Book Review: Better Than The Movies

Author: Lynn Painter  Published: 2021 Genres: Romance Fiction, YA By: Maya Star Rating: 4.5/5 stars Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter has been hailed as a “rom-com about romcoms.” This young adult book balances romance, humour, and plenty of pop-culture references, keeping readers invested in all the swoon-worthy moments throughout the story. Utilising classic rom-com tropes, Lynn Painter adds a fresh twist to a sweet love story. … Continue reading Book Review: Better Than The Movies

Book Review: Caraval

Author: Stephanie Garber  Published: 2016 Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, YA By: Jess Star Rating: 5/5 stars Remember, it’s only a game…  Every year, Master Legend hosts the Caraval, a game twisted with magic. Those invited have the chance to win a single wish. To do so they must unravel the clues which can lead them in every direction.   Scarlett Dragna has dreamt of Caraval her entire life. It … Continue reading Book Review: Caraval

Book Review: Gachiakuta

Author: Kei Urana  Published: 2022 Genres: Action, Dystopia, Fantasy, Manga, YA By: Kyle Gachiakuta is a manga that only has 100 chapters but is quickly becoming popular. The manga was written by Kei Urana. She is a former student of the great Atsushi Ohkubo, creator of the very famous Soul Eater and Fire Force. Gachiakuta (which means serious trash/garbage) is an action shonen manga that follows a character … Continue reading Book Review: Gachiakuta

Book Review: Five Total Strangers

Author: Natalie D. Richards  Published: 2020 Genres: Horror, Mystery, Psychological thriller, YA By: Kayla Star Rating: 4/5 stars From Natalie D. Richards comes a chilling tale of thrill and suspense that is sure to keep any reader on their toes. Five Total Strangers tells the story of a road trip that quickly takes a deadly turn as dangerous secrets are uncovered, and life-threatening situations arise. Richards delivers the … Continue reading Book Review: Five Total Strangers

Book Review: To Kill a Mockingbird

Author: Harper Lee  Published: 1960 by J. B. Lippincott & Co Genres: Classics, Historical Fiction, Cultural perspective By: Isabella Star Rating: 4/5 stars Did you like the book? If not, why? This book is great. It weaves together a plot of action adventure and the hardships of life in 1933-35 (The Great Depression). This story is told by Jean Louise Finch, the main character also known as Scout. … Continue reading Book Review: To Kill a Mockingbird

Māpuna Library’s: Schools’ Pride Week Aotearoa 2024!

The latest display in our library was to celebrate Pride Month (June) and specifically Schools’ Pride Week Aotearoa! Which was 17-21st. We also joined the ‘Out on the Shelves’ campaign again, giving out the very popular OOTS bookmarks and stickers. The Schools’ Pride Week Aotearoa stickers (also created by InsideOut) were a massive hit with students too. Out on the shelves is run by InsideOUT Kōaro, … Continue reading Māpuna Library’s: Schools’ Pride Week Aotearoa 2024!

Book Review: The Reappearance of Rachel Price

Author: Holly Jackson  Published:  2024 Genres: Mystery, Thriller, YA By: Maya Star Rating: 4/5 stars “The people who loved you, the ones who really cared, they would always come back. Sometimes, they even came back from the dead.” The Reappearance of Rachel Price is written by Holly Jackson, a renowned author known for her #1 New York Times bestselling series, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.”   … Continue reading Book Review: The Reappearance of Rachel Price

Māpuna Library’s Display: Emoji Reads!

Our most recent display last week was one filled with emotions! With Emoji Reads! Featuring fiction and non-fiction titles that inspired the reader to feel a range of emotions. Books that made you happy, nostalgic, sad, angry, made you laugh etc… Thank you to our amazing student librarian team and staff who worked together on this one! #EmojiReads Continue reading Māpuna Library’s Display: Emoji Reads!

Book Review: The Rains

Author: Gregg Hurwitz Published:  2016 Genres: Dystopia, Horror, Science fiction, Thriller. YA By: Charlotte Star Rating: 8.7/10 stars The Rains by Gregg Hurwitz is an exciting and scary story about two brothers, Chance and Patrick Rain, who try to survive after aliens invade their town. The aliens turn adults into zombie-like creatures, and the brothers must find a way to save themselves and others. The book is fast-paced … Continue reading Book Review: The Rains

Book Review: Goliath

Author: Scott Westerfeld, Illustrations by Keith Thompson  Published:  2011 Genres: Alternate History, Science-fiction, Steampunk, YA By: Isabella Star Rating: 5/5 stars Warning: This is the third book in the Leviathan trilogy. You could read it as a stand alone book, but it is best to read it as part of the trilogy! Beware – SPOILERS AHEAD! Did you like the book? If not, why? I loved this … Continue reading Book Review: Goliath