Fuse is coming

FUSE IS COMING!! It ignites across Auckland Libraries on Monday 23 July and runs for a month. It provides the chance for Auckland teens to party, achieve online fame and win vouchers for I-goodies or extreme adventures. Its our new teen competition to spark your interest and imagination.

The question is - are you a Big Bang kind of a person or more of a Slow Burn? You get to choose between doing one Big Bang challenge (either by yourself or team up with your friends) or six Slow Burn Challenges (these are individual challenges). Completing either track gets you an invite to the Fuse party on 25th August (music, entertainment, food....) and the chance to win some great prizes.

To be ready to enter when Fuse starts on the 23rd of July start reading now. All you have to do is read 50 pages of a library book (teen, adult or graphic) and write 50 words about it (we call it the 50/50 challenge). Fuse is open to all Auckland teenagers 13 to 18 years of age with a library card (if you haven't already got a library card or if you aren't sure just pop into your local library and talk to one of us).

And like our Fuse Facebook page now so you stay up to date with all the events that are happening across Auckland, get ideas on what to read from other teens and find out what everyone else is doing as part of Fuse. During Fuse we will also be on Twitter, YouTube and the Fuse website.

We look forward to catching up with you all, either in the library or online.

5 crazy, mad, beautiful, strange book related crafts I found in Etsy...on purpose

I've been a member of Etsy for about a year now, but I have never bought anything from there. Not for lack of choice, certainly. If anything, there's probably too much choice. First world problems? I haz them :P As an oft failed craftsperson, I covet Etsy crafters' skills, and products. Yes, even the strange and usual. I love to admire the beautiful steampunk gadgets, rings (I'm a sucker for big, ugly, gaudy rings - seriously check out these ones I picked up in New Orleans: ladybug, huge beads, and cameo style), blue jars with feathers (for some reason unknown to me), hand painted canvas shoes and, believe it or not, book related crafts. Seriously, I cannot get enough of them. And not just any kind of book related craft, no, because that would be normal of me, wouldn't it? I'm talking the kind of stuff that makes me go, "YES, BUT WHY?!?" Sometimes I'll email links of book related crafts to friends and family. Mostly they reply with, "WTF? Get away with those!" They don't understand why I enjoy them so much. Sure, some of them are a big dose of WTH, right? Who can fault their passion, though? Not to mention that they're book related crafts! Earlier this week on our @Auckland_Libs tweetstream I flicked out a link to the Etsy image that accompanies today's post. It had popped up in my RSS feeds earlier that morning and, truly, defied logic. Or my kind of logic, anyway. Sure, I don't get it, especially not being a Twilight fan, however I admire their sense of humour. (I'm assuming it's humorous?). And if isn't, then I admire their dedication to their fandom. Even though I don't understand it. Which made me wonder...What other Twilight-related Etsy items could I turn into a post? And here is your answer :)

Note: I chose the Twilight book to focus on for this particular post and, maybe in a week or two, I'll choose another book. I'm sure you're thinking, "YAY ME!" Right...? Clicking on the links will take you to the actual Etsy.com pages where these items are being sold, and where you can view 5 crazy, mad, beautiful, strange book related crafts in all their Twilight-ness! AND make sure to check out this link of a Twilight-inspired Edward/Jacob prom dress, the link of which was sent to our @Auckland_Libs tweetstream.

Teen Read - The Shattering

The Shattering is the second teen book by Kiwi author Karen Healey (the first was the very popular Guardian of the Dead). It tells the story of a perfect west coast town Summerton - where it never rains for New Years Eve and the scenery is so stunning that sometimes the out of towners just have to stop and stare.

The summer holidays bring three teens together. Keri and Janna both live in Summerton, while Sione comes down from the city for the holidays. Three totally different people with one thing in common. They have all lost an older brother to suicide. But almost immediately Sione raises the possibility that it wasn't suicide but something else. What dark secrets does the perfect town hide?

I have to admit, I still haven't read Healey's first book, Guardian of the Dead so I can't compare the two titles. However I know that plenty of teens virtually devoured the first book and I believe that they will also be able to relate strongly to the world of our three teens in The Shattering. The rock chick, the sporty kid, the geek, the bullies, the parents who only want what's best but go about it all the wrong way, the authority figures, the people in the shadows with an element of the supernatural woven through the story.

