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BOOK REVIEWS

These reviews are written by kids who send them in from all over Wellington. If you'd like to send us a review too, please fill out our review form - we'd love to hear from you!

amazon cover Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
by J. K. Rowling
It is a good book if you like adventure. 5 stars
Review by Miriam of Churton Park

amazon cover The Recruit
by Robert Muchamore
The Recruit is packed full of action and suspense. Anyone who loves an exciting action adventure, which is also full of laughs, will read this book from cover to cover. 5 stars.
Review by Jordan of Johnsonville

amazon cover Mammoth Academy In Trouble
by Neal Layton
Oscar is a mammoth and so is Arabella. It is the start of term and soon it will be the end. But there is human graffiti on the walls of the mammoth academy! The humans are starving and they are trying to kill the mammoths and eat them. What would they do? 5 stars.
Review by Christine of Khandallah

amazon cover Igraine The Brave
by Cornelia Funke
This is a fantastic book. In this book there is a girl called Igraine: she does not want to be a magician, she wants to go on adventures and be a strong knight, and fight the evil and greedy son of the owner of the castle on red rocks. You should read it! 5 stars.
Review by Moesha of Wellington

amazon cover Judy Moody: Around the World in 8 1/2 Days
by Megan McDonald
I loved this book a lot. I've read loads of her books and I think she should write more Judy Moody books. 5 stars.
Review by Ruby of Kilbirnie

amazon cover Sleepovers
by Jacqueline Wilson
Sleepover parties are the greatest! Everybody's having one. All of Daisy's friends in the Alphabet Club - Amy , Bella , Chole , and Emily - have had sleepovers for their birthdays. Daisy has a dilemma; she'd love to have a sleepover too, but then she'd have to let her friends to meet her sister....A funny and moving story with a brand new introduction from Jacqueline Wilson.
Review by Anthea of Miramar

Billy and Old Smoko
by Jack Lasenby
Billy and Old Smoko is funny. It's about a boy named Billy and a talking horse named Old Smoko. Billy's real mother was replaced by an evil stepmother and they tried to get Billy's real mother back. You should read this book if you like to read about talking horses and if you like funny stories. 5 stars.
Review by Haley of Ngaio

amazon cover The Sight: Warriors: Power of Three: Book One
by Erin Hunter
Hollypaw, Lionpaw and Jaypaw (Blind) are cats from ThunderClan, and are made apprentices just after a disaterous raid on a fox den, resulting in Jaypaw nearly dying. Jaypaw becomes a medicine cat apprentice and finds he has a special gift. He learns that there is a prophecy about him, and his littermates, and that their grandfather, Firestar, has chosen not to reveal it. Why? There will be three, kin of your kin, who hold the power of the stars in their paws. 5 stars
Review by Lizzie of Tawa

amazon cover Outcast: Warriors: Power of Three: Book Three
by Erin Hunter
This book is about Hollypaw, Lionpaw And Jaypaw (Blind). They are cats that live in ThunderClan, but are drawn to the mountains to help The Tribe Of Rushing Water. Now Lionpaw must discover his gift, like his brother Jaypaw before him......5 stars
Review by Lizzie of Tawa

amazon cover Agent Amelia: Hypno Hounds
by Michael Broad
It is about Agent Amelia and some of her missions. There are two other books in the series: Ghost Diamond! and Zombie Cows! I would recommend these books for readers aged 8+. 5 stars
Review by Merren of Lyall Bay

amazon cover Pip: The Story Of Olive
by Kim Kane
This book is really good. I just could not put it down. Anyone will love it - you can see for yourself. 4 stars.
Review by Jessie of Johnsonville

amazon cover My Sister Jodie
by Jacqueline Wilson
It is about a girl called Pearl and her sister Jodie, and their move to a boarding school because their Mum got a job being the school cook and their Dad got a job as the school caretaker. I would recommend this book for others aged 10+ years. 5 stars.
Review by Merren of Lyall Bay

amazon cover Dragonsdale
by Salamanda Drake
It describes nearly everything and is very big. That is very good for me as I read very quickly which is one of the reasons I am a bookworm! I can see why it was in the fantasy section. I like Cara because she cares for dragons a lot. 5 stars.
Review by Charlotte of Oriental Bay

