Looking for your next great read? Upstarters share books that they love…

Granuaile The Pirate Queen

Granuaile was really interested in being a pirate but her dad was a king and didn't want anything bad to happen to her.

She cut her hair to disguise herself as a boy then she went out and took her dad's strongest team to be a pirate crew.

She became the queen of all pirates!

Ben Feehan-O'Shea (9), Christchurch

To Kill a Mockingbird

I currently read a classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.

The title means to destroy innocence which is a very good metaphor for this book.

This book is where a boy’s dad/lawyer who stands for a black man in court at a time where you weren't allowed to.

This book teaches people about injustice, inequality, racism and more. I think this is a great book to read.

Marley Green (13), Ngatea

Llamaste & Friends

A picture book called Llamaste & Friends caught our attention at the Auckland central library — because of its title, main theme and funny pictures. It also showed us that practicing yoga is not only fun but also beneficial for the body and soul.

In a moment you will see your little or bigger yogis asking questions about individual yoga poses and repeating them after a beautiful llama and her cheerful animal friends. Llamasté!

Tove Tui Markovic (5) and Mum, Auckland

Keeper of the Lost Cities

I am reading Keeper of the Lost Cities. It's a series that's really cool.

I like it because it's like Harry Potter and there's lots of magic involved.

The main character Sophie is learning how to unlock her powers, and use them for good.

She's learning a lot about herself in the process.

Leilani Dingwall (11), Palmerston North

Middle School Escape to Australia

It's a book about a boy called Rafe Khatchadorian. In the book, Rafe wins a three-week holiday at Sharks Bay in Australia where he is supposed to make art of the bay.

One day he meets a group of kids called the outsiders.

The outsiders make horror movies and he becomes their story board artist. Then, they scare the town with a animatronic Bunyip.

Then he gets back to the United States and gets grounded!

Noah Betteridge (10), Christchurch

The Trials Of Apollo series

Recently I have been reading a series called Trials Of Apollo by Rick Riordan.

It’s about the god Apollo. He gets banished from Olympus and has to find out how to get back. On the way, he gets a master, appointed by Zeus, Meg McCaffrey. He has to reinstate the oracles back from the Triumvirates grasp.

It is really cool though it gets kinda sad right in the middle.

I was reading another series by Rick and I heard about it. I would really recommend you read this series.

Iso Dingwall, Palmerston North

Past Reader Book Reviews…

The Land of Stories series

Recently I have been reading The Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer.

It's about twins named Alex and Conner Bailey and how they travel into their grandmother’s storybook and meet Goldilocks, Jack, Red, Froggy and many more.

They fight Enchantresses, Literary Armies and Alex even gets magic powers!

I would highly recommend these books.

Emelia Fowler (9), Tuakau

Listening to Gangster Granny

I love audiobooks! I listen to them on the app called Libby.

I particularly like a book called Gangster Granny by David Walliams.

It is about a boy named Ben and his Granny - a jewel thief. They went on a heist together to steal the crown jewels but... (BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, a big but, well not a big butt as that is something entirely different), the Queen caught them! You'll have to read it to find out what happens in this very funny story.

Olivia Fowler (8), Tuakau

My Very Own Bible

I have recently turned 5 years old and at my kindergarten when someone turns 5 we get our very own Bible.

I am happy I got one. It has my name in the front.

It is one of my favourite books.

My mum or sister reads it to me during bedtime.

I will keep the book nice and safe and it will be a good one to keep to remind me of my teachers and friends at Kindergarten.

Karthik Singh (5), Goodwood Heights

The Outwalkers

The book is about a boy named Jake who, because his parents died, has been put in a home - Academy orphanage. He escapes.

He wants to get out of the country to Scotland but with the virus, the borders are closed and that’s not all… everyone has a hub chip implanted in the back of their neck.

A gang who call themselves the Outwalkers find him before the hub police. Before long he is part of the gang. But they are all being hunted.

This is an action-packed book and I really recommend this to kids 10 and over.

Eva McHardy (12), Auckland

Geronimo Stilton book series

The books I’m reading right now are Geronimo Stilton books. One is Mouse Overboard and the other is Ghost pirate Treasure.

