Book Reviews
Arotake pukapuka
The big umbrella
Review by Alice Bates, Senior Child and Youth Care Practitioner, Cholmondeley Children’s Centre
This story invites readers of all ages to think about what their own 'umbrella' looks like. It is a story about inclusion, connection and hospitality, a book that is deceptively simple in its depth.
Young Queen
Review by Jono Selu, Community Engagement & Health Promotion Officer, MHF
Young Queen is the autobiography of Parris Goebe a dancer with a dream ... a young Polynesian girl who grew up in New Zealand and went on to conquer the hip hop world.
Fairytale fraud: Sibling wars
Review by Deb Marsden, Guidance Counsellor & Secondary School teacher
The traditional Hansel and Gretel tale taught us to not trust strangers and to not disobey our parents, but Kate Pye has twisted the tale to teach different morals and life lessons.
Release the beast
Review by Michelle Dendale, Information Officer, MHF
Release the Beast is a fun and quirky picture book which allows a child to respond to his frustrations by unleashing his imaginary beast.
Dare! | Weird! | Tough!
Reviewed by Evie Ryan and Anna Mowat.
These three books tell the story of an ongoing case of bullying from three third graders’ perspectives. Kids will easily relate to Luisa, Jayla, and Sam, as each girl has her own unique experience.
Dear Bully: Seventy authors tell their stories
Review by Honor Jackson, Mana College
Today's top authors for teens and young people come together to share their stories about bullying-as bystanders, as victims, and as the bullies themselves-in this moving personal collection.
Each kindness
Review by Jo Quigg, mum of 2 children, 7 and 9 years old
When Chloe's teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship.
Feel a little: Little poems about big feelings
Review by Amanda Schulze, Community Engagement/Health Promoter, MHF
A bright book encouraging a stronger understanding of emotions from an early age, providing a toolbox for starting conversations about emotions from a young age.
Fighting invisible tigers: Stress management for teens
Review by Portia Devonshire
This book offers proven techniques that teens can use to deal with stressful situations in school, at home, and among friends.
From worrier to warrior: A guide to conquering your fears
Review by Anna Mowat, who works as part of the All Right? wellbeing campaign in Otautahi
From Worrier to Warrior will teach you how to create your very own "toolbox" of ways to combat fear and anxiety to carry with you and conquer the Worry Monster at any time.
I am Jack
Review by Kim Higginson, Information Management Specialist, MHF
Susanne Gervay's thoughtful story sheds light on the contagious and destructive nature of school bullying, and the power of humor, love, and community to overcome it.
Invisible Jerry
Review by Kim Higginson, Information Management Specialist, MHF
This is a picture book with humour and heart for everyone who has ever felt like they’re on the outside looking in.