Hillmorton High School

103,556 pages read and 4,266 team points

Jude

5,128 pts
(3,488 pages read)
  • Auē

    By Becky Manawatu
    4 stars

    This is a story about a young boy named Taukiri, who is sent to live with relatives after a tragedy, leaving his younger brother, Ārama, behind. It’s a tale of grief, family, and healing, told through multiple perspectives, including Taukiri, Ārama, and those around them. Set in Aotearoa, it explores themes of love, violence, and the strength of whanau. Becky Manawatu’s writing has been praised for its emotional depth and connection to the Māori experience.

  • Potiki

    By Patricia Grace
    4 stars

    This novel is about a small Māori community fighting to protect their land from developers who want to build a tourist attraction. The story is told through the voices of the family living there, focusing on their connection to the land, their traditions, and their struggles to hold on to their way of life. It’s a powerful story about resilience, identity, and the importance of storytelling.

  • The Luminaries

    By Eleanor Catton
    4 stars

    This book is set during the gold rush on the West Coast of New Zealand in the 1860s. It’s about a young prospector, Walter Moody, who stumbles upon a group of men holding a secret meeting about a series of mysteries: a wealthy man’s disappearance, a prostitute’s overdose, and a large sum of hidden gold. The story is a mix of mystery and adventure, exploring greed, love, and chance.

  • The Covenant of Water

    By Abraham Verghese
    3 stars

    This book is about a family in Kerala, India, and spans from the early 1900s to the 1970s. Each generation of the family has a strange trait—a member always seems to drown, which they call "The Condition." The story focuses on Big Ammachi, the family matriarch, and shows her life, her struggles, and the changes happening around her. It’s about family, love, and the role water plays in their lives.

  • River Sing Me Home

    By Eleanor Shearer.
    5 stars

    The story is set in the Caribbean after the abolition of slavery in 1834 and follows Rachel, an enslaved woman who embarks on a harrowing journey across Barbados, British Guiana, Trinidad, and beyond to find her children who were sold away during slavery. The novel is inspired by the true stories of women who searched for their stolen children post-abolition. It explores themes of motherhood, freedom, and the strength of the human spirit. Rachel's story vividly portrays the resilience required to reclaim not only her children but also her sense of self and history in a world that has sought to erase her identity​.

  • The Four Agreements

    By Don Miguel Ruiz
    5 stars

    The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is all about living a better, freer life. It breaks down four super simple ideas: speak honestly, don’t take stuff personally, don’t assume, and just do your best. Easy to read.

  • The House of Eve

    By Sadeqa Johnson
    5 stars

    It’s a beautifully written, emotional story set in 1950s America, following two women navigating love, ambition, and tough decisions around motherhood and identity. The historical setting feels so real, and the characters are incredibly relatable. It’s heartfelt and thought-provoking without being too heavy—a great read!!

  • Search for Maylee

    By Didi Oviatt
    5 stars

    Thriller about a woman named Autumn, who is determined to find her niece, Maylee. Three years after Maylee's abduction right before her high school graduation, Autumn follows a lead across the country to uncover more about her disappearance. The story is a mix of suspense and emotional strength as Autumn battles against the cruelty of the world to seek justice and answers.

  • Lola in the Mirror

    By Rachel Kerr
    4 stars

    Lola in the Mirror" by Rachel Kerr is a story about a young girl named Lola who struggles with self-image and feeling good about herself. She feels pressure from social media, beauty standards, and comparing herself to others. The book follows her journey of learning to love herself and realise that she is enough just as she is. It’s a heartwarming story that shows how important it is to be kind to yourself and embrace who you are. It’s a great read for anyone who has ever felt unsure about themselves.

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