Papatoetoe High School

42,836 pages read and 2,538 team points

Team members

Sima

13,306 pts

(12,068 pages read)

Six Sacred Stones

By Matthew Reilly

5 stars

One of my favorite contemporary authors and he's from across the Ditch too! Perfect! I read this series of seven books once a year, every year. If you haven't read a Reilly book yet, do so. This books brings to us the great heroics of Capt Jack West Jnr and if you're into historical trivia, it's a perfect journey for you over the series. This one features the six sacred stones from the the Philosopher's Stone to Stonehenge. Also included is the use of the Word of Thoth, Reilly's version of an ancient language. Amazing read!!!
Seven Ancient Wonders

By Matthew Reilly

5 stars

One of my favorite contemporary authors and he's from across the Ditch too! Perfect! I read this series of seven books once a year, every year. If you haven't read a Reilly book yet, do so. This books brings to us the great heroics of Capt Jack West Jnr and if you're into historical trivia, it's a perfect journey for you over the series. This one features the seven Ancient wonders from the the Pyramids to the Hanging Garden of Giza. Also included is the use of the Word of Thoth, Reilly's version of an ancient language. Amazing read!!!
Nemesis

By Wilbur Smith

3 stars

An okay read. Not as good as the actual Wilbur Smith books. A prequel of sorts to the Courtnay Saga.
Everyone this Christmas has a Secret

By Benjamin Stevenson

5 stars

Perfect little whodunit for the Christmas/Holiday season. Set in Australia with a shout out to the Weta Workshop. Yay! Two thumbs up!
Everyone on this Train is a Suspect

By Benjamin Stevenson

5 stars

"Everybody on This Train Is a Suspect" is a gripping murder mystery set aboard a train where every passenger harbors a dark secret, and the killer is among them. As tensions rise and clues unravel, a determined detective races against time to uncover the truth before the train reaches its final destination. Stevenson has a knack for making you think you've got it and then turning the tables on your detective journey. Ernest is a well written detective. Two thumbs up!
The Eternal Ones

By Namina Forna

5 stars

The final installment of The Gilded Ones Trilogy. Another good read. I liked it. A new world. New theology. Great fantasy land. Deka and her friends rally around to find and claim Deka's destiny or die trying. Four thumbs up! Lol!
The Merciless Ones

By Namina Forna

5 stars

Second in the Gilded Ones trilogy. It's a good read. I like it. A new world. New theology. Great fantasy land. We follow Deka, now with a handful of loyal friends, as they try to save the world from Gods and Goddesses, demons and wraiths and everything in between. Two thumbs up!!!
The Gilded Ones

By Namina Forna

5 stars

First time reading a Namina Forna book. Did not disappoint. It's a good read. I like it. A new world. New theology. Great fantasy land. A fantasy world where women do not matter and are killed if they bleed gold which classifies them as demons. The first installment into our heroine, Deka's journey as she finds herself... ir tries to at least. Two thumbs up.
High Stakes and Hunted

By Alex Duval

4 stars

Interesting "popcorn" novels. Books 5 and 6 in the Vampire Beach series. Perfect read for anyone interested in vampires if you don't mind a lower secondary school English level. It was an easy read with a good flow. Great no-brain books to read!
The Girl from London

By Olivia Spooner

5 stars

"The Girl from London" by Olivia Spooner is a historical novel that marries two narratives across different time periods. In 1940, Ruth, a young school teacher is trying to evacuate kids from a war-torn Britain to Australia and New Zealand while in 2005, Hazel is getting on a plane to get from NZ to London in order to discover her whakapapa. A story of love, loss, courage and resilience set in the UK with close ties to NZ. Two thumbs up!
Ritual and Legacy

By Alex Duval

4 stars

Interesting "popcorn" novels. Books 3 and 4 in the Vampire Beach series. Perfect read for anyone interested in vampires if you don't mind a lower secondary school English level. It was an easy read with a good flow. Follow the story of the beautiful vampires of Malibu and their human counterparts.
Bloodlust and Initiation

By Alex Duval

4 stars

Interesting "popcorn" novels. First two in the Vampire Beach series. Perfect read for anyone interested in vampires if you don't mind a lower secondary school English level. It was an easy read with a good flow.
The Maid

By Nita Prose

4 stars

A well written gripping whodunnit with a special type of a hero. Molly the Maid is a refreshing protagonist and the mystery is riveting.
The Black Key

By Amy Ewing

5 stars

"The Black Key" by Amy Ewing is an engaging conclusion to the Lone City trilogy, blending action, rebellion, and personal growth. The story delivers a satisfying mix of high stakes and emotional depth as Violet fights to bring change to a corrupt system. While some plot points feel rushed, the compelling characters and powerful themes make it a worthwhile read. Follow the story of Violet, Raven, As and Garnet with all of their friends as they fight for their freedom and chamge Lone City forever.
The white rose

By Amy Ewing

5 stars

Part 2 of the lone city chronicles. An enjoyable read about a strong protagonist, Violet Lasting, who was nothing more than a lot number oor piece of chattel to be bought and sold on an auction for some very Handmaiden's Tale type situation. Part 2 looks to her discovering the powers of the elements and the hope of using these to break her shackes and save her land. Great read! I read this in one setting. Was engrossing!
The Jewel