There are lots of themes and questions at work here. Dealing with grief and suicide, cultural nuances and controlling your own destiny but this book also asks you to consider, what lengths would you go to to protect your town and family?

Either for it's deeper meanings on the issues of suicide or as a great kiwi teen adventure, this book is a winner.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so I did both

Teenagers. Cancer. Lost limbs. Blindness. Facing up to the reality of life and death. It doesn't exactly sound like the line-up for a stellar read does it?

Thankfully this isn't the case with John Green's latest book, The fault in our stars. This is the funniest and most poignant book I have read in a *long* time. The characters' voices - teenagers, parents, doctors - in this book are pitch perfect. I laughed out loud much more often than I cried.

If you've not read John Green before (An abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, Looking for Alaska), you're in for a treat as I'd argue that this is his best book yet.

5 phrases in Wookiee that would be exceptionally helpful...WERE I A WOOKIE!

"AAAWWW ROOOWWR, RRRAAHHHRR!"
- Wu Kee Smith (translation: Turn the page, and let's begin! - but you already knew that...didn't you?)

Title: How to speak Wookiee: a manual for intergalactic communication by Wu Kee Smith ; illustrations by JAKe
Publisher: Chronicle Books, c2011
Summary: This book will guide you through a few common scenarios in which you might have to speak to Wookiees. A sound module allows you to hear and practice correct pronunciation. Learning to understand and communicate this handful of phrases will impress your Wookiee acquaintances and keep you out of harm's way.

Confession: I am not a Wookiee. I just want to get that out there so it's all aboveboard, you know? Nor do I speak Wookiee. A smattering of French, very bad schoolgirl Japanese and, these days, practically non-existent schoolgirl German, yes. Wookie...mmm, no. It would never have occurred to me to want to speak a language that umm wasn't. So to speak. Like, say, Klingon or Elvish (my BFF's husband speaks Elvish because his mother taught him when he was a child, and I always found that rather curious and...downright weird but hey, judge not lest ye be judged, right?) or, well, Wookie. In fact, and don't kick me for this next confession, until I read this book/pushed all of the buttons that gave you (quite frightening sounding) audio examples (over and over again much to the delight of Mr. 1), I was of the opinion that every sentence Chewbacca made sounded the same *ducks* I've sinced changed my mind. Well, about that bit, anyway. So, I've read the book, practised a few phrases (please, dear goshness, don't make me say them out loud to you because we'd all be somewhat sorrier for the mangling of it) and, now, am a little bit better for it. Should I ever need it, here are 5 phrases in Wookie that could come in handy...were I a Wookie, anyway :)

Launch Your Lyrics competition opens!

Are you a budding songwriter? Bring your hidden talent into the light and be in to win one of our fantastic prizes! Enter our Launch Your Lyrics competition with your original song and be in with the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

Launch your Lyrics has been run out west for several years. This year it is open to all Auckland Library members between 11 and 18 years of age. There is a Launch your Lyrics page on our website, but here are the brief details.

There are two categories for entry, 11 - 14 years and 15 - 18 years.

We have fantastic prizes up for grabs in each category:
First prize in each category is a recording session at Zeal Music Studios to record your winning lyrics
One runner-up will receive a $200 music voucher
Two highly commended winners will receive a $100 music voucher

You do have to be a member of Auckland Libraries to take part. If you haven't already registered with us, what are you waiting for? It's really easy to join the library and doesn't cost you anything if you live or go to school somewhere in Auckland. Go to our Join Up page.

The competition runs from March 12 to May 16 2012. Our celebrity judge, Rodney Fisher of awesome Kiwi band Goodshirt (pictured), will select the winners! Rodney is a singer/songwriter - the lead singer in Goodshirt, he also has a solo career and is well known in New Zealand and the UK. As well as presenting the prizes at our Launch Your Lyrics Prizegiving on May 31 at the Zeal Music Studios, he will also be performing. There will also be plenty of spot prizes on the night so make sure you keep it free.

For all the information on how to enter and full conditions of entry head to our Launch Your Lyrics page on the Auckland Libraries website.