amazon cover Ginger Snaps
by Cathy Cassidy
This is a fantastic novel about a girl who has all sorts of issues and problems that need to be solved. Friendship is a huge problem for Ginger, but she discovers new friends as the story goes on: such as the mysterious boy with his large hat collection, and quiet, but now reformed, Emily, who completey changes when she meets Ginger and ex best friend Shannon.
This a great book for all Jacqueline Wilson lovers who have read all her books but are wanting something more to read about! I rate Ginger Snaps by Cathy Cassidy a 5/5!!!!
Review by Katherine of Grenada Village

amazon cover Ways to Live Forever
by Sally Nicholls
Sam is an eleven year old boy who loves facts and wants to know about UFOs, horror movies, airships, ghosts, scientists and how it feels to kiss a girl. Because he has leukaemia (blood cancer) he wants to know facts about dying. Sam needs answers to the questions nobody will answer so he and his friend Felix go on a mission to get the answers and to let him do all the things he wants to do. 5 stars.
Review by Alex of Khandallah

The King's Bubbles
by Ruth Paul
This funny story is about King Bill, who is a bossy king, who wants to keep his bubbles but they keep bursting! King Bill asks his advisors to catch his bubbles. It is a good book for all ages. This book is entered for the NZ Post book awards. 4 stars.
Review by Bookbusters of Tawa

amazon cover Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City
by Kirsten Miller
This book is an ideal read for girls or boys aged 11. Many mysteries take place and it is a thrilling read and you can't even put it down! 5 stars.
Review by Kathy of Wellington

amazon cover Ranger's Apprentice: Book 4: The Battle for Skandia
by John Flanagan
It's a good book because I like books with archers, and if they have rangers too it is even better. 5 stars.
Review by Rhys of Karori

amazon cover The Official Character Guide: Digimon
by A. Ryan Nerz
I am a Digimon Fan!!!!! I have watched Digimon for ever. It is a pity that the TV show has ended. 5 stars.
Review by Cam of Tawa

amazon cover The Last Vampire
by Christopher Pike
This is a book for slightly older people but I recommend it as a good book. I just never wanted to put it down. 5 stars.
Review by Elena of Ngaio

amazon cover The Horse and His Boy
by C. S. Lewis
It is very good for young readers with strong talents in reading. It would be for ages 10 to 14. It is the most brillant book and it is the best book I have ever read in ages. 5 stars
Review by Jade of Kilbirnie

amazon cover Bad Girls
by Jacqueline Wilson
Bad Girls is about bullying and this one girl called Daisy getting bullied by three big girls. At first she gets run over by a truck and there is a lot more. To be continued......3 stars.
Review by Jasmine of Tawa

amazon cover The Diamond Girls
by Jacqueline Wilson
I liked this book because it was an interestng book and it was not boring. 5 stars.
Review by Melony of Tawa

amazon cover The Recruit (Cherub: Book One)
by Robert Muchamore
This book was great. I wish it was true. A must for Alex Rider fans!!! 5 stars.
Review by Den of Johnsonville

amazon cover Teen Titans: A Kid's Game
by Geoff Johns
I like this book because it has a good storyline and some really cool action sequences. The drawings were really good as well. Great imagination. 4+ Stars.
Review by Matio of Tawa

amazon cover Ottoline Goes to School
by Chris Riddell
Ottoline is going to the Alice B. Smith school for the differently gifted with her secend best friend Cecliy. Will Ottoline find her gift and solve a mystey with her first best friend Mr.Munroe? 5 stars.
Review by Christine of Khandallah

amazon cover South Sea Adventure
by Willard Price
Really cool. They have to catch Mantaray - a really big stingray - that can jump out of the water and smash boats. I recommend it for someone keen on getting out on boats. 4 stars.
Review by Philip of Tawa

amazon cover Harry Potter and the Philospoher's Stone
by J. K. Rowling
It's a book full of magic: the first time I opened it I knew I wanted to read the others in the series. 5 stars. .
Review by Misha of Lyall Bay

amazon cover The Suitcase Kid
by Jacqueline Wilson
I would say The Suitcase Kid is one of the best books I have ever read especially if your parents are breaking up or have broken up. It is really funny and cool. 5 stars. .
Review by Jasmine of Tawa

