lives in it are something special. Enjoy this booklet, and
enjoy the books.
David Hill, author.
ISBN: 978-0-473-12591-2
© Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust of New Zealand, 2007
PO Box 96 094, Balmoral, Auckland, New Zealand.
childlitnz@storylines.org.nz www.storylines.org.nz
© Storylines 2007
Sharing books together is a great idea for any age
Ten reasons to read to your child
t
So you have a great excuse to relax together at any time of the day
t
So you can enjoy the sound and rhythm of language, the taste of
words and the way words join together to create magic through stories
t
To open doors to knowledge, as well as fantasy
t
So you can encourage their imagination to run where it wants to,
into other worlds
t
To continue age-old storytelling traditions
t
To grow their vocabulary, so they can communicate with you and others
t
To set them on the road to becoming a life-long reader
t
To create memories that last for a lifetime
t
Because one day they will read to you
t
Just because it’s fun!
Books for adults about children and books
These books will give you some great ideas and information if you
would like to learn more about the benefits of reading to your child, and
encouraging children to read themselves
Paul Jennings, The Reading Bug, Penguin
Jackie French, Rocket your Child into Reading, HarperCollins
Mem Fox, Reading Magic, Pan
James Moloney, Boys and Books, ABC Books
Bernice E. Cullen, Read to Me: Raising Kids Who Love to Read,
Scholastic
www.storylines.org.nz
1
Aiono-Iosefa, Sarona
The Pipi Swing
Illustrated by Bruce Potter
Reed
A poignant picture book with a Pacific Island flavour about a
young girl whose father has died. One day her grandparents invite
her to a ‘pipi swing’, something they used to do with her dad.
Together she and her grandparents learn to have fun again.
Beale, Fleur
Ambushed
Scholastic
Richard didn’t want to leave the city and now he’s stuck in the
countryside struggling to make friends. A group of boys befriend
him, then start bullying him, but Richard isn’t an easy target.
There are many other novels by Fleur Beale including Walking
Lightly and A New Song in the Land (from the My Story series).
Beck, Jennifer
John Britten: the boy who could do better
Scholastic
A biography of the designer of the Britten motorbike, exploring his
background, childhood, learning difficulties and successes.
Nobody’s Dog
Illustrated by Lindy Fisher
Scholastic
Sam’s grandad tells him the story behind the painting of a dog
that hangs in his house. A touching picture book about the
devotion between a young boy and a dog, illustrated in stunning
mixed media and with interesting use of typography. NZ Post
Children’s Choice Award 2006.
Jennifer Beck and Lindy Fisher have also created A Present
from the Past you might enjoy too.
Bishop, Gavin
Taming the Sun
Random House
Four Maori myths: Maui and the sun; Kahu and the taniwha;
Maui and the big fish; and Rona and the moon.
Follow up with the next volume Riding the Waves, also available
in te reo Maori. You could also read The House that Jack Built
for an interesting perspective on New Zealand history.
2
© Storylines 2007
Bland, Peter
The Night Kite: poems for children
Illustrated by Carl Bland
Mallinson Rendel
A whimsical illustrated collection of poems to enjoy.
Brassi, G
Attacked!
Scholastic
Livvy goes fishing with Jack and his dog, Serge. When Jack is
attacked, she has to overcome her own fears, not to mention
engine problems, to get them all back to shore in one piece.
Brook, Alison (editor)
Incredible Science
Puffin
An interactive guide to encourage children to explore the world of
science, learn facts and theories about the world around us, and
bring science to life with easy-to-follow experiments to do.
Butler, Dorothy
Davy’s Ducks
Illustrated by Lyn Kriegler
Reed
Set in Waihi in 1904, some ducks get stuck in a newly built
tarsealed road. Will Davy and his family be able to rescue them?
If you enjoy this then read another Tale of Old New Zealand by
Dorothy Butler - Come Back Ginger.
Catran, Ken
Something Weird About Mr Foster
Scholastic
Joe Bennet has doubts about his teacher, Mr Foster, when he
spies him retrieving a ball by stretching his arm halfway across
a carpark.
Ken Catran has written heaps of other novels you will enjoy
including Lin and the Red Stranger.
© Storylines 2007
3
Corlett, Shirley
You’ve Got Guts, Kenny Melrose
Scholastic
Set in New Zealand just after WW1. Life at Briden Orphanage
is tough for Kenny and his sister. They’re being punished for
something their father did that Kenny can’t understand.
Also read Shirley Corlett’s novel Through Thick and Thin.
