Mt Roskill Grammar

Top 10 team members

Team members

Mrs Chavez

20,015 pts

(12,692 pages read)

Legacy

By Whiti Hereaka

5 stars

When I read "Legacy" and learned that it's about Gallipoli, I was hooked. When Te Ariki said that the soldiers "shouldn't have had to sacrifice in the first place," it reminded me that they were just barely adults when they were pushed to the front lines. A thought-provoking read for students who would like to learn about war minus the focus on violence. This will be a great read during Anzac Day.
The Bone People

By Keri Hulme

5 stars

I can just imagine during my retirement, sitting on a rocking chair, holding this book with my two hands and reading Keri's lyrical words again and again. The story and the themes presented don't bring joy. Not one bit. It's chaos. It's disturbing. But the details stir into vivid imagination. For personal reading, I recommend it (I'm glad my friend recommended this to me). For classroom use, instead of assigning the entire book for reading, it'll be good to take snippets and have students create their own interpretation of what the words mean. Great way to teach metaphors and how to effectively use them in creative writing. (The 2001 Picador edition has the kōrero in Māori translated in the glossary which is helpful)
Goddess Muscle

By Karlo Mila

5 stars

This was a delight to read. I didn't know about Karlo until I read this book, and yet her poems are quite intimate and expressive that the book feels like a memoir. My personal favourites are: "Papatūānuku", "Mana", "You've written a lot of poems, he said". Lots of great poems to discuss about societal issues.
Pūrākau: Māori Myths Retold by Māori Writers

By Witi Ihimaera, Whiti Hereaka, et al

5 stars

I had this book since the start of the reading challenge, and I read the book one story at a time. This book made me gasp, laugh, cry, mad, horrified, hopeful... Every literary has different writing style and I got to discover new authors to follow after reading the book. The arrangement of the stories inspired from the tokotoko form was a nice touch. It gives students the idea that in te ao Māori, there is meaning and purpose.
Heart and Brain: Body Language

By Nick Seluk

5 stars

When I was young, I used to think that my body parts are separate entities that communicate with each other like people. The existence of this comic book is proof that I am not THAT crazy. This book is hilarious, and I relate to almost every comic strip. Brain and Heart are just adorable.
The Astromancer: The Rising of Matariki

By Witi Ihimaera

5 stars

(49 mins) I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, but after learning that the hard copy has stunning illustrations, I am keen to borrow and read it. The relationship between Aria and Te Kokorangi reminded me of my relationship with students who act up in class, but really just need reassurance that they matter, and someone cares for them. I've learned so much about Matariki through this book and it'll be a great read during the Matariki season.
Computing: A Concise History

By Paul E. Ceruzzi

3 stars

(4 hours). The book promised a concise history, and it did give a short history. Despite being brief, I have learned a lot regarding inventions that relate to computing. I might read this as a book because I often zone out listening to it (I think I fell asleep at some point). Nonetheless, it presents a good summary of how computing came to be.
Falling into Rarohenga

By Steph Matuku

5 stars

Reading this is such an awesome journey. Following Tui and Kae and their back-and-forth narration as they travel through the Māori underworld, Rarohenga, to save their mum from her captor, their own dad. I like that there are two perspectives. There's Tui who can more or less explain the creatures they meet and Kae who is oblivious. I will re-read this with my daughter when she's a bit older.
To Trap a Taniwha

By Jane Cooper

4 stars

As a learner of te reo Māori, this book is a good challenge to stretch one's vocabulary. It also gave me a snapshot of te ao Māori and history. There's a glossary at the end of the book (complete with brief description of the iwi and hapū involved). This is a great read for students who are learning te reo Māori.
El Deafo

By Cece Bell

5 stars

This is a very fun graphic memoir to read and I'm sure young readers (and adults) will also enjoy it. Cece's representation of a Deaf person (and she is one, by the way) shows real struggle and breaks common misconceptions about deafness.
Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism

By Yassmin Abdel-Magied

3 stars

This is a book I would like to keep in my classroom. It's very informative. I have learned so much from reading it (and it's easy to read since it's aimed for young readers). BUT... The book makes statements such as, "Isn't it horrible?" "It's super wrong and super sneaky" "How insulting is that?" which take away the ability for students to form their own opinion. With that said, the book will be a useful tool to talk with troubled students (e.g. students who make racist remarks in class). The information presented in the book drove me to research about racism because I have become aware about things I didn't know before. This is something I want to encourage my students: to be informed about their actions and their effects.
Kia Kaha: A Storybook of Māori Who Changed the World