My first 5 books for 2012

List by Tosca

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free."
- Frederick Douglass

I wanted to write my 2011 top 5 lists for graphic novels, fiction, nonfiction, dvds and cds that I'd taken out this year. I thought it'd be a nice way to wave goodbye to 2011 and see in 2012. Two things stopped me: I'd deleted my reading history of everything I'd taken out from January 2011 - November 2011, and had read/watched/listened to 299 items from October 2011 - December 2011. The thought of trying to go through 299 titles and choose my best of the best was somewhat daunting, to say the least. It left me feeling a bit deflated. And then I thought why don't I make this post a simple list of my first 5 books for 2012, instead. Which, I think, works quite well with a couple of book goals I have: 1) get back into young adult fiction and 2) read widely. As beginnings go, it's not too bad!

What book did you kickstart the new year with? What book goals do you have in mind?

Top 5 Team Chest romance covers I saw in Acquisitions

List by Tosca

"She was carrying two coffees and a donut bag, and right then and there, he fell in love."
- from Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis (you *have* to check out the cover for this back, it's total Team Back AND he has a dog - awww!)

One lighthearted post for today coming up. The subject of today's post? Team Chest - romance novel covers that are all about the chest, and nothing but the chest. I wanted to see what new books had come in recently so hotfooted it down to parley with our Acquisitions staff a little ways down the road, and came away with a head full of titles to search for back at my desk. 5 of which make this list. The things I do for your entertainment, people! So...when can I do this again?

Hot new and recommended teen books for November 2011

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free."
— Frederick Douglass

YAY Alannah (Howick Library) for today's post that consists of teen recommendations and reviews! Read, enjoy and request.

Title: Beauty queens by Libba Bray
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year of publication: 2011

Adventure, Chick lit. Beauty queens, just published this year, does not seem like Libba Bray's normal historical romance fodder. This was the first time I'd read one of her books and, I have to say, I had huge doubts about reading a book about beauty queens. Boosted by the encouragement of others I dubiously picked it up and began to read. Whatever I had been expecting, it certainly wasn't for the book to be fabulous by a country mile. There literally were LOLs. Beauty queens is a hilarious tale about a bunch of Miss Teen Dream pageant contestants trying to survive on a deserted island after their plane goes down in the middle of the ocean – tragically killing all of the aids and adults, and some of the competition. It is up to the group of 14 pageant contestants to survive on the supposedly deserted island, get themselves rescued and keep up their Miss Teen Dream routines. Of course! Bray has a really dry wit in this book and her use of footnote and interview writing techniques really highlight this. Bray juggles the main characters by focusing chapters on each of the girls. Although the book is set mainly in the third person, Bray has mixed up the form a bit by slipping in documentary/interview techniques which allows us some insight into the characters' personality and motivations. I really liked this book and Bray does well to remind you that not everything is as it seems; you should never judge a person solely on their exterior, and never a judge a book by it's cover!

There’s a little book humour for you there :)

Title: Underground by Chris Morphew
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont
Year: 2011

Thriller, Conspiracy, Action, Paranormal. Take a bow, Chris Morphew. Talk about being blown away! The Phoenix Files series has been one of the finds of the year. If you are in any way interested in the thriller/conspiracy genre, or even if you're not and would like to perhaps branch out, then this is the series you should request. Underground is the 4th book in the Phoenix Files. I was put onto this series by a children’s librarian who was really impressed by a talk given about these books by their author, Morphew. Backed with this fantastic endorsement, and the impression the series was a fusion of thriller/action/paranormal, I naturally ran (with elbows out) to the Teen corner of Howick library, pulled the first book of the series - Arrival - off the shelf, and requested the 2nd and 3rd books as well. The series begins with Luke's arrival in Phoenix with his mother. Luke hates his new life in the hick town in the middle of nowhere, with no friends and without his dad. Luke soon teams up with Peter and Jordan, and, soon, they share a persistent and horrifying feeling that all is not well in Phoenix. But they are the only ones who do so. No one else wonders why there aren't any more in or out going flights from Phoenix airport, or why there aren't any internet or telephone lines to the world outside of Phoenix. The trio soon have more disturbing questions - who is Tabitha? - and a feeling that time is quickly running out.