They are good books and I recommend reading them if you haven’t already. I have just finished them and tomorrow my class is going to the library and I am going to get some more.

They are fun to read books about human-like mice who go on loads of different cool adventures.

In Mouse Overboard, Geronimo finds out he is related to a famous ship sailor and then goes on a boat… but Geronimo is seasick!

Ellen Elliot (9), Oamaru

Warrior Cats series

I’m reading this book series called Warrior Cats by Erin Hunter. The one I’m reading is one of my favourite books!

This story was about 4 clans of cats that separated from each other and now they’re all against being together.

Ariana Chanthawong (10), Auckland

Dragon Skin

I am reading Dragon Skin. It is about a young girl called Pippa and she rescues a baby dragon!

Grace Wall Shaw (11), Auckland

More about this book from Upstart:

How to save a dragon:
1) Assemble equipment. Water, Weet-Bix, sugar, syringe, sticky tape, scissors.
2) Believe in everything.

Pip never wants to go home. She likes to sit at the waterhole at dusk and remember Mika, her best friend. At home her mother's not the same since her boyfriend moved in. They don't laugh anymore and Pip has to go to bed early, turn off her light and pretend she doesn't exist. When she finds a half-dead creature at the waterhole, everything changes.

She knows she has to save this small dragon and return it to where it comes from. But how?

Pride Wars series

Hi Upstart, One of my favourite series of books is the Pride Wars series by Matt Laney!

It is a fast-paced adventure that builds up to a spellbinding tale about a courageous prince named Leo who embarks on a journey to find his mother.

The book is exhilirating and kept me interested in the story while teaching lessons of bravery and hope.

The enchanting series has 2 books, recommended for ages 7 - 12!

Claudia Yu (9), Auckland

Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose

Hi Upstart, I’ve been reading Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose. It’s a graphic novel about frogs learning how to make comics. They are disappointed when their comic doesn’t get approved by a publisher.

It’s a good book even for kids who’ve just started school.

Mitchell Lam (10), Wellington

Rainbow Magic Fairy series

I love the Rainbow Magic Fairy series and my favourite one is Roxie the Baking Fairy but today I am going to tell you all about KaylaThe Pottery Fairy which is the last book I have read in the series.

At the beginning of this story, Rachel and Kirsty go to the Rainspell Island Crafts tent to see what is going to happen at crafts week.

Kayla appears and takes the girls to fairyland so they can help get the crafts fairy’s magical objects back which are: the pot, pencil sharpener, thimble, bracelet, paintbrush, storybook and a star cookie cutter. Jack Frost, the boss of the goblins, has taken them to the human world.

Kayla gets trapped by a goblin and doesn’t know what to do. Then Rachel and Kirsty get her pot back but I’m not going to tell you about that because that might ruin the story for everyone who wants to read it!

My favourite part was when the girls kindly gave the goblin a green pot because he let Kayla out of the pot that she was trapped in.

I would give it 5 stars because I didn’t want to put the book down!

Pepper Chippendale (7), Nelson

The Cat Who Saved Books

Hi Upstart, I’ve been reading a book called The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa.

It’s about a boy and a cat who need to save books from people who have imprisoned them, betrayed them and people who are downright throwing them out of buildings!

My friend originally told me about the book so I decided to give it a try.

I thought the book was AMAZING! It was impossible to put it down!

I encourage you to give it a try too…

Jason Godwin (13), Te Awamutu

Holes

We read all 50 chapters of Holes by Louis Sachar at school.

We then got to watch the movie!

I enjoyed it so much that now I’m reading it again for myself.

My favourite character is Zero.

Hudson Garrett (8), Invercargill

What is a Refugee?

“Recently we discovered a book, called ‘What is a refugee?’ written by Elise Gravel in our local library.

As you flip through it, you will ask some important questions: Who is Refugee? How many refugees are around us? Why are they running away? Who broke their house? Why are they in tents now? Where will they find a new home?

Watching closely the current dramatic situation in Ukraine it's really a proper timing to talk about refugees at home with your family. The book can guide you through that tough dialogue…”

Tove Tui Markovic (5), Auckland

Keeper of the Lost Cities

“Hello Upstart, I really like this series, its main characters have super strong abilities and they keep on saving the magical creature’s world.