By Stacey Morrison & Jeremy Sherlock

5 stars

A great book to have in the classroom. There are so many inspiring Māori and the bite-sized profiles make it easy for students to read the book. The illustrations are also stunning.
Hi'iaka and Pana'ewa: A Hawaiian Graphic Legend

By Gabrielle Ahuli'i

2 stars

Art is reminiscent of Disney style and kids who love Moana would no doubt enjoy the graphics. BUT.. The presentation of the story was too simple. Was this meant for really young readers? There is an instructional guide on how to read graphic novels at the beginning and the sentences are written in simple forms so it's easy for early readers. But the story-telling wasn't engaging. There's a conflict. What's the solution? Magic lightning skirt. Another conflict. Magic lightning skirt. I had to research Hi'aka's legend to understand her story. Hi'aka is supposed to be the main character, but I know less about her than the goddess of volcanoes and fire, Pele, who actually used her powers in the story.
Whetū Toa and the Hunt for Ramses

By Steph Matuku

5 stars

Multiverse.. but instead of science fiction, it's fantasy. A great way to introduce the concept of alternate dimensions to young readers. The Magician is still a mysterious entity, but in this sequel, we learn more about the magical farm animals, especially the one and only Ramses. It'll be a great imagination exercise to ask primary students what their alternate selves are like and how their parents would respond if they exchanged for a day.
Once Were Warriors

By Alan Duff

4 stars

Trigger Warning: Abuse, Violence, Rape, Suicide. This book was just so.. real that it scares me. The way it's written just pulls raw emotions out of you. I feel conflicted reviewing it. Part of me thinks it deserves five stars, because the story is uniquely presented and the writing is just "sumpthin". But I also felt cheated. **SPOILERS AHEAD** Two Heke children dead. I couldn't stop reading the chapter about Grace's tangi. But then there's Nig, a character that we would only start knowing halfway reading the book. He seems to fit the "warrior" image besides Jake Heke, the father. He could have been a character that the male senior students can relate to with their struggle with belongingness and identity as Māori, a warrior. But his death was abrupt. At least I feel it was abrupt. **END OF SPOILERS** I might re-read the novel again without the lens of a teacher. I also would like to see how the sequel will humanise Jake. I feel for Beth as well. Her pain turned into vocation to, as quoted from her monologue, "do my best to give you kids your rightful warrior inheritance."
Unlightenment: A Guide to Higher Consciousness for Everyday People

By Cathy Thorne

3 stars

It's a light read and I found the comics relatable and amusing. Some can even be great posters on walls to lighten up your mood when you're struggling with meditation and work-life balance.
Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea

By T.K. Roxborogh

5 stars

It's interesting how the book seems to allude that natural disasters are caused by sibling banter. The writing is engaging, and the story introduces the atua and creatures quite well. **SPOILERS** When someone mentioned it's Māori Percy Jackson, I didn't feel the connection until the discovery of the photograph. For me, being half-blood wasn't the main obstacle for Charlie; it was his disability. **END OF SPOILERS** After reading the book, it'll be a good thought exercise for young students to find ways to approach climate change, man-made disasters harming nature, etc.
How to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for Everyone

By Alex Norris

5 stars

This was such an adorable read. I would want my young students to know that love comes in different shapes, and they are loved. Alex is witty and empathetic when discussing the topics of love. This book is wisdom, humour, abstract and compassion combined.
Song of the River

By Joy Cowley

5 stars

This is a wonderful read for primary students. It can be used to discuss nature with young kids. The illustrations are beautiful and Joy's poetry is just superb.
Text, Don't Call: An Illustrated Guide to the Introverted Life

By INFJoe

3 stars

I've been reading books about introversion to recommend to my quiet students. This graphic novel is not artsy, but the comic is relatable to introverted people.
The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage

By Sydney Padua

4 stars

Ah, footnotes. I love footnotes. Reading the book, I can see how much the author studied Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage. There's so much history and non-history to unpack. I say non-history because the book deals with possibilities instead of reality. What would have happened if the Difference Engine was completed? If you enjoy history, this graphic novel will be a delight to read.
Filipino Children's Favorite Stories

By Liana Romulo

3 stars

Filipino children aged 6-10 years old who are born outside the Philippines (and can only understand English) will have the opportunity to learn about the myths and fairy tales of their land. I still think reading the stories in our own language has a different vibe than the translated ones.
Begin Again

By Oliver Jeffers

5 stars

I was reading this to my daughter last night and I just fell in love with it. It's one of those children's books that are playful to look at and yet the words make the adults think. It's a beautiful visual history account of humankind.
Mission Girl

