The seven kites of Matariki, by Calico McClintock
I enjoy poetry at my school and wrote a Matariki poem. This story is about Mataraki – which is the name for the Maori New Year. The sisters build kites. The kites represent a star in the sky. I liked the story and the illustrations and the designs on the clothes and kites. A good read for all ages.
4 stars
Reviewed by Francesca from Khandallah and , 8 years old
Are we there yet?, by Enid Blyton
Very cool story about a family travelling around the world by caravan. They visit loads of family and go on adventures. They even got to eat desserts on the boat. Good fun and exciting story for kids who want adventures and travel. Suitable for all ages.
4 stars
Reviewed by Francesca from Khandallah and , 8 years old
Within these walls, by Robyn Bavati
‘Within These Walls’ is an awesome book about a jewish child living in Poland during the holocaust. She and her family move into a ghetto and one by one her family start to die. Soon, her mum, dad, little brother, older sister, younger sister, older brother, grandad, and grandma are all gone and she is alone. But hen she finds her cousins and escapes the ghetto. She lives in a dark cellar for 19 months until the war is over. I would recommend this book for kids aged 11-13.
5 stars
Reviewed by Lara from Tawa and , 10 years old
Weirdo 7 : mega weird, by Anh Do
In this book weirdo and his family are trying to sell stuff in a garage sale. His dad is really funny in this book and he made pants with three legs. There is lots of cool pictures and I really enjoyed reading it.
4 stars
Reviewed by Zak from Tawa and , 8 years old
Extra weird!, by Anh Do
This is my favorite book in the weirdo series so far. For some reason Weirdo is scared of ladybugs which is funny. His grandpa says he has really good ears and that he can hear a spider juggling. It was awesome, I loved it.
5 stars
Reviewed by Zak from Tawa and , 8 years old
Saffron, so quite excellent, by Victoria M. Azaro
Saffron’s mum sang in a very high pitch voice and she played the piano. She liked to do some very strange singing exercise every morning. Star Anise liked to sleep in the day and play at night. That’s why Saffron’s mum kept yarning and yarning. Saffron tried to help her but that got even worse. They went to the airport to collect their dad. The police had come and asked what’s wrong. Sage said mum had abandoned us. And then they ran away from the police and they yelled. They cried people people help. They ran and ran and ran.
5 stars
Reviewed by Kimberley from Tawa and , 8 years old
Binny bewitched, by Hilary McKay
This is a new series for me, I liked it but it was just very stressful to read, and that was a problem for me. There was a bit at the end that I didn’t understand, and that’s why I’ve rated it 2 stars. If you are going to read this book though, I would recommend ages 8+ to read it.
Holly
2 stars
Reviewed by Holly from Khandallah and , 10 years old
Wave me goodbye, by Jacqueline Wilson
It was a awesome book I just finished it this morning. and it was heart warming. so this girl is a evacuee from London and she is told she can only bring one book but she bought all of her books meaning she had only 2 pairs of clothes! she meets a st Agatha’s girls on the train and she becomes best friends with Jessica! but then….. you have to read the book to find out! but if you are looking for a action packed book this is not really what you are looking for but the end sure is action packed! and quite sad to!
4 stars
Reviewed by Hana from Brooklyn and , 12 years old
Are we there yet?, by Enid Blyton
At the start I wasn’t so sure about this book, but then as I read on, it got more and more likeable and enjoyable by every page! I love these, “series” books, because then you don’t have to go and get five different books out from the library if you want to read the whole series, instead you can just keep reading on to the next book when you’ve finished the first one. I’ve got a whole pile of Enid’s books at home to read and I can’t wait to get started on them!
Holly
5 stars
Reviewed by Holly from Khandallah and , 10 years old
Sorry about me, by Laura Dockrill
I really like this series now, Darcy is very imaginative and creative, and I love the mix of drama and the way that she sees the world, which is noticing all the little quirky, weird, and mostly funny things about people and the way people live and do things.I can’t wait to read her next book!
Holly
4 stars
Reviewed by Holly from Khandallah and , 10 years old