They love nature and life.

They also train their abilities.

If you love Harry Potter, make sure to read this series, You HAVE to read Keeper Of The Lost Cities!”

Alicia Chan (8), Albany

Pages & Co - The Book Smugglers

“Hi Upstart, Imagine you didn't know who your parents are and you've been raised by your uncle, a book smuggler. This is how life started for Milo Bolt.

The Book Smugglers by Anna James is probably my favourite book in the whole series of Pages & Co. When Tilly Pages Grandpa is put in danger she and Milo must find the Alchemist a mysterious person who is there only hope. The journey take them on the Quip through the Emerald City with Dorothy then on to Venice. Will Milo and Tilly be able to solve the mystery of imagination or will story its self crumble away?

A great story for all book lovers! I rate it 10/10.”

Gracie Bond (9), Auckland

Tom Gates - Random Acts of Fun

“Tom Gates is the best series I've ever read!

I thought I might be a bit old for this latest book, so I was surprised to find that this book was the best book in the series.

From Tom breaking an ankle to having a tea party with the fossils, this book was so funny it had me laugh out loud!

Read it to see if Tom finally gets a caramel donut from the new bakery.

LIke all the other books, it was full of cool stuff and fun doodles.

It is an easy read for kids aged 9-12 years. I would give the book a five-star rating!

Oscar Parker (12), Te Awamutu

Spellbound Ponies series

“I have been reading the Spellbound ponies series with my Mum.

We read a chapter at bedtime and it is very exciting because the two girls are trying to break the spell put on all the ponies by a witch 200yrs ago!”

Sasha Cains (7), Whangarei

A Definitely Different Summer

I have just recently won a book called "A Definitely Different Summer".

I have started reading it and am really enjoying it!

Charlotte Downey (12), Nelson

ERAGON - The Inheritance Cycle series

“Right now I’m reading an AMAZING book called Eragon. it’s one in a series with 4 books.

This book is about a 15-year-old boy named Eragon who lives with his uncle and his cousin. While hunting for food, Eragon finds a dragon egg in the mountains. He thinks it’s just a rock, but the night after he finds it hatches into a baby dragon with blue scales.

He cares for the dragon and names her Saphira.

Soon after, the evil king’s servants start looking for a dragon and kills Eragon’s uncle, so Eragon sets off with a wise man who knows all about dragons and the dragon riders (they were people who could use magic and had their own dragon). He tries to hunt down his uncle’s killers.

This book is for ages 10+ and I give it five out of five stars!”

Charlie Clark (11), Wellington

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls

“I am reading Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls.

This book is about famous women who helped to change the world!”

Charlotte Zhao (10), Auckland

Dorothy Must Die

“Dorothy Must Die is a twisted sequel to The Wizard of Oz.

In this world, the tables have turned.

Dorothy has come back from Kansas and is suddenly an egoistic queen, thriving on all the power and magic in Oz, along with her sidekick Glinda, and her atrocious friends - the scarecrow, lion, and tin woodman who are now gifted with powers.

If that isn’t scary enough, Dorothy’s gang has the creatures of Oz killed daily, each turning into a delicious feast.

When Amy gets transported into Oz, she finds the wicked witches. Together, they work day and night to stop Dorothy.

But it’s not easy, especially not for Amy who’s just learning to use magic.”

Sumvidh Bharadwaj (9), Wellington

The Great Chocolate Cake Bake-Off

“A book by an NZ author, Phillipa Werry!

This is a book about a boy named Nicholas who, with help from his annoying friend Ruby, discovers he has a baking talent.

So, when his teacher offered the class a "The Great Chocolate Cake Bake-Off" competition, he decided to enter.

Then something unexpected happened. How did they solve the problem?”

Bailey Jiang (13), Porirua

Marvel Heroes in Action! book series

“I am reading Marvel Heroes In Action.

There are lots of books about being brave and working together in friendship.”

Caleb Gillot (7), New Plymouth

The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst

“Hi Upstart! I have recently been reading The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst written by Jaclyn Moriarty and illustrated by Kelly Canby.