By Fleur Beale

5 stars

I always enjoy reading Fleur's story-telling, and so far, her style of writing is my favourite among the "My New Zealand Story" books I've read. I was able to immerse myself by reading Atapō's inner thoughts, as well as the italicised writings on her treasured journal. Students will gain more understanding between the Māori and Pākehā relationship after reading this book.
Whetū Toa and the Magician

By Steph Matuku

4 stars

Was looking for books to read with my daughter. This was enjoyable to read. I like Whetū's curiosity and kindness towards animals, values I want to teach to my daughter. I'll be reading more from Steph Matuku's works!
The Wahine Disaster

By Shirley Corlett

3 stars

I was looking forward to reading this book since the Wahine disaster is something I have heard from several New Zealanders upon coming here. However, the story feels short and only a third of it really spoke about the events. My thoughts were also divided since the book follows two journals. Part 2 of the book was really gripping, though.
Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened

By Allie Brosh

4 stars

I've known about Allie's blog for awhile, and I love her style of writing and her illustrations. The stories in the book are pretty much a compilation of Allie's blog posts. Don't let the cartoonish art fool you. I wouldn't recommend this to junior students, but it'll be a good reading discussion with Year 13 students.
Girls Who Code #1 The Friendship Code

By Stacia Deutsch

4 stars

I like how they presented the programming concepts by solving a mystery. The girls are easy to relate with and the writing is simple and engaging. This is definitely going to be part of Digital Technology students' reading list.
Quarantine

By Philippa Werry

5 stars

The writing format is different from the last two "My New Zealand Story" books I read. Instead of a diary, it was a narrated perspective of 12-year old Tom. I cried reading it, especially when they described the heartbreaking impact polio had on Tom's family. Another recommended read for our students, especially those who experienced lockdowns and had to quarantine inside their homes.
Pandemic

By Sally Stone

5 stars

Ever since reading "Dawn Raid", I borrowed more My New Zealand Story books and I was quite pleased with my recent read, "Pandemic". The book was originally written on 2012, but the edition I read was published in 2020 and had a preface addressing the Coronavirus outbreak. Students who have experienced the lockdowns would relate to Freda Rose. Highly recommending this book.
Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert's Story

By Debbie Tung

5 stars

I wish all extroverts read this book so they understand their quiet colleagues better.
Diary of an Accidental Witch

By Perdita Cargill

4 stars

Read this with my daughter for her reading challenge and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I actually looked forward to bedtime stories just to know what happens to the main character afterwards. The diary writing is creative, and the illustrations are cute and whacky. Great read for 8-10 year olds.
It Won't Always Be Like This

By Malaka Gharib

4 stars

At first, it seems like the book is about the author Malaka (which it mostly is), but the ending catches you off guard. The small moments that Malaka presented in her memoir suddenly becomes precious. The title is truly befitting for this graphic novel. This is a good recommendation for students who are from divorced families or struggling with their identity coming from different cultures.
Out of the Woods: A Journey Through Depression and Anxiety

By Brent Williams

5 stars

This is such a beautiful memoir and I'm glad I bought a copy and have it in my bookshelf. Brent's recollection of his journey is truly touching and the analogy of walking out of the woods is on point. Depression and anxiety are hard topics to talk with our students, but it's critical more than ever for them to understand their emotions and feelings. I recommend all teachers to read this book.
Hine and the Tohunga Portal

By Ataria Sharman

3 stars

I love the book cover and was hoping to see more illustrations in the book. I would have enjoyed imagining more of the world beyond the Tohunga portal, but the writing was more focused on the battles and inner thoughts of the characters. I also wished the book placed more emphasis about the importance of whakapapa at the start of the story to prepare for the reveal. It'll be exciting if this book gets turned into moving pictures. There's so much potential with the world building.
Caroline's Comets: A True Story

By Emily Arnold McCully

3 stars

Aimed for primary students. I enjoyed Emily McCully's recollection of Ada Lovelace's life, but this book presented more illustrations than story. It'll be great resource to introduce astronomy to students and how people studied the stars and planets back then.
Math in Art and Sports

By Nancy Dickmann

4 stars

A very short read to make students who are into Sports and Arts interested in Maths. The book has lots of illustrations and mathematical problems to ask in class. It'll be a great display for school libraries to get students curious about the applications of Maths in everyday life.
Dreaming in Code: Ada Byron Lovelace, Computer Pioneer

By Emily Arnold McCully

4 stars

I only knew a few things about Ada Lovelace before reading this book. I like that the book sounds genuine in presenting the complexities of Ada's life, starting from her scandalous father, Lord Byron, up to her own wretched, early death. I would recommend this to students, especially young girls who are keen to work in the mathematical and computing field. Chapter 14 of the book will suffice in showing the contribution of Ada Lovelace and her eminent intellect.
The Pōrangi Boy