By Amy Ewing

4 stars

Very Handmaid's Tale. Very dystopian literature. But quite well written. I was up till 2.30 this morning finishing it. The book is a gripping dystopian novel that immerses readers in a darkly opulent world where beauty and power collide. With its vivid imagery and intense exploration of class oppression, it delivers a compelling yet unsettling tale of survival and defiance.
Never Forget You

By Jamila Gavin

5 stars

"Never Forget You" by Jamila Gavin is a poignant exploration of friendship, love, and resilience set against the backdrop of World War II. Through vivid storytelling and rich historical detail, Gavin captures the complexities of human relationships and the devastating effects of war on both individuals and society. The novel is a deeply moving tribute to courage and sacrifice, leaving readers with a lasting sense of hope and humanity. The way Gavin creates her characters and tells their poignant stories is nothing short of genius. I am not proud of this but I cried like a little baby getting towards the end of this book. Recommend 10/10
Children of Anguish and Anarchy

By Tomi Adeyemi

5 stars

I finally got to the end of this series. Had to beg someone to hand me his copy as our school library only holds the first two books. *sigh Tomi Adeyemi’s "Children of Anguish and Anarchy" is a powerful and emotional conclusion to the trilogy, weaving together themes of love, loss, and the cost of fighting for what’s right. The struggles Zélie and her allies face—dealing with oppression, betrayal, and the consequences of rebellion—tie closely to real-world issues like systemic injustice and the fight for equality. The book’s raw emotion, complex characters, and moral dilemmas make it not only an unforgettable read but also a valuable text for English classrooms. It encourages readers to think critically about power, privilege, and the sacrifices needed for change, making it a meaningful and relevant story for today’s world. I've loved following the journey and character development of the saviors 4: Zélie, Amari, Tzain and Inan, *sigh Inan.
Children of virtue and vengeance

By Tomi adeyemi

5 stars

Tomi Adeyemi’s *Children of Virtue and Vengeance* is a gripping sequel that plunges readers into a world brimming with magic, political tension, and heartbreak. Zélie’s pain is palpable as she grapples with the loss of loved ones and the overwhelming responsibility of leading the maji against an oppressive monarchy. Amari’s betrayals cut deeply, not just for Zélie but for readers as well, as her choices blur the line between right and wrong. Meanwhile, Tzain is heartbreakingly caught in the middle, torn between loyalty to his sister and his feelings for Amari, embodying the emotional toll of war and fractured relationships. Adeyemi’s vivid world-building and intense character dynamics left me questioning how far I’d go to fight for freedom, making this a story that resonates long after the final page.I think you could use this series on your senior English classes!
Aroha

By Dr Hinemoa Elder

5 stars

Ko te whaea te takere o te waka. Mothers are the hull of the waka. Our whakapapa is full of extraordinary women leaders, including so many Māori women like Dr Hinemoa Elder. Read this book to extend your knowledge of whakataukī and become good at using these nuggets of Māori wisdom in your classroom.
Children of Blood and Bone

By Tomi Adeyemi

4 stars

First time delving into Adeyemi's work and enjoyed her Fantasy Land of majis and the tyrant king. If you're a fan of fantasy and a whole new world of Gods and magic, this is the book to begin with. First of 3 in the series
Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone

By Benjamin Stevenson

5 stars

"Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone" by Benjamin Stevenson is a murder mystery with dark humour that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. With its clever narrative and unique characters, plus the plot twists, it’s a refreshingly original take on the classic whodunit. A must-read for mystery buffs!
Still Me

By Jojo Moyes

5 stars

*Still Me* by Jojo Moyes is a heartfelt and uplifting story that beautifully explores self-discovery, love, and resilience. With the unique and charming Louisa Clark navigating the challenges of a new life in New York City, Moyes captures the complexities of relationships and personal growth with wit and sincerity. This book is a delightful and moving conclusion to the trilogy, leaving readers inspired and hopeful.
Falling into Rarohenga

By Steph Matuku

5 stars

Great new book with traditional fun!!!
Fool me once

By Harlan Coben

5 stars
The Whale Rider

By Witi ihimaera

5 stars

Always a pleasure to go back to read this Kiwi classic in preparation of the new year's English peogramme :)
These infinite threads

By Tahereh Mafi

5 stars
This woven kingdom

By Tahereh Mafi

5 stars

A good, fast read. Dystopia, magic and a love story to boot.
Such Charming Liars

By Karen M McManus

3 stars

I didn't like this one as much as the "One of Us is Lying" series which is why I read it, in the first place. Quite a slow read.
The Poetry I Wrote While My Hand Is Nailed to the Wall

By R K Orsson

5 stars

Perfect little book of poems ❤️
My Beloved

By R K Orsson

5 stars

So good! Read this!!!!! Love this ❤️
In Too Deep

By Lee Child

3 stars

Not as good as when Lee Child was writing these by himself.

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Papatoetoe High School

42,836 pages read and 2,538 team points

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