Cowley, Joy
Bow Down, Shadrach
Puffin
When Hannah discovers where her elderly Clydesdale horse
has been sent she mounts a rescue operation. AIM Book of the
Year 1992. Gladly, Here I Come and Shadrach Girl continue
the series.
Hunter
Puffin
In 2005 Jordan and her brothers are in a plane crash in remote
Fiordland. Somehow Jordan experiences a link back to
Hunter, a young Maori slave who is on the run in 1805.
Through their interconnecting visions Hunter helps Jordan and
her brothers survive. NZ Post Book of the Year 2006.
Tulevai and the Sea
Illustrated by Manu Smith
Scholastic
Tulevai’s mother proves her love is stronger than the sea and the
wind and rescues her son from their clutches.
There are lots of other Joy Cowley books you will enjoy
including The Silent One, and the Wild West and
Froghopper series.
Crowe, Andrew
Which New Zealand Bird?
Illustrated by Dave Gunson
Penguin
How to identify New Zealand birds by their habitat, size and other
simple methods.
Andrew Crowe is the author of more than a dozen illustrated
books about New Zealand’s flora and fauna.
4
© Storylines 2007
De Goldi, Kate
Clubs
Illustrated by Jacqui Colley
Trapeze
Everyone in Lolly’s class at school is in a club - except for Lolly,
until she comes up with one of her own. Russell Clark Award for
illustration and NZ Post Book of the Year 2005. You’ll enjoy the
next Lolly book too - it’s called Billy.
Doak, Wade
I am a Fish
Reed
A fish identification guide with stunning photographs. 14 fish
commonly found in the waters around New Zealand are featured.
The fish tell their own stories and explain what makes each unique.
Drewery, Melanie
Koro's Medicine
Illustrated by Sabrina Malcolm
Huia
From blisters to blocked noses, Koro has a natural remedy for
everything, from traditional Maori medical lore. Also available
in te reo Maori.
Duder, Tessa
Night Race to Kawau
Puffin
Sam’s father enters the night race to Kawau. But Terry, the other
crew member, fails to turn up for the race and then, as the sun sets
and the weather worsens, Sam’s father is knocked unconscious.
So Sam, her sister and her mother are left to sail the boat alone.
Gaelyn Gordon Award for a Much-Loved Book 2005.
Duder, Tessa & Orman, Lorraine (editors)
Out of the Deep and other stories from New
Zealand and the Pacific
Illustrated by Bruce Potter
Reed/Storylines
An anthology of 16 stories published to celebrate International
Children’s Book Day in 2007. The stories feature adventure,
myth, mystery, history and legend, reflecting the diverse range
of lives and lifestyles that the Pacific encompasses.
© Storylines 2007
5
Falkner, Brian
Henry and the Flea
Mallinson Rendel
Daniel wants to play for the New Zealand Warriors. The
problem is he’s only 12 years old. But Daniel has a secret.
Brian Falkner has other novels as well. Be sure to read
The Real Thing and Super Freak.
Feehan, Brigid
Stella Star
Scholastic
Stella is an aspiring writer, and her murder-mystery play is
almost ready for its one-off performance. But while Stella can
direct her friends and family on the stage, she can’t control
them in real life. Tom Fitzgibbon Award 2004. Read the
sequel Maybe Stella.
Ford, Vince
2MUCH4U
Scholastic
Davin Smith goes from one mess to the next when he wrecks
his mum’s car. To make amends he starts an odd job service,
but some of them are even too much for him. Tom Fitzgibbon
Award 1999. NZ Post Junior Fiction & Best First Book 2000.
Look out for Vince Ford’s other titles. Boyznbikes is an
exciting read.
Galbraith, Ben
The Three Fishing Brothers Gruff
Hodder Children’s Books
The brothers Gruff fish out Poverty Bay. Minke Whale,
Guardian of the Ocean, isn’t happy, and neither are the people
of the area. Look through the portholes in the pages. Great collage-style illustrations. NZ Post Children’s Choice Award 2007.
Gardiner, Kelly
Ocean Without End
HarperCollins
12-year-old Lily is taken as a slave on a pirate ship where she
learns that her father, who she thought was dead, was really
kidnapped. There are three books in the exciting Swashbuckler
series, set in the Napoleonic Wars in the golden age of piracy.
6
© Storylines 2007
Gee, Maurice
The Halfmen of O
Puffin
The first book in the award-winning O trilogy. Susan and Nick are
drawn into a frightening adventure in the land of O where Otis
Claw and the evil Halfmen are trying to take over the planet. NZ
Children’s Book of the Year 1983.