While all the books are written in first person, Morphew changes between the protagonists with each book offering a deeper insight into each of the characters. What makes this series really outstanding is the suspense Morphew manages to sustain throughout the series. Let's just say that with these books I found myself up at 3 in the morning reading on a school night!! Alright, well, a work night, but the principle is the same. I just could not put them down and now I wait, in suspended agony, until the next book comes out. Chris Morphew, you rock!

Title: Texas gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Year: 2011

Paranormal. This is the latest offering from Rosemary Clement-Moore, and I have to say, in a time where paranormal books are in diabolical excess, that I quite enjoyed reading this one. This book differs from her others; I say this thinking of Highway to Hell and Prom Dates from Hell. In Gothic Texas, R.C.M's characters are less superficial and have been fleshed out more and I can't help but feel that this is a more grown up and much better R.C.M. If you are a bit like me and find it hard to completely buy into the whole paranormal vampires/werewolves fantasy realm, then this is a good go between; R.C.M writes in a more believable/down-to-earth but humourous approach.

Amy Goodnight comes from the infamous Goodnight family. The infamous magical Goodnight family. Amy tries hard to keep her normal world of university and friends colliding with her definitely un-normal family world. While house sitting her kooky aunt's ranch in Texas, the precarious balance between worlds comes crashing down, as Amy becomes aware that there is something on the ranch with her that isn't her sister, the goats, or her dearly, long since, departed Uncle. Something that will not leave the Goodnight farm until Amy helps; at least she hopes that's what it wants. Thrown into the mix is her waifish sister, the grouchy, but unbelievably hot cowboy from next door and a couple of skeletons (literally and figuratively) and what's not to love! Plus the book is full of quirky little things I would love to have – 'Goodnight Farms' Clear Your Head Shampoo' which specialises in untangling hair and any thorny issues in your mind.

Title: Grammar Girl's 101 misused words you'll never confuse again by Mignon Fogarty
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Year: 2011

Nonfiction. I saw almost immediately that this book was going to be surprisingly helpful to me. I’d only read half a page in the introduction, the introduction!! before I learned I’d been saying the wrong thing all my life – how embarrassing. Fortunately for me, since it was the authors’ own example, I clearly wasn’t the only one to have made this mistake. You have not snuck round behind the school hall, you have sneaked. I must admit I felt somewhat vindicated in saying snuck all these years when she said it was now almost completely on par in acceptability and usage with sneaked in America. Judging from my own experience, this is perhaps a book that you should read quietly on your own, so no one sees your red face upon realising you’ve committed several mortifying social faux pas and no one has told you. She manages to make the book interesting and mainstream by providing examples of what to say and how to from current T.V shows and movies. Well done.

Remember! All of these books are new and highly recommended so don't delay and request, request, request today!
Too cheesy?
You love it!
- Alannah :)

Teen Reads

Here are a couple of reviews from a Book Chat group I belong to. We meet once a month and chat about children's and teens books, both fiction and non-fiction. These are a couple of titles we discussed in July.

I am J – Cris Beam Lisa picked this teen fiction up becoz of a review she had read but without any expectations. The cover (deliberately) doesn’t reveal if the main character is a male or female. It is actually about a girl who feels she is in the wrong body, something that you don’t actually click to until well into the story. Lisa found it thought provoking and eyeopening. Although quite a New York voice, J has a very real one that the teens will be able to relate to. The author has also done substantial work and research with transgender teens which adds to the realism. J always felt different. He was certain that eventually everyone would understand who he really was: a boy mistakenly born as a girl. Yet as he grew up, his body began to betray him; eventually J stopped praying to wake up as a 'real boy' and started covering up his body, keeping himself invisible - from his family, from his friends, from the world. But after being deserted by the best friend he thought would always be by his side, J decides that he's done hiding - it's time to be who he really is. And this time he's determined not to give up, no matter the cost..

Life on the Refrigrator Door – Alice Kuipers. Jeanette (the Mahurangi College Librarian) is always looking for something good for reluctant readers. She recommended this as a quick easy read as it is told largely by way of the post it notes between mother and daughter which they leave on the fridge door for each other. This makes the chapters short and snappy. Themes that are investigated in the story are family dynamics, an ill parent and taking (or making) the time to talk to each other. Claire and her mother are running out of time, but they don't know it. They rarely find themselves in the same room at the same time, and it often seems that the only thing they can count on are notes to each other on the refrigerator door. When home is threatened by a crisis, their relationship experiences a momentous change. Forced to reevaluate the delicate balance between their personal lives and their bond as mother and daughter, Claire and her mother find new love and devotion for one another deeper than anything they had ever imagined.

