Mt Roskill Grammar

89,611 pages read and 2,340 team points

Team members

Melissa Kelly

6,500 pts

(3,898 pages read)

Down with the System

By Serj Tankian

0 stars
The Lost Child of Chernobyl

By Helen Bate

3 stars
Amma

By Saraid de Silva

0 stars
Worse Things

By Sally Murphy

4 stars

I wasn’t initially drawn to ‘Worse Things’ by Sally Murphy due to the cover (yes, I know the saying about not judging a book by its cover!), but after a recommendation, I decided to give it a try. I was surprised to find it’s a great little verse novel set in Australia (though it could easily be New Zealand). The story is told from the perspectives of three teens and explores themes of belonging in various ways. Aimed at Year 9 and 10 readers, it’s a great choice for reluctant readers or those looking for a quick and engaging read.
The Tea Dragon Tapestry

By K. O’Neill

2 stars

The third installment of the Tea Dragon series, The Tea Dragon Tapestry, felt lacking in terms of plot development. While it was enjoyable to see the characters from the previous books grown older and learn where their journeys had taken them, the story itself didn't move forward in a meaningful way. That said, the series remains charming and heartwarming. It’s lovely to see a New Zealander behind such a beautiful, whimsical world.
The Tea Dragon Festival

By K. O'Neill

3 stars

‘The Tea Dragon Festival’ is a heartwarming and enchanting story that stands beautifully on its own, though it’s also a companion to The Dragon Tea Society. This delightful tale is perfect for readers aged 8-10 and up, featuring a wonderful array of characters that celebrate rainbow relationships, vegetarianism, and the deaf community. Its inclusive, diverse representation and charming narrative make it a must-read for readers seeking a bit of whimsy.
Hey, Kiddo

By Jarret J. Krosoczka

4 stars

'Hey, Kiddo' is a solid autobiographical graphic novel that flows more smoothly than 'Sunshine', the author’s story about working at a summer camp. Both are worthwhile reads, but 'Hey, Kiddo' offers a more personal and reflective experience, exploring the author's childhood, family dynamics, and the impact of growing up with a parent struggling with addiction.
Ultra Wild - An Audacious Plan to Rewild Every City on Earth

By Steve Mushin

0 stars
The Crossover

By Kwame Alexander

2 stars

Kwame Alexander’s ‘The Crossover’ is a verse novel, making it an easy and engaging read, especially for basketball enthusiasts. With its focus on the sport, it will resonate with teens who have a passion for basketball. However, while the story delves into themes of family and growing up, the plot itself remains relatively simple and lacks significant dramatic events.
The Call

By Gavin Strawhan

4 stars

I picked up The Call by Gavin Strawhan on a whim from the public library's 'bestie' collection, thinking 'why not?' I’m so glad I did—it was an engaging read that really held my attention, and not a genre I’d usually go for. So, this book is a thumbs up from me! Another fantastic addition to the list of great New Zealand fiction I’ve enjoyed recently.
Pet

By Catherine Chidgey

3 stars

I found Pet by Catherine Chidgey a bit slow, as the first 70% felt more focused on setting the scene. However, it’s a story that lingers in the mind long after finishing. This was my second book by Chidgey, having never read her work before, and I really enjoy her writing style. I'm eager to explore more of her work – she's a fantastic New Zealand author.
Birnam Wood

By Eleanor Catton

3 stars

If you enjoy this, the New Zealand YA novel ‘Flight of the Fantail’ by Steph Makatu is a similar kind of read.
Things My Son Needs to Know About the World

By Fredrik Backman

5 stars

Fredrik Backman has an extraordinary gift for capturing the complexities of human thoughts and emotions in such simple, yet profoundly beautiful language. His sentences often leave me stunned, creating moments where I find myself gasping in recognition, or exclaiming 'yes' in complete agreement. Reading this book, these moments were punctuated by genuine bursts of laughter at the silly, yet very recognisable situations described. I highly recommend Things My Son Needs to Know About the World to anyone with children—especially those who are in the thick of the long, exhausting, and often chaotic days (and nights) that come with raising young ones. Backman’s insights are as heartfelt as they are relatable. Chef's kiss.
Fire

By John Boyne

3 stars

The third book in Boyne's Elements series missed the mark for me. While I found the first book, Water, intriguing and subtle—an enjoyable and thought-provoking read—this latest installment felt lacking. Book two was undeniably dark and difficult to read due to its heavy subject matter, yet it gripped me in a way that made it impossible to put down. In contrast, book three failed to deliver the same impact. The storyline felt implausible, and I struggled to connect with the characters. Instead of immersing me in their world, the events were often told rather than vividly described, which left me feeling detached as a reader. A word of caution: this series as a whole leans heavily into darker themes, so it may not be for everyone.
Because Everything is Right but Everything is Wrong

By Erin Donohue

4 stars

Everything is Right but Everything is Wrong by Erin Donohue offers an insightful exploration of mental health, addressing issues that many young people face. The main character is relatable, and his struggles feel authentic. Set in New Zealand, the novel includes references to our schooling system, and feels like something kiwi kids could connect with. A predictable storyline, but I’d still recommend it to high school students and educators. A thought-provoking read.
BBQ Economics

By Liam Dann

3 stars

It is what it says it is on the tin: BBQ Economics is a conversational guide to the basics of economics in New Zealand, designed to help you join in on economic discussions at any Kiwi BBQ.
Dawn Raid

By Pauline (Vaeluaga) Smith

1 stars

I found this book rather boring. The narrator is supposed to be thirteen, but their interests and actions often felt more in line with those of an eight-year-old. The Dawn Raids, which could have been a compelling aspect of the story, seemed more like an afterthought. The main focus felt overly fixated on the cost of living in New Zealand during the 1970s, rather than on the historical event itself. I've read other historical fiction novels with young narrators, such as The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman and Alias Ana by Susan Hood, both of which did a much better job of weaving together the event, setting, and emotional depth of the story. The Dawn Raids are a topic that interests many of our students. While I wouldn't necessarily prioritise this book for teaching, I believe it is well-suited for intermediate-aged students and could be a good fit for Year 9 students with lower literacy levels.
The Axeman's Carnival

By Catherine Chidgey

5 stars

The Axeman's Carnival is a darkly captivating read, narrated by Tama, a quirky and insightful magpie. The characters are richly drawn, and the narrative blends humour with a chilling sense of impending doom, exploring deeper themes of domestic violence. Unpredictable and engaging, this book kept me hooked from start to finish. Highly recommended!
Madam

By Antonia Murphy

4 stars

I stumbled upon this audiobook while stuck in horrendous traffic, and I have to say, it was surprisingly good. I've seen some comments questioning the ethics of the business presented in the book, but regardless, I found it to be an interesting window into a piece of New Zealand. Interested to check out the TV series.

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Mt Roskill Grammar

89,611 pages read and 2,340 team points

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