BOOK REVIEWS

Ninjet: Chasing Shadows
by Ryan Drake
She was found as a kitten in a snow covered field by an ancient monk. He gave her the name "SnowShadow" and instructed her in the secret art of ninjutsu. A white cat in a black (Though perceived as purple when in colour) bodysuit, she prowls for mysterious objects and hidden treasure. This is a great comic that I picked up from Armageddon expo 2009.The main plot of ninjet comics vary, but in the first, Ninjet: Chasing Shadows, Ninjet finds half the forest singed and scratched. Then rustling from a tree - (And it's not her friend porky.) With good classic comic action scenes, good inspiration for enemies and battles, and some nicely drawn features, Drake's first comic shapes up.
Review by Aaron of Tawa

Cookie
by Jacqueline Wilson
Beauty Cookson was not a real beauty. She could see why Skye, Emily and Arabella laughed at her name. They changed her name to Ugly. Her Dad is a big meany who sometimes calls Beauty Ugly as well! He would give anything to have beautiful, stylish Skye as a daughter. On Beauty's birthday she thinks she is going to have a great day, but she is mistaken. When Rhona gives Beauty a rabbit (her dad's number one house rule is NO PETS), her Dad lets the rabbit escape. They split up. Will they manage? The best bit is when Beauty goes on Watchbox (TV Show for children). There is a lot of shouting, but it is still a very good book. 10/10
Review by Alexandria of Brooklyn

Nina of the Dark
by Ken Catran
Against the forces of evil and night who will stand true? Slave-born and fated to seek a terrible truth from lost centuries, her only allies are a thief, a giant and an ancient prophesy. Together they must seek answers to shrouded mysteries and resolve the fate of their world... but first they must survive a haunted landscape of monsters and ruthless lords. Unknown to her companions, the girl has an another battle, uniquely her own. Before she can face the ungodly creatures who threaten humanity with a new age of darkness and evil incarnate, she must first defeat the darkness within herself. She is Nina of the Dark, thrust unwilling into a legacy of nightmares and violence.In a world on the edge of an abyss, she is the last hope....... and she is afraid. 5 stars.
Review by Christine of Khandallah

Sunrise: Warriors: Power of Three: Book #6
by Erin Hunter
I think this book is the best Warriors book, especially when the cats find out about their Mum and Dad. But you have to read it. It is very interesting and all about cats.
Review by Amelia of Kilbirnie

Kiss
by Jacqueline Wilson
Sylvie and Carl have been best mates ever since they were little. As they reach their teenage years they grow further and further apart. They go to different schools and have different friends. Carl seems less happy about being called Sylvie's boyfriend. In a bottle-spinning kissing game, Carl refuse to kiss Sylvie. Could there be a secret to all of this? A touching story by bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson. A fantastic read!
Review by Yawynne of Karori

The Silver Chair: The Chronicles of Narnia
by C. S. Lewis
A good book. An exciting book. Some bits are funny, such as when they bump straight into the lady of the green kirtle. 10/10. The best bit in the book is when Jill falls down the letter "e".
Review by Arwen of Brooklyn

Malice
by Chris Wooding
Rumors circulate around a comic. A comic in an airtight black seal, with blood red points in the shape of an M. A comic called Malice in which kids are trapped, fighting to escape.Of course Kady and Seth think of this just as a normal rumor. Until Luke goes missing and is seen in a new edition of Malice. Then they pay attention and get in a little too deep… I found myself ever wondering what will happen next all through this cleverly done plot, which will keep you turning the pages all night. What really captures a lot of people’s interest is the half story, half graphic novel combination. I am at a loss as to how this world, which exists in a horrific comic book, was thought of. And it’s even open for an anticipated sequel; Havoc. 10/10
Review by Aaron of Tawa

The Scandinavian Vikings
by Louise Park and Timothy Love
The book is about the Scandinavian Vikings and the timeline of their raids, exploration and settlements. The Vikings raided England, France, and even along the Mediterranean coast. By 1035 the Vikings ruled all of England, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Viking explorer, Leif Eriksson, discovered Greenland and North America. I liked reading about the longhouses where the Vikings lived. The Vikings slept on stone beds. How painful were their backs after sleeping? I recommend this book to children who are interested in the history of Europe, and how people survived through those times. 5 stars.
Review by Angelica of Johnsonville

Inkheart
by Cornelia Funke
This is a great book for kids aged eight and over. It has lots of things that we kids think is true. I would really recommend this book to school libraries. There are three books in the series: Inkheart, Inkspell and Inkdeath.5 stars
Review by Zoe of Brooklyn