Teen Fiction with a Kiwi flavour

Sally was really impressed with Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey saying "It's one of the best pieces of New Zealand fantasy I've read for a long time." and she's not the first person to have said that about this book. Here is the rest of her review.

By that I mean not just a book written by a New Zealander, but set in New Zealand too. I think it's something that's hard to get right. Most times I feel like the New Zealand setting is superfluous - like the author feels obligated to set it in New Zealand, because they're a New Zealand author. Otherwise, the story could take place anywhere. In Guardian, where the story draws heavily on Maori myth and legend, the setting is not only essential, it's an asset.

Just a few months ago I was thinking that the Maori stories of patupaiarehe would make an interesting starting point for a fantasy novel - and then Anne put this on my desk, hinting (rather heavily) that wouldn't it just be lovely if I reviewed it. Just reading it on my lunch breaks soon became frustrating. I'm not good at nibbling away at books; I like to gobble them whole. So, about halfway through I took it home and finished it that night (somewhat ignoring the guests we had, but they're family so they should be used to me by now).

The theme running through the book is that the stories we're raised on shape us and the world we see. Because it's set in New Zealand that means a decent helping of Maori myth and legend. And while the well-known figures of Rangi, Papa and Maui make cameos, it's the lesser known race of the patupaiarehe who are the main antagonists.

Te Ara (Encyclopedia of New Zealand) describes patupaiarehe as "fairy-like creatures of the forests and mountain tops. Although they had some human attributes, patupaiarehe were regarded not as people but as supernatural beings (he iwi atua).They were seldom seen, and an air of mystery and secrecy still surrounds them." I hadn't heard of them until quite recently, but they immediately caught my imagination.

This book has a bit of everything: magic, adventure, romance, and a heroine with a black belt in tae kwan do. Our heroine, Ellie, is a teenager with the requisite self-esteem issues, but she's got enough fight and feistiness in her to make her a likeable and relatable character.

Children's and Teens reading

While I should have been doing something else, I caught up on a bit of Children's and Teens fiction reading over Easter. So before I forget (and so I can return the books to avoid any fines), here's a quick rundown.

The short second life of bree tanner - Stephenie Meyer. I thought I might be over vampires and the Twilight phenomenon. But I found this novella a thoroughly good read. Bree is a new vampire and finds it difficult to control her thirst. Combine that with not knowing who to trust and a dawning realisation that she may be a pawn in a larger game and you have a suspense filled and, at the conclusion, poignant book for teens.

Tussock - Elizabeth Pulford. Kate's father is missing. The whole family is suffering as the search continues for his downed plane. Kate believes that if she lights the lamp each night in the old tin hut among the tussock, it will guide her father home. While there she meets Troy who she discovers is running away from his father, with good reason. The two story strands combine in a satisfying conclusion in this New Zealand chapter book for older children.

Dreams of Warriors - Susan Brocker. A Kiwi animal lover, this author's latest story of a family struggling to survive during the Second World War. Their father is a POW, their neighbour wants their farm, the grass is running out for the dairy herd and Bella's older sister is more interested in the American soldiers who are camped in town. Add to the mix a crazy bad-tempered racehorse called Gipsy and you have the ingredients for a great tale which mixes a slice of Kiwi history with an adventurous animal story.

When the cat's away - Jackie Rutherford. This Kiwi teen read is on the NZ Post Children's Book Awards short list. And it's a brilliant read. Real characters doing things that everyone can relate to. After all, if you were a teen and your mum and dad went away, and the person who was supposed to be looking after you couldn't be there, wouldn't you have a party. Find out how it happens and how three siblings who don't get on cope in the aftermath. There are jobs, food stalls and then there's the eating disgusting foods competition. Recommended.

Puffin Short Story Competition

We have just received this press release from Puffin and we know there are heaps of keen budding authors out there (especially after our Scribbles to Books New Zealand Book Month Events last week). So check out the website.