amazon cover Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
by J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a book full of action. When Harry finds his name in the goblet, that's when the adventure begins. Harry has to pass three parts of the competition to win. But can he pass staying under water for an hour, passing the Hornet, and getting through a maze? But who knows what will happen? 5 stars.
Review by Daniel of Tawa

amazon cover Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson has an odd life: he has been kicked out of six schools, but life gets weirder when his maths teacher grows talons and wings. Will he get to the underworld before the summer solstice? Who will betray him? And will he save what matters most? This is an action packed book with a mystery and some adventure. I really like this book because it is descriptive, long and there is more than one book in the series. 5 stars.
Review by Jack of Crofton Downs

amazon cover The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants
by Ann Brashares
This is a really great series for teens about friendship and family problems.This book is about Bridget, Tibby, Carmen and Lena, and all of them are facing problems in life! And al of them will split up during the summer break. 5 stars
Review by Emily of Crofton Downs

amazon cover The Lady Grace Mysteries: Conspiracy
by Grace Cavendish
This book is about Lady Grace.She loves to write in her daybook. Her Mum died because someone poisoned her. She found out that her friend, Lady Sarah, got kidnapped by a pirate that pretended to a be a charming prince: so Lady Sarah got his attention.Lady Grace tried to rescue her by cutting her own hair and dressing like a boy.She is very bad at acting like a boy so you better read this book.This book is most suitable for nine years old and up.I like this book because inside there's a mystery to solve but who's going to solve it? 5 stars.
Review by Nabeela of Crofton Downs

amazon cover My Sister Jodie
by Jacqueline Wilson
Jodie was a very daring girl. She was always doing scary daring things that put her life in danger (like running across the road in 8 cm heels. Pearl (her sister) is sick of it. Things go from bad to worse when they move to the Mansion School! What will Pearl do with her daring sister?... I loved this book and when I started reading I couldn't stop!! This book is for ages 10 and up. 5 stars.
Review by Emily of Crofton Downs

amazon cover The Invention of Hugo Cabret: a Novel in Words and Pictures
by Brian Selznick
Far away in the streets of London lives a boy called Hugo. Hugo lives a hard life: his father is dead and his uncle is dead. But soon he finds a magical machine. As he lives his life he meets friends. Everyday he finds clues but what do they lead to? 4 stars.
Review by Victoria of Crofton Downs

amazon cover The BFG
by Roald Dahl
Imagine being snatched from your bed in the middle of the night by a big friendly giant and arriving in Giant Country where blood thirsty children-eating giants live... well that's what happend to Sophie. Sophie had a great adventure. I think it's a great book for around 7-8 year old children. If I were you I would definitely read it. 4 stars.
Review by Charlotte of Crofton Downs

amazon cover Asterix and the Big Fight
by Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
It has lots of adventures. My favourite book is Asterix and the Big Fight because Getafix gets wacked by a Menhir so Getafix gets mad . 5 stars
Review by Ravi of Island Bay

amazon cover Archie's War: My Scrapbook of the First World War 1914 - 1918
by Marcia Williams
I like Archie's War because it was a fun popup book. It had information about him. I give this book 5 stars.
Review by Bayley of Porirua

amazon cover Genie Us!
by Steve Cole and Linda Chapman
I love this book! It is the most time twisting, magical and adventurous story I have read in my life. It is a really good book. I recommend it to anybody. 5 stars
Review by Mozima of Grenada Village

amazon cover Ordinary Basil: Island of the Volcano Monkeys
by Wiley Miller
This book is about a boy called Basil. Basil has a friend who is called Zoe.They go to Monkey Island and they meet a man who is blue and who wants to take over Monkey Island. 5 stars.
Review by Grace of Wellington

amazon cover The Worry Website
by Jacqueline Wilson
This book is a really good book. It is really interesting and is great for ages 8-13. You should definitely read this book. It is the best book I have ever read !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5 stars.
Review by Emma of Newtown

amazon cover Skulduggery Pleasant: Playing With Fire
by Derek Landy
It is the sequel to Skulduggery Pleasant and it is about a skeleton mage who has to defeat someone called Baron Vegenous. It was so good I could not put it down. 5 stars.
Review by Daniel of Karori