Fairy Dust
by Gwyneth Rees
Rosie believes in fairies, and then she sees a real fairy and becomes best friends with her. But Rosie's fairy friend is dying and there is only one way to stop it. But will Rosie save her friend? Read and find out. 5 stars.
Review by Lily of Ngaio

The Mystery of the Invisible Thief: Mystery Series #8
by Enid Blyton
It has the best plot, and it is really imaginative with the baker being the big robber who has great ideas. Love a mystery? Read this - you will love it. 5 stars
Review by Adrija of Newtown

The Mystery on the Mississippi: Trixie Belden #15
by Kathryn Kenny
This book was really great because it had an awesome plot. If you like thrilling adventures then you need this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5 stars.
Review by Adrija of Newtown

Mary-Kate and Ashley: So Little Time: Book #1: How to Train a Boy
by Jacqueline Carrol
It is really cool and funny. But it is also weird when Chloe trains a boy using a dog book and it works!!! 5 stars.
Review by Adrija of Newtown

Charlotte's Web
by E. B. White
It was a good book because it made me feel emotional: like very sad and happy!!!!! 4 stars
Review by Ariella of Northland

Warriors: The New Prophecy: #5
by Erin Hunter
Mudclaw is dead and the rebellion against Onestar in WindClan is over. Problems in ThunderClan have arisen. Squirrelflight is furious with Brambleclaw for treating her like an apprentice. Why does he have to meet Hawkfrost at the Gatherings? Everyone knows he was part of the WindClan revolt. Now she is spending all her time with Ashfur. Brambleclaw is being trained by his father, and is becoming ambitious. Leafpool and Crowfeather confessed their love for each other, and now Leafpool is breaking the code of the medicine cat by meeting him. Now Crowfeather has asked for her to do something she can hardly bear. Leafpool has also recieved an ominous prophecy from StarClan: Before there is peace, blood will spill blood and the lake will run red. 4 stars.
Review by Mehrbano (Icefire) of Tawa (Thunderclan)

The Secret of the Mansion: Trixie Belden #1
by Julie Campbell
For ages 9+. First published more than 50 years ago. 4 stars
Review by Anonymous of Wellington

Warriors: Power of Three: Book Two: Dark River
by Erin Hunter
There will be three, kin of your kin, who will hold the power of the stars in their paws. This ominous prophecy was made to Firestar by Skywatcher (see FIRESTAR'S QUEST) and the three, his grandchildren, have come. Hollypaw knows there is something wrong with RiverClan. She tries to prevent a battle, but what if it goes wrong? Jaypaw is stuck in the elders' den to his disgust. Though StarClan themselves told him to be a medicine cat, he's wondering if it is worth it. To his surprise, he finds a stick whilst gathering herbs. A stick stripped of bark, with grooves on it. Grooves made by cat claws. . . Lionpaw has a secret friendship with Heatherpaw, but is it running deeper than that? They know something that can be used against each others' Clans, but can they trust each other. Three WindClan kits have gone missing. Can the Three stop the battle? 4 stars.
Review by Mehrbano of Tawa

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #6: Ghost Hunter
by Michelle Paver
Souls night is coming up and Torak must kill the eagle owl mage to destoy all of the soul-eaters forever.While for Renn, she must make a heart stopping choice.Wolf has lost a pack.Will Torak destroy the soul-eaters forever and live, or will he just die? 5 stars
Review by Christine of Khandallah

The Princess Diaries #1
by Meg Cabot
This book is really good, with excellent describing words. It is about a princess with problems who gives solutions to other girls out there!!! 5 stars
Review by Devika of Churton Park

Children of the Lamp #1: The Akhenaten Adventure
by P. B. Kerr
This book is truly magical. You get washed away by reading it. You just want to keep on reading it and you do not want to close the book. 4 stars
Review by Devika of Churton Park

Sunrise
by Erin Hunter
Ashfur's murder has horrified ThunderClan. WindClan is hotly denying anything to do with it. Could Sol be the answer? Or - more horrifyingly - did a ThunderClan cat do it? Meanwhile, Hollyleaf has a secret she cannot let anyone find out. Lionblaze is worrying about his power, and Jayfeather is searching for his parents. The answer is a shock. Will the Three recover? There will be three, kin of your kin, who will hold the power of their stars in their paws. 4 stars.
Review by Mehrbano of Tawa

The Recruit: CHERUB Series #1
by Robert Muchamore
Full of adventure and action! 5 stars.
Review by Havana of Owhiro Bay

Great book. It is awesome if you like exciting books with a little bit of violence, but it is still really good.5 stars
Review by Ruby of Island Bay