The Puffin Short Story Awards are back for 2011! We had some amazing entries last year and are looking forward to receiving another huge blast of creativity from our nation's future writers in the coming months. There are three entry categories spanning school years four to eleven and the winner in each category will receive an Apple iPad as well as 50 books for their school library!
Last year's winning stories and everything you need to get started are available on the webpage, so click the link and start getting creative!
Happy writing,
The Team at Puffin

As you will see from the website there are categories for Junior, Intermediate and Secondary school students, with fantastic prizes for both the author and their schools. Entries are now open and close on Friday 3rd June. The competition is held in partnership with The Storylines Children's Literature Charitable Trust and winners are announced at the Storylines Festival Day in August.

Top 5 for Friday - A Dystopian Future

DYSTOPIA "an imaginary place where people lead dehumanized and often fearful lives" (Merriam-Webster online dictionary). Or (as I have seen defined elsewhere) a world where "things are as bad as it can get".


I went to the first gathering (meeting sounds much too formal) of a new bookchat group for librarians and teachers on Wednesday evening. The aim is to talk children and young adult books, from picture books to faction to non-fiction. And by pure coincidence, most of the fiction bought along to the first meeting concentrated on one of the most popular themes that we see currently - the dystopian future. So when I was looking for a subject for the blog today, this seemed like a great place to stop. Here are five of the titles we discussed.


Resurrection – Mandy Hagar (Book 3 of Blood of the Lamb series). The characters escape the island and make the return journey to where it all started. I haven't read this book yet but have read the first two in the series and thoroughly enjoyed them. Maria told us that there is a powerful message of standing up for yourself and making a change.


Water Wars – Cameron Stracher. This book is brand new on the shelf and immediately stands out because of it's fantastic cover (don't get librarians and teachers started on the absolutely necessity for a good cover to attract children and teens to a book). Water is more precious than gold. So what does that mean when you find a previously unknown water source. Lisa found this had an easy style and wasn't too too hard. Teen fiction.


X-Isle – Steven Augarde. A gripping Dystopian story for teens. but very heavy content and Lorraine questioned it’s classification as children’s fiction (Anne & Lisa to investigate). Gripping for teens


The Book Thief - Markus Zusak. Powerful. Different point of view. Quite demanding so more recommended for advanced teen readers, possibly with some background knowledge.


Fierce September - Fleur Beale. The sequel to Juno of Taris and shortlisted for the 2011 NZ Post Children's Book Awards.

Back to School

The 2011 school year has kicked off. I know this for several reasons:

• the uniformed children (some tidier than others) gathered at the top of my road as I leave for work in the morning
• the school buses I have to follow to work every morning
• the traffic jam that has suddenly sprung up again every morning at the notorious Hill Street intersection (those around Warkworth will know what I am talking about)
• the sense of peace and tranquility (almost resembling...a library) in the Warkworth Library until 3pm every day

After 3pm every day we kick into high gear as children of all ages come into the library (with or without parents) and hit the shelves or the internet (hopefully for homework purposes). So I thought it was the right time to provide the A-B-C of finding what you want in the library.

A - ASK. Simple isn't it. The easiest way to find the information you want is simply to ask the librarian (we all have name tags so we are reasonably easy to find). We can not only show you where items are but also how to use our catalogues, how books are shelves and even some great Internet resources only library members can access.

B - BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE. Talk to an online Librarian at AnyQuestions.co.nz. That's Real Time, Real people and Real help by specially trained librarians who can help you find the information online if you can't make it into the library. As well as logging in for online help, there are also tips here for both students and their parents on how to do research.

C - CHILL. We are not just about homework. If you are just looking for a book to read to relax, how to pull the latest skateboard move, music to listen to or a DVD to watch - we have those to. And we can order in items from any of the 55 Auckland libraries at no charge. If you are doing NCEA English and want to get your credits for Wide-Reading we can help with that as well as our librarians know which books have won awards, are about different cultures and which fit the criteria.

We are here to help, so come into your local library and have a look around. If you haven't been for a while (or before) you might be surprised by what you find.

I predict this will be an Award winner

You would have to go a long way to find a better summer read for the 13+ age group that Brian Falkner's new novel The Project. It is a rollicking good adventure story with school boy pranks, spys, soldiers, floods, kidnappings and mysteries to solve. Add to that some excellent research into science and history (although the author notes that "a number of things have been altered for the sake of an exciting story") and you end up with something that I am sure will be on 2011 Notable books lists and short lists for Awards in the New Year.