amazon cover Millions
by Frank Cottrell Boyce
This Book is about two boys who find a sack of money which contains a million dollars and they try to change it before the currencey changes to pounds. This is a thrilling adventure and you hardly want to put the book down. 5 stars from me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review by Jessica of Island Bay

amazon cover Princess Stories
by Geraldine McCaughrean
Open pages of this book and step inside the enchanted world of princesses. A classic collection of original and familiar stories to treasure. 4 stars.
Review by Addington

amazon cover Esio Trot
by Roald Dahl
Have you ever wanted to turn into something else? I bet it wasn't a tortoise! This is the story of a very shy man who's in love with a very kind woman, and of the small tortoise who brings them together. Hurry and get this book out! This book is really good!! But also short so you'll finish this book in no time at all!! 5 stars.
Review by Anthea of Miramar

amazon cover Ginger Snaps
by Cathy Cassidy
Good book. It is her new one I think. 4 stars.
Review by Rosalie of Vogeltown

amazon cover Indigo Blue
by Cathy Cassidy
This book is a great read that is brilliant for girls and is mainly about friendships.It would help all those people with issues and problems about friendships or life in general. 5 stars.
Review by Katherine of Johnsonville

amazon cover Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
by Suzanne Weyn
It is a fully action packed adventure with a little bit of a twist in this adventurous story. Read on to find out!!! 5 stars.
Review by Mozima of Grenada Village

amazon cover Puberty Boy
by Geoff Price
I really like this book because it really tells me about things that happen to your body while you grow! 5 stars.
Review by Alessi of Paparangi

Greedy Cat and the School Pet Show
by Joy Cowley
Greedy Cat hates getting fussed over. His owner gave him a bath and put a red ribbon around Greedy Cat's neck. When they get to school Greedy Cat starts to reek havoc and chaos in the school yard......5 stars.
Review by Gemma of Linden

amazon cover Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
by J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter is a wizard from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Both his parents are dead and he lives with his aunt, uncle, and cousin. He is about to start his second year at Hogwarts. He has two friends: Hermione and Ron. Weird things are happening at Hogwarts. Harry, Ron and Hermione want to find out about it. 5 stars.
Review by Michael of Wellington

amazon cover Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
by J. K. Rowling
That was a very cool book Mrs. Rowling. I enjoyed reading that book. I read it day and night. Thanks to you I now love reading - but don't tell anyone at school otherwise they might laugh and call me names. So thank you so much for writing that book. Who made it first? Was the book made first or was it the movie? Well...... thank you so much. 5 stars.
Review by Paige of Johnsonville

amazon cover The Princess Diaries
by Meg Cabot
It was a good book because the characters are interesting. 4 stars.
Review by Mariam of Wellington

amazon cover The Freedom Writers Diary
by The Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell
This book is the most exciting piece of writing that I have ever read. It is excatly what I went through in life and am still going through. I hope I can do better, not only for me but for the other views. 5 stars.
Review by Zalia of Karori

amazon cover The Akhenaten Adventure
by P. B. Kerr
This book is brilliant in the way that it is written. It is also a wonderful story.
Review by Rhys of Karori

amazon cover How to Speak Dragonese
by Cressida Cowell
This book is a really good book! I love how there is a little bit where it teaches you some Dragonese. 5 stars.
Review by Callum of Mt. Victoria

amazon cover The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
by C. S. Lewis
I like Prince Caspian because it has a great sense of adventure, and it is a book that my Dad read to me, and it was a great family experience. 5 stars.
Review by Lily of Ngaio

amazon cover I Am Too Absolutely Small for School
by Lauren Child
This book is really funny, especially when Charlie tells Lola she can wear anything she wants to school, and she says she wants to go dressed as an alligator! And it's about school and I got it when I was just turning 5. 5 stars.
Review by Eva of Island Bay

amazon cover Zac Power: Tomb of Doom
by H. I. Larry
The whole Zac Power series is cool. But this is one of my favourites. It's an exciting, action-packed, adventure. Zac goes on a mission to find the lost Pyramid and save a GIB agent. But the Pyramid is a vanishing pyramid...5 stars.
Review by Oliver of Island Bay

amazon cover Animorphs: Hork-Bajir Chronicles
by K. A. Applegate
This book is about 3 characters called: Dak Hamee the Hork-Bajir; Aldrea the Andalite and Esplin 9466 the Yeerk. How is there a connection? The Andalite's father has been exiled to the Hork-Bajir world. Read this book to find out! I like the twists and turns in this exciting story. 5 stars.
Review by Jonathan of Paparangi

amazon cover Lion Boy
by Zizou Corder
It was a wonderful and imaginative book with a lot of adventure. 5 stars.
Review by Madeleine of Wadestown