Read The Priests of Ferris and Motherstone to complete the trilogy. Other Maurice Gee books you might enjoy are Under the
Mountain and, for older children, The Fat Man.
Gossage, Peter
In the Beginning
Scholastic
An illustrated retelling of the Maori creation story. The children of
Rangi and Papa, tired of living in the dark, force their parents apart
and allow light into Aotearoa. Also available in te reo Maori.
Grace, Patricia
Watercress Tuna and the Children of
Champion Street
Illustrated by Robyn Kahukiwa
Puffin
A tuna (eel) leaves his home and visits the children of Champion
Street. Each child pulls a special gift out of his mouth.
Also available in te reo Maori.
Green, Paula
Flamingo Bendalingo
Illustrated by Michael Hight
Auckland University Press
A great collection of poems about animals at the zoo. Written by
Paula Green and 50 children from Swanson Primary School.
A useful glossary to help you write your own poetry too.
Hakaraia, Libby
Celebrating Matariki
Reed
Explains what Matariki is, how, where and when the constellation can be seen, the importance of Matariki in Maori life
and culture. Illustrated with historical and modern imagery
and includes activities for children to try.
© Storylines 2007
7
Harris, Jill
Sil
Longacre
Sil is a rising star among tuis; a brilliant singer and talented
composer, looking forward to the annual singing competitions.
A sense of menace closes in as magpies plot to devastate the
valley and the tui way of life is about to be destroyed. NZ Post
Junior Fiction Honour Book 2006.
Hill, David
Fat, four-eyed and useless
Scholastic
Ben is useless at sport but when he joins the writers’ group at
school he finds he has some talent. Esther Glen Award 1998.
You will find an abundant supply of David Hill’s novels to read try See Ya Simon, and Journey to Tangiwai.
Hunt, Des
Frog Whistle Mine
HarperCollins
12-year-old Tony has travelled all around New Zealand with
his nomadic mother. When they arrive in Charleston he thinks
he’s finally found somewhere to belong, but things aren’t as
they seem and he gets caught up in mysterious events.
Other books by Des Hunt include A Friend in Paradise.
Hunt, Janet
A Bird in the Hand
Random House
Looks at a number of New Zealand’s unique creatures, the
places where they are safe and some of the people who are
working to keep them that way. Elsie Locke Award and NZ Post
Book of the Year 2004.
Ihimaera, Witi
The Whale Rider
Illustrated by Bruce Potter
Reed
A picture book adaptation of the novel of the same name
about a young girl’s struggle to be accepted by her grandfather as the leader of her people. Readers 10 years +
could read the novel too.
8
© Storylines 2007
Jones, V.M.
Buddy
HarperCollins
Josh loves sport and is determined to win the Energex Iron Kid
Triathlon, but due to his twin, Buddy, nearly drowning, he has aquaphobia. NZ Post Best First Book and Junior Fiction Award 2003.
The Serpents of Arakesh
HarperCollins
The first in the Karazan Quartet about Adam Equinox.
Abandoned as a baby on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the
cruel Miss Pilcher, Adam enters a competition and wins the
chance to visit Q, the creator of a computer game called Quest to
Karazan. He, and others, are transported through a computer into
the fantasy world of Karazan.
Jordan, Sherryl
The Wednesday Wizard
Scholastic
The first in the series The Adventures of Denzil - Apprentice
Wizard. Denzil travels between his medieval home, and modern
New Zealand. Other titles are Denzil's Dilemma, The Great
Bear Burglary and The Silver Dragon.
Lasenby, Jack
The Lies of Harry Whakatipu
Longacre
A collection of stories starring a lazy, bad-tempered packhorse
called Harry - the biggest liar in the history of the Vast Untrodden
Ureweras. NZ Post Junior Fiction Honour Book 2001.
Jack Lasenby has written a lot of good reads - there are
more Harry Whakatipu books, the Aunt Effie series, The Battle
of Pook Island and the other Seddon Street Gang books, and
Mr Bluenose.
Mahy, Margaret
The Great White Man Eating Shark
Illustrated by Jonathan Allen
Penguin
Norvin is a great actor who makes a wonderful shark, scaring
all the swimmers out of the bay so that he can have it all to
himself. And then one day a real shark appears in the bay...
© Storylines 2007
9
Portable Ghosts
HarperCollins
Ditta wants to be a detective and when she meets a ghostly boy
in her school library she has her very first mystery. Then her
best friend Max tells her the floor in his brand new bedroom is
haunted. But first they have to uncover a deep dark secret.