The tale begins with Luke (a Kiwi school boy who grew up on a farm, can fix anything with a piece of number 8 wire and who has a near photographic memory) and his mate Tommy (a gadget freak and spy in training) in an uncomfortable interview with their Principal after a prank gone wrong. It also involves a Book, which up to that point, they believe to be the most boring book in history and a challenge to them to discover a book that is more boring. A challenge is like a dare to the boys so they can't resist. It leads them into places they have rarely gone before (the library) and places they have never imagined (a hint - Leonardo da Vinci and Hitler).

Although this book is recommended for ages 13+ and placed on the Teen shelves of most Auckland Libraries, it is also suitable for the more advanced readers of the children's fiction shelves. Many of the chapters are short and the pace is fast moving so it would be an ideal read aloud for families. It ticks all the boxes for me and I believe is Brian's best book to date. Five stars.

Read to Succeed Winners

Read to Succeed is over for another year and this week we celebrate the winners for 2010.

First place getter and the winner of a new (green) iPod nano is Ashleigh Milner from Kingsway School.

Runners up were Laura Bates from Rangitoto College and Caitlin Mowatt, also from Kingsway, who both receive book vouchers. A special set of book vouchers is awarded to Sam Sinnott from Kaipara College for the most entries into the competition (very impressive Sam)

Read to Succeed is our teen reading challenge which launches during Youth Week in May and runs right through to the end of Term 3. It challenges Rodney Year 9 to 13 students to read five different types of books (e.g. historical, science fiction, poetry, etc) and is designed to support the NCEA "wide reading" criteria. The schools this year were again very supportive of the challenge and entry numbers were up. So well done Rodney, congratulations to the winners and thanks to everyone for taking part.

Read to Succeed

There's only about a month to go on our "Read to Succeed" teen reading challenge aimed at students in Years 9 to 13. All teens have to do is to read five books across a range of genres by the end of Term 3. (This is also part of the requirements for NCEA English - how convenient...)

Entry forms can be obtained from Rodney Libraries or local college libraries. The form must be completed and signed by a parent, teacher or a librarian each time a book has been read. Once five books have been completed and signed off, teens should drop their entry form into the library. Successful entrants will qualify to go into a draw to win an iPOD and other prizes. Prize winners will be notified at the beginning of Term 4. For more information pick up one of the flyers or ask a librarian.

We're getting some great questions and feedback about the challenge. If you know a teen then make sure they're in to win!

Poetry Aloud - Podcast Your Poetry Competition

We're halfway through June and halfway through the National Poetry Day Poetry Aloud competition for children in year 4 -13. There are a few entries already which is great to see. Don't miss out! Entries close June 30. Win an MP3 player or other prizes.

Entries are open to any children in Year 4 - Year 13 who are:
- enrolled in a Rodney District school, or
- living in Rodney District but attending school outside the District, or
- being educated in a verifiable home-schooling equivalent

To enter children just need to write their poem and record it. It should then be emailed to rodneylibraries@yahoo.com.au as an MP3 attachment.

Entries must include the following information:

- name of poet- contact details

- the school and year they attend

- their library card number (if they have one)

Rodney Libraries now have free computers with internet access and a range of multimedia features which children can use to record their poems at the library.

National Poetry Day Poetry Aloud

Rodney Libraries are running a competition for students in Years 4 to 13 encouraging them to submit a podcast of an original poem during June. The National Poetry Day Poetry Aloud competition is in celebration of National Poetry Day- this year on July 30 2010. The competition runs from 1 - 30 June. One talented poet will win an MP3 player. Poetry shouldn’t stay on the page – it needs to be shared and read aloud. Podcasting poetry gives children and teens the opportunity to share their creativity with others around Rodney District and New Zealand.
To enter children just need to write their poem and record it. It should then be emailed to rodneylibraries@yahoo.com.au as an attachment.
Entries must include the following information:
- name of poet
- contact details
- the school and year they attend
- their library card number (if they have one)
Rodney Libraries now have free computers with internet access and a range of multimedia features which children can use to record their poems at the library. Library staff can also provide advice about how to do this.

Check out the terms and conditions here, Helpful stuff and how to make a podcast at your local library.