I Wanna be Famous
by Bruce Whatley
What do you want to be when you grow up? Well "I wanna be famous!" This book is sooo awsome! It is all about being what you want to be when you grow up. I'm just like the kid in the I wanna be famous picture book because I just wanna be famous just like him! Read this book then you might want to be famous too.This book is not only good but also gives you a little clue about how to be famous! Maybe one day if I am famous I will invite you to my concert! LOL!! (laugh out loud). 5 stars.
Review by Anthea of Miramar

amazon cover The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
by C. S. Lewis
It is very rich and makes you read on. 5 stars.
Review by Tiffany of Brooklyn

amazon cover Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by J. K. Rowling
This book is the best of the series. It adds a grown-up feel and the emotions are great! I love this book and I will read it plenty more times. 5 stars.
Review by Sarah of Wellington

amazon cover Cherub: Book 9: The Sleepwalker
by Robert Muchamore
It is a good book. I liiiiiiiikkkkkkkkkkkkkkeeeeeeeeeee it. It's awsome. Warning: For Teenagers. 5 stars
Review by Josh of Karori

amazon cover The Five Ancestors: Book 1: Tiger
by Jeff Stone
It was a very detailed story of Fu's life as a Cangzhen warrior and how their temple was destroyed by their former brother Ying. It was a brilliant story. 5 stars.
Review by Christina of Miramar

Fred the (Quite) Brave Mouse
by Murray Ball
I like this book because it is hilarious and the illustrations are fantastic. I recommend this book for 8 to18 because there are some strange words in it.This tale has some cool parts, like when Fred's Mum pulled a thorn out of a big bird's foot, and then she got gobbled up by the big bird. 5 stars.
Review by Nikita of Owhiro Bay

amazon cover Deltora Quest: Book 4: The Shifting Sands
by Emily Rodda
When the seven gems of the magic belt of Deltora were stolen, the evil shadow lord invadad the kingdom, and enslaved its people.
Review by Ariel of Wellington

amazon cover Just Stupid
by Andy Griffiths
Andy and Danny are very stupid boys. They are in 9 very stupid stories. I like it because it is very very very funny. I recommend it for 7-11 year olds. 5 stars.
Review by Havana of Miramar

amazon cover Wombat Stew
by Marcia K. Vaughan and Pamela Lofts
Dingo wants to make a Wombat stew. All the animals come to help make the stew, but the animals poison Dingo. It is a funny book. Dingo is the funniest character in the story. 5 stars.
Review by Rania of Owhiro Bay

amazon cover The Five Ancestors: Book 3: Snake
by Jeff Stone
It was a great story about how Seh is finding out more about his life, and about his mother and father. And he is trying to stop his former brother Ying from doing bad things, while trying to find his other brothers. It was a fabulous story - everyone should read it. 5 stars.
Review by Christina of Miramar

amazon cover Astrosaurs: The Riddle of the Raptors
by Stephen Cole
In Astrosaurs you get free cards. It is about four dinosaurs named Teggs, Gispy, Loki, Raptors, and Shanta. They are on a mission to find a type of crystal. I like this book because it has heaps of exciting moments. 5 stars
Review by Bradley of Owhiro Bay

See more book reviews

Still stuck for something to read?

There's lots of great books for you to choose from in our booklists. Try out Have a Laugh, Kid's Picks or Ghost Stories plus heaps more!

And there are also lots of new books right here at Wellington City Libraries

You can see lists of all the new stuff by clicking on any of the links below:

Or check out these websites...

Have a look at this list of books to try after you've finished all of the Harry Potter series.

You'll find heaps of reviews and info about authors at KidsReads.com.