By Shilo Kino

5 stars

"If you don't see something with your own eyes, does that mean it isn't true?" The book presented a nice mixture of legend (the taniwha) and current issues (Māori's status in society). Chapters changing between past and present might confuse students at first, but it's an effective literary device to show the growth of the main character, Niko. Following the usual coming-of-age journey, the ending is cliched yet satisfying. Besides learning Māori legends and history, this book can also be used to encourage students to join kapa haka.
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

By Alison Bechdel

3 stars

The theme of the book piqued my interest, but as I read through the comic, it was hard to relate to the story. The constant reference to classic literary works and authors made the story less personal. Perhaps it was a creative choice since "Fun Home" is meant to be a graphic memoir and the author, Alison Bechdel, is well-versed and passionate about books like her parents. However, this is a hard recommendation to young students who don't read a lot, especially classics.
Dawn Raid

By Pauline (Vaeluaga) Smith

4 stars

Year 9 students will find it easy and enjoyable to read "Dawn Raid", a diary novel that explores the day-to-day life of 13-year-old Samoan named Sofia. It might be a good idea to watch a film set in 1970s New Zealand before reading to help students imagine the book's setting. There are lots of video resources of past New Zealand films in the YouTube channel "Archives New Zealand". My biggest qualm about the book is its writing. It's meant to be a diary, but it doesn't feel like one. It reads like a teenager writing a story in her journal and not really written thoughts. The speech at the end is amazing, though. There are photos at the end of the book which are good media to share with students to help them visualise the story. When students have finished reading, a short film about "Polynesian Panthers" will be great to open discussion about how young people can make a difference.
The Girl Who Became A Tree

By Joseph Coelho

4 stars

This book would be a good introduction to creative writing, especially when teaching poetry. The poems are short and often relatable to young people. You can assign poems to students and have them discuss the theme of each then discuss the overall theme of the book. I love the illustrations in the book and how they depict the emotions behind Daphne's words. Besides as a literary resource, this book is also a good way to discuss grief and depression with students.
The Microstress Effect: How Little Things Pile Up and Create Big Problems--and What to Do about It

By Rob Cross and Karen Dillon

4 stars

(7 hours) Recommended for overwhelmed teachers. The scenarios in the book are based on corporate settings, but the theory still applies to teaching. The first half of the audiobook is great to listen to when driving or commuting to work/home. The last chapters offer strategies to help with microstresses and require the reader to fill in worksheets. Thus, it might be good to have a printed copy if you wish to get the most out of this book.
Cuz

By Liz van der Laarse

3 stars

Perhaps because I've been reading books presenting Māori culture in poetic tone that the straight-forwardness of "Cuz" felt lackluster. For a Year 9 read, it's simple and engaging. I really like that the plants described in the book are explained further in the appendices, together with the kupu. I checked the teaching resource from this website and the questions are great for discussions and critical thinking. Further suggestions for class activities: roleplaying the events in the book, games about horticulture, virtual hiking, playing Geo Guessr (Explore Mode so it's only within New Zeland).
Tangi

By Witi Ihimaera

5 stars

This beautiful literary gave me a glimpse of Māoridom as Witi detailed the journey of a man coping with his father's death. I enjoy reading the kōrero in te reo and reading the kupu motivates me to learn the language more seriously. The edition I read did not use speech marks (quotes to indicate that someone is speaking) which was confusing at first. But as I continued, the flow felt more natural. It's a narration and when someone tells you a story, you don't see speech marks, because you are engrossed in the story.
How Can I Remember All That? Simple Stuff to Improve Your Working Memory

By Dr. Tracy Packiam Alloway

4 stars

A short read for teachers and parents to help students with working memory issues. The findings and strategies can be applied in primary and secondary school settings. The book encourages the grown-ups to read the book together with children.
Sins of the Father: The Long Shadow of a Religious Cult

By Fleur Beale

4 stars

This book is a great addition to students' reading list if they have been following the story of "I am not Esther". Only this time, it's non-fiction. Fleur Beale details the journey of Phil Cooper and his relationship with his estranged father, Neville Cooper, who would be later known as Hopeful Christian, leader to the Christian community called Gloriavale. Because of the themes presented in the book, it's probably best to introduce this reading to senior students (Year 12/13). Have the students research the history of the Gloriavale community and even other organisations with similar modus operandi, within and outside New Zealand.
Being Magdalene