Brigands M.C: CHERUB Series #11
by Robert Muchamore
This book is the bomb. It is the second to last book in the series, and by far one of the best. If you don't know about CHERUB then you live under a rock. THEY HAVE TO MAKE A CHERUB MOVIE!!!!!! 3 stars.
Review by Rose of Johnsonville

School Spirit: Suddenly Supernatural Series: Book One
by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Kat's mother is a medium. Since her 13th birthday Kat has been able to see spirits too. Great series. I would recommend it for readers 9-11 years old.
Review by Merren of Lyall Bay

Further Doings of Milly-Molly-Mandy
by Joyce Lankester Brisley
I love it! All these books are wonderful. 5 stars
Review by Charlotte of Tawa

Secrets
by Jacqueline Wilson
It is a good book and I think it has a very good concept of the two girls. 5 stars.
Review by Raisham of Miramar

Matilda
by Roald Dahl
It is a really cool book! It is about a girl whose parents are not as fun as this book is! 5 stars.
Review by Estella of Khandallah

Judy Moody Predicts the Future
by Megan McDonald
This is a fantastic book! You should definitely read it! 3 stars.
Review by Yawynne of Karori

The 39 Clues #5: The Black Circle
by Patrick Carman
This book has good adventures. Amy and Dan form an alliance with the deadly Holts and are looking for clues left by the mysterious NRR. 5 stars.
Review by Abby of Ngaio

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
by J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter is a wizard, but he does not find that out until a stranger called Rubeas Hagrid comes. He is living with his horrible Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and cousin Dudley. Harry is about to start his 1st year at Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft And Wizardy, and he finds two best friends, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, but he does not know what is going to happen.This is a fantastic book for teenagers! This is the best book and movies series in the world! 5 stars.
Review by Himeshkumar of Lyall Bay

The Book of Dead Days
by Marcus Sedgwick
It was a nice story. 5 stars.
Review by Taylor of Newlands

CHERUB Series: The General
by Robert Muchamore
This is a great book and the 10th book in the CHERUB series. It pulls you in. 5 stars.
Review by Max of Newlands

CHERUB Series: Class A
by Robert Muchamore
Great excitement and action. 5 stars.
Review by Ben of Churton Park

Candyfloss
by Jacqueline Wilson
Candyfloss is about a girl that cannot decide on much in her life, but earlier on in the book she makes a good choice. It is really good! 4 stars.
Review by Estella of Khandallah

Cinderella and the Hot Air Balloon
by Ann Jungman
It is cool. 5 stars.
Review by Elliott of Wellington

Five Have a Mystery to Solve
by Enid Blyton
Cool, fun and highly enjoyable!! Not just this story that I am reading, but all of the books in the Famous Five series! They are all fun. 5 stars.
Review by Sho of Johnsonville

Summer Spell: Magic Kitten Series: Book One
by Sue Bentley
A Summer Spell is one of the Magic Kitten Series and it is extremely good. Flame is a prince lion from anther planet. But his uncle is taking over his place, and he is sending spys to look for him. When they find him they will kill him so his uncle can take his throne forever. But he has the power to come to earth. 5 stars.
Review by Lily of Ngaio

Deltora Quest: Series One: Book One: The Forests of Silence
by Emily Rodda
This book is for you if you like scary, tense stories. It is about three kids who go on a quest to find the seven gems of Deltora. There are eight books in this series. The Forests of Silence is the first.
Review by Mary-Lynn of Newlands

Deltora Quest: Series One: Eight Books in One!
by Emily Rodda
The eight books in one are so cool! I loved reading them and I hope that there are more series to come. 5 stars.
Review by Harrison of Kilbirnie

Cosmo and the Magic Sneeze
by Gwyneth Rees
Cosmo and the Magic Sneeze is a good story about a young kitten called Cosmo, and is about him being a witches' cat.
Review by Lily of Ngaio

Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone
by J. K. Rowling
This is a story about Harry and his two new friends settling down for their first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, only to discover that they have a part to play in the downfall of the evil Sssh! (You-Know-Who). You will like Harry Potter: he's shy and self- doubting, and puts up with a lot from his awful Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon, and fat Cousin Dudley. Poor Harry lost his parents, supposedly in a car crash when he was a baby, and that was when he received the strange lightning-shaped scar across his forehead. Ever since then he has slept in the cupboard under the stairs at the Dursleys' perfectly normal house in Privet Drive, and the best thing he has to look forward to is starting at the local secondary school next term. Well away from Dudley, who will be going to his father's old, expensive school, Smeltings. 5 stars.
Review by Olivia of Northland

This is a fantastic book and is the first one in the Harry Potter books. I especially love the sorting part. I think that every one should read it. 5 stars.
Review by Himeshkumar of Lyall Bay