Margaret Mahy’s books are famous around the world. You
might enjoy The Riddle of the Frozen Phantom or A
Villain’s Night Out, and the series of short stories called
Wonderful Me!, Wait for Me! and Watch Me!
Marriott, Janice
Thor’s Tale
HarperCollins
11-year-old Thor is a whaler’s boy at a subantarctic whaling
station, wishing he was soaring with the albatrosses. Then
one day a ghostly ship emerges - Shackleton’s Endurance
on a voyage of discovery to the Antarctic. NZ Post Junior
Fiction Award 2007.
Also read Janice Marriott’s story about a real New Zealand
hero - Soldier in the Yellow Socks.
Marshall, Jill
Jane Blonde, Sensational Spylet
Macmillan
Janey Brown feels like she is practically invisible, no-one
ever notices her. Then crazy G-Mamma turns up, telling
Janey that she really is something special. Lots of fun and
excitement. Read the other books in the series too.
Mason, Marc
Predators in New Zealand
Reed
All about predators in New Zealand, their effects on the
environment and the methods used to get rid of them.
Great photographs.
McKay, Sandy
Recycled
Longacre
Colin wants to save the world and the rubbish bin seems a
good place to start. NZ Post Junior Fiction award 2002. Also try
Who Wants to be a Millionaire?
10
© Storylines 2007
McQuillan, Heather
Mind Over Matter
Scholastic
Life has been pretty tough lately for Jono. He doesn’t fit in at
his new school, he has bully problems, and then there’s his
dad. When an alien creature enlists Jono’s help to save the
world Jono’s not sure he’s the right guy for the job.
Tom Fitzgibbon Award 2005.
Ng, Eva Wong
Chinatown Girl
Scholastic
Silvey Chan lives above a shop in Auckland’s downtown
Chinese district in the anxious years after WW2. For a school
project she asks her mother and grandmother about emigrating
from China, and writes in her diary about everyday life and her
fears about the war. One of the My Story series.
Noble, Jo (editor)
30 New Zealand Stories for Children
Illustrated by David Elliot
Random House
A collection of upbeat, lively stories by some of New Zealand’s
best authors. There are several subsequent collections edited by
Barbara Else, some illustrated by Philip Webb.
100 New Zealand Poems for Children
Illustrated by David Elliot
Random House
Poems for children by grown-ups and kids. Themes range from
moas and dinosaurs, to skateboards and bikes, witches and itches, spring days and windy nights. Also dip into Another 100
Poems for Children, edited by Rachel McAlpine.
O’Brien, Bill
Castaway
Scholastic
Sam leaves the orphanage to work his passage to Sydney on a
ship. He plans to go on to America to find his brother but he
chooses the ill-fated Dundonald which is wrecked and Sam is
one of 15 sailors castaway on Disappointment Island. Another
title in the My Story series.
© Storylines 2007
11
O’Brien, Gregory
Welcome to the South Seas
Auckland University Press
A high-spirited introduction to contemporary New Zealand art for
young people. Bold, colourful and engaging, something for the
whole family to enjoy and appreciate. Elsie Locke Award and
NZ Post Non-Fiction Award 2005.
Stace, Glenys
Blue New Zealand
Penguin
From the muddy calm of the harbour to open seas and surfbattered rocks, the sea and its shores are home to some of the
most diverse and fascinating plant and animal life we know.
NZ Post Non-Fiction Honour Award 2006.
Stenson, Marcia
Illustrated History of the South Pacific
Random House
A good introduction to the story of the seafaring people of this
vast area, beginning about 5000 years ago. Includes specific
information on Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Niue,
Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and the Polynesian outliers.
NZ Post Book of the Year 2007.
Taylor, William
Agnes the Sheep
Scholastic
An eccentric old lady leaves her large and nasty sheep, Agnes,
to Belinda and Joe, setting off a wild and woolly sheep chase.
Esther Glen Award 1991.
Another funny book by William Taylor is Knitwits.
Tipene, Tim
Haere: Farewell, Jack, farewell
Illustrated by Huhana Smith
Huia
It was a cold day when Koro Jack died. Thus begins this evocative tale of mourning and joy, ending with the birth of baby Jack
on a warm day. NZ Post Picture Book Honour Book 2006. Also
available in te reo Maori.
12
© Storylines 2007
© Storylines 2006
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Storylines would like to thank:
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Publishers who kindly allowed reproduction of all front covers
ISBN 978-0-473-12591-2
Design: Crissi Blair - Silvertone Ltd nzbooks@orcon.net.nz
Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust of New Zealand
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Balmoral
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