By Fleur Beale

3 stars

I was hoping for a proper conclusion, but I don't think I got it from reading the final book of this series. If students enjoyed the series, I'd still encourage them to read "Being Magdalene" so they can see how the Pilgrim siblings (including Esther/Kirby) are doing. I think I would have preferred Luke's point of view for the final book. We know how girls are treated in the religion, but it would have been great to know how the men felt about it.
In Dark Places: The Confessions of Teina Pora and an Ex-Cop's Fight for Justice

By Michael Bennett

5 stars

What a read! One of the best books I've read since the reading challenge began. I'll be recommending this book to all my senior students and get them hooked on reading non-fiction. I already have high expectations after reading "Better the Blood", but I am awestruck once more by Michael Bennett's way with words as he creatively recounted a gruesome crime and gut-wrenching miscarriage of justice. I can see Michael's careful and deliberate decisions on how to represent the characters involved. At the end of the book, while it's plain to see that what happened to Teina was unfair, I didn't feel hatred towards the people who pushed him to his affliction. I'm just glad Teina can now be with the people he loves :)
I am Rebecca

By Fleur Beale

5 stars

As the sequel to "I am not Esther", it's great to see the religion through the eyes of a faithful. It shows the side which presents possible reasons why people stay. If students have read "I am not Esther", this book is a must-read.
I am not Esther

By Fleur Beale

4 stars

"I am not Esther" is a gripping YA thriller that Year 9 and 10 students will enjoy. The writing is simple, but also introduces advanced vocabulary. The themes about restrictions and freedom are good discussion points in class to help students think about what is considered right or wrong, who gets to decide, when it is okay to question authority, and why there are communities that live such lives (because cults do exist!)
Better the Blood

By Michael Bennett

5 stars

There are mystery thriller books that I can't put down because of intense curiosity, the need to know, to verify, to make sense of the unknown. But with "Better the Blood", I had to pause and comfort myself. It's more than just a mystery book. My heart tightened as I read the history of the land wars, the effects of colonisation to Māori people, and the injustices that occurred in this whenua. **SPOILERS** Although the book mentioned in the end that the characters (including the iwi) are fictional, it doesn't diminish the mamae (the pain, the utter despair) that Māori people endured for centuries. **END OF SPOILERS** I wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone who would want to understand the history better. I look forward to Michael Bennet's follow up "Return to Blood".
Kurangaituku

By Whiti Hereaka

4 stars

"You need to believe in the story, not the teller" Whiti's storytelling is superb, and I am drawn to her poetry and symbolism. The themes might be too complex for discussion especially if the students are not familiar with Māori legends. It's best to study the atua presented in the book before reading. The short story from the book Pūrākau is also a good introduction to the legend of Kurangaituku and Hatupatu.
Bugs

By Whiti Hereaka

5 stars

The way the book was written reminded me of my students' writings, and I became critical about it that I was ready to drop the book. I'm glad I didn't. It made sense. The words. The way they were formed together. It truly felt like reading the thoughts of a 16-year-old grappling to make sense of the world. I admit that I felt guilty when Jez started talking about her teachers. We, kaiako, think we are helping our ākonga to do the right thing and judge them when they don't do what they're told. It was a nice slap to the face. A reminder that I once had to struggle with thoughts about the past, present, and future under the pressure of well-meaning adults. I would definitely recommend this book to young people (but strictly telling them the difference between creative writing and formal writing). Off to read Whiti Hereaka's other works.
How It All Blew Up

By Arvin Ahmadi

4 stars

I know this isn't based on a true story, but it could have been someone's story. The way it's written gives you a glimpse of a young person struggling to find a place to belong, a place to exist.
Behind the Horror - True Stories That Inspired Horror Movies

By Dr Lee Mellor

4 stars

Chilling. Re-watching these films will be more terrifying after reading what inspired their creation.
Small Spaces

By Sarah Epstein

5 stars

I had read a lot of mystery thrillers when I was young. Small Spaces brought me back to my childhood. I couldn't put the book down I finished reading it in less than half a day!
A Street Cat Named Bob

By James Bowen

3 stars

I used to avoid looking at buskers, but after reading this book, I learned to appreciate the effort they put into their performance to survive. James tells the story of meeting his cat and his own journey to recovery. This duo's unusual relationship gives hope to those struggling against their own demons and warm feeling towards feline lovers.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

By Mark Haddon

4 stars

I was fascinated how Christopher's story-telling was straightforward with supposedly boring details, and yet you can't help but want to understand how he views the world. Reading it gave me a different perspective on how I see the world around me. I also thoroughly enjoyed the trivias and math lessons in-betweens.

Add pages read

Mt Roskill Grammar

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

79