I just read the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, and, in my opinion, I am going to say that J. K. Rowling is one of the BEST authors in the world. I just love Harry Potter books and movies.
Review by Himeshkumar of Lyall Bay

Jack Stalwart #1: The Mystery of the Mona Lisa
by Elizabeth Singer Hunt
This book is about spys and agents. Jack is an ordinary 9 year old kid who is chosen to join the Global Protection Force in order to save his brother Max. There is half-American and half-British comedy. Definitely 5 stars.
Review by Sam of Karori

Heidi
by Johanna Spyri
Heidi is a thoughtful, nice and kind child. This book is a funny book. I really like it.
Review by Melissa of Tawa

The Sacred Banana Leaf: An Indonesian Trickster Tale
by Nathan Kumar Scott
It is a good book. 5 stars.
Review by Elizabeth of Ngaio

Abby Hayes: The Best Is Yet To Come: Super Special #1
by Anne Mazer
The Abby Hayes Series is funny and cool. The Best Is Yet To Come is the 1st Super Special Edition, and, in the middle of the book, you can find Abby's 5th grade year book. This book tells you about how hard it can be to babysit someone who dosen't obey you. Abby has to bribe a 5 year old called Wynter with sweets she buys with her pocket money. This is a cool book and I think you will like it. I recommend it for ages 6 to10. 4 stars.
Review by Teresa of Tawa

Brisingr, or, The seven promises of Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Bjartskular: Inheritance Book #3
by Christopher Paolini
Hwatum il skilfz gerdumn. This is a brilliant book. Though this series was meant to be three books, it is now extended to four. Brisingr is the best of this series so far in my opinion. Saphira and Eragon have to grow up fast as they learn more secrets. Anyone who does not read these are knurlheim! Atra du evarinya ono varda un atra gulia un ilian tauthr ono waise skoliro fra rauthr.
Review by Mehrbano of Tawa

The Hidden Stairs and the Carpet: Secrets of Droon #1
by Tony Abbott
A cool book with lots of misteries!!!!! 5 stars.
Review by William of Khandallah

The English Roses
by Madonna
This book is fantastically great to read. I like this book because I can relate to it, and, trust me, you should totally read this book. This is one of my favourite books ever!!!!!!!!!
Review by Melodie of Wellington

Wolf Brother: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #1
by Michelle Paver
Wolf Brother is about a boy named Torak who has to save everyone from the demon bear.Torak will meet some friends that will help him on the journey. 5 stars.
Review by Christine of Khandallah

Spirit Walker: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #2
by Michelle Paver
Torak will have to travel to the Seal clans to find a cure for a sickness in the forest. 5 stars.
Review by Christine of Khandallah

Soul Eater: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #3
by Michelle Paver
In this book Torak will have to save everyone from the soul eaters.This is a risk he will have to take for the safety of others.Will he become a soul eater or not? 5 stars.
Review by Christine of Khandallah

Outcast: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #4
by Michelle Paver
Torak has become an outcast because he has the mark of the soul eaters (a three pronged fork). He will have to survive in the wild.This will be tough because everyone is treating him like the dead. He has no sleeping sack or axe to help him hunt. 5 stars.
Review by Christine of Khandallah

Oath Breaker: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #5
by Michelle Paver
A soul eater has killed Torak's closest friend.Torak will find the killer and kill him.Torak has promised to avenge his bone kin. 5 stars.
Review by Christine of Khandallah

Lucky For Some
by Fleur Beale
This is a great book. It is about a girl who moves away to the country. She has to leave her friends, her city life and dance classes, and join a new school with only 4 girls! She learns to play rugby with all the boys and teaches them how to dance. To find out more read this book. It is awesome!!! 5 stars.
Review by Anna of Karori

Everything You Need to Know About the Stars of High School Musical 3
by Jackie Robb
I think this book was really interesting because it had information about where they were born, and a little about them, and how they started out and became actors. 4 stars.
Review by Caitlin of Tawa

Best Friends
by Jacqueline Wilson
Best Friends is a good book. It is about two girls who are best friends since kindy, and then one of them moves away. Some sad parts, but a happy ending.
Review by Havana of Owhiro Bay

The Secret of the Junkyard Shadow: Cabin Creek Mysteries #6
by Kristiana Gregory
This is the sixth book in the series, and by the looks of it, the last! (What a shame). I reserved each one when they were still in processing! This book is so exciting that I could not stop reading (except when Dad told me to go to sleep). The main characters Jeff, David and Claire spy someone in the town junkyard, and then things start disappearing. They start to think: does that person have anything to do with it? But then they reappear all nice and new! Who is this good samaritan and why doesn`t he leave a note?!
Review by Harrison of Johnsonville