I read her other book and I really enjoyed it so I got the other one and it is really good.

It is about a girl called Esther Mettlestone and just like her cousin Bronte she is determined to get rid of shadow mages and whisperer's (the bad guys).

Esther goes to a girl’s boarding school so when she discovers a life-changing secret she must save the school.

I would recommend Jaclyn's books to kids 8+ years.”

Louise Miller (9), Rangiora

MAC B. Kid Spy series

“I am reading the Mac.B series it is about a boy who gets called by the Queen of England to help her with a crime and he normally does it with a Corgi.

These books are really funny!”

Autumn Lendnal (11), Christchurch

Dog Man series

Hugo (8), Wellington

Rebel Animals at Risk: Stories of Survival

“I’m currently reading Rebel Animals at Risk: Stories of Survival by Kimberlie Hamilton.

It includes more than 60 short stories about real ‘rebel’ animals from around the world who once lived or are living.

The book also has some cool animal facts and information on how you can help wild animals.

I think the short length of the tales makes this a good book to read as a bedtime story. Reading it makes me want to help endangered animals!”

Katie Tang (12), Auckland

River of Adventure series

“I am reading the River of Adventure by Enid Blyton. There are 8 books in the series and I have read 5 other books in the series and I love them!

They are exciting and I always imagine being on the adventure.

They are about 4 children and a man named Bill who always get caught up in something and end up having a big adventure.

I recommend these books and I think both boys and girls will enjoy reading them.”

Lachlan McHardy (9), Wellington

Pages & Co - Tilly and the Bookwanderers

“Hi Upstart, Imagine you're sitting down reading a book and Anne Shirley appears!

This is how bookwandering started for Tilly Pages.

Eleven-year-old Tilly Pages lived with her grandparents above their bookshop since her mother vanished.

Oh, you're wondering what bookwandering is? It's when a book character takes you into their book or you go into a book.

Tilly and her friend Oskar start following her favourite characters into their worlds.

With the magic of bookwandering can Tilly solve the mystery of what happened to her mother all those years ago?”

Gracie Bond (9), Auckland

The Wizards of Once series

“I am reading The Wizards of Once, I am up to the second book called Twice Magic.

It is written by Cressida Cowell, who wrote the How to train your dragon series.

It is about a wizard called Xar who likes to break the rules and doesn't listen to his father and a warrior princess called Wish.

It is full of adventure as Xar tries to get the witch stain off his hand and they try to defeat the Kingwitch and all the witches.

It has lots of funny parts in it as well as lots of scary intense parts.”

Leo King-Thurel (9), New Plymouth

Pete the Cat and the
Supercool Science Fair

“Right now I really love the book "Pete the Cat and the Supercool Science Fair" by Kimberly & James Dean.

My big sister Avantika and mum help me read the words and I can even tell the story by looking at the pictures.

I love Pete the cat he is so groovy. I love all the adventures he gets up to.

I really love the pictures in this book.

Pete the cat is so smart but funny.

He uses a lemon for one of his science experiments. He makes a volcano with all his friends and this volcano is different as its the colour blue and the lava has glitter.

I can't wait to do an experiment and make my own volcano at home, just like Pete the Cat.”

Karthik Singh (4), Auckland

Geek Girls series

“Hi Upstart,

recently I have been reading Geek Girls, by Holly Smale.

It is a whole series of six books and two extra novellas.

Geek Girls is about a girl who gets teased for being a "geek" but then decides to start modeling because she is hoping to become more popular.

I recommend this book for ages ten plus, as it has a few kissing scenes.”

Rosie Johnson (13), Taupo

The Poppa Platoon series

“I’ve just finished reading the second series of The Poppa Platoon, this book is called The Poppa Platoon In Operation Dessert Storm by Danny Katz. It is about the Poppa Platoon on a mission at Wibbly The Cheeky Wizard’s Spooky All-You-Can-Eat Family Restaurant.

They have to eat as much as they can but still leave plenty of space for dessert.

But they can’t be found by Wibby the Wizard.

I love this book and I rate this 10/10.”

Yen Jia Oh (9), Auckland