Māpuna Library’s Display: Pink Shirt Day 2025!

The most recent display in our library is in support of Pink Shirt Day 2025! Thank you to our wonderful group of student librarians who worked together to put this display up. #PinkShirtDayNZ #SpeakUp #StandTogether #STOPBullying #KōreroMai #KōreroAtu! #MauriTū #MauriOra Celebrated annually around the globe, Pink Shirt Day began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying, after a peer was … Continue reading Māpuna Library’s Display: Pink Shirt Day 2025!

Māpuna Library’s Books Around the World 2025!

Our most recent display in the library was created to encourage students to explore the world with their next book. Each book was set in a different country or the author was from that country. #BooksAroundTheWorld #FindYourNextRead Thanks to our wonderful student librarians and Library Team who worked hard on designing the signage, flags and found books for this display. Thank you to one of … Continue reading Māpuna Library’s Books Around the World 2025!

Book Review: 1984

Author: George Orwell  Published: 1949 Genres: Classics, Dystopian, Sci-Fi By: Rosie Star Rating: 4/5 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆  The author, George Orwell, has succeeded in creating a realistic, totalitarian future in which Winston Smith learns to rebel against ‘Big Brother’ (the government). 1984 is a horrifyingly relevant, dystopian, novel which is reminiscent of both our past and future. This book creates a feeling of paranoia in readers by masterfully immersing them … Continue reading Book Review: 1984

Book Review: Babel

Author: R.F. Kuang  Published: 2022 Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction By: Maya Star Rating: 5/5 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Babel, or the Necessity of Violence, written by R.F. Kuang, was one of the best books I have ever read. The story takes place in the mid-1830s, primarily in Oxford, England. The main character, Robin Swift, was born in China and is raised in England to study at the Royal Institute of Translation … Continue reading Book Review: Babel

Book Review: The Hate U Give

Author: Angie Thomas  Published: 2017 Genres: Urban Fiction, YA By: Tessa Star Rating: 4.5/5 stars The Hate U Give is a YA novel that follows the story of Starr, who, while being driven home from a party, witnesses the murder of her childhood friend Khalil at the hands of a policeman. She is the only person who saw what happened, but speaking up could put her and her … Continue reading Book Review: The Hate U Give

Book Review: 1984

Author: George Orwell  Published: June 1949 Genres: Classic, Dystopia, Sci-Fi By: Danny George Orwell’s 1984 is a dystopian novel set in the totalitarian state of Oceania, where the government, known as “The Party,” exercises absolute control over every aspect of life. In 1984, the main character Winston Smith worked at the Ministry of Truth in the ruins of the British Revolution. His and everyone’s movements are monitored by the … Continue reading Book Review: 1984

Book Review: One Piece (Water 7 Arc)

Author: Eiichiro Oda  Published: April 17th, 2005 Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Manga, Shonen Manga By: Theo Star Rating: 5/5 stars I thoroughly enjoyed this manga, I have read the manga twice now and watched the anime once – so, I can say for sure that this story is one of my favourites. Although the Water 7 Arc is just one part of the entire manga, it is undoubtedly … Continue reading Book Review: One Piece (Water 7 Arc)

Book Review: The Bones Beneath My Skin

Author: T.J. Klune  Published: 2018 Genres: LGBTQ+, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi By: Zoe C Star Rating: 4/5 stars The Bones Beneath my Skin is a heartwarming sci-fi that lovers of the ‘found family’ trope are sure to enjoy.  TJ Klune has delivered yet another magical world full of captivating characters and a storyline that will have you on the edge of your seat. Set in 1995, Nate Cartwright is … Continue reading Book Review: The Bones Beneath My Skin

Book Review: Drama

Author: Raina Telgemeier  Published: 2012 Genres: Coming-of-age, Graphic Novel, YA By: Ellie Star Rating: 4.9/5 stars Did you like the book? Yes/No Why?  Yes, it’s one of my favourite books! I love the way I can kind of reflect this book back to myself. But one thing I don’t like is Callie’s dance dress 😅.  What was your favourite part/character in the book? Or your least favourite? Why?   … Continue reading Book Review: Drama

Book Review: When Elephants Fly

Author: Nan Fischer  Published: 2018 Genres: Contemporary fiction, Coming-of-age, Mental Health/Illness, Realistic fiction, YA By: Zara J Star Rating: 4/5 stars I was recommended When Elephants Fly by a friend when we were in psychologically class talking about mental illnesses.  It is a young adult novel which will have you staying up late to find out what happens on the next page. The story is about a girl … Continue reading Book Review: When Elephants Fly