Wood angel / Erin Bow

If you're into nail biters than you'll love Wood Angel. When Kate's father dies she finds herself alone in a place where witches are still burned, but when she meets a mysterious stranger who asks for her shadow and her blood in exchange for a wish, she finds her world turned upside down. With her amazing carving talents she becomes known as Witch Child; in fear of her life she must run away with her carvings and pet cat Taggle.
This book grips you from the very first sentence to the very last. I highly recommend it.

Who would enjoy this? Anyone who loves fantasy books set in olden times.

Reviewed by Kat

The uninvited / Tim Wynne Jones

The first time Mimi Shapiro meets Jay Page is when she turns up at her father's isolated cottage to get away from an ex-boyfriend who won't accept it's all over. Jay is using the place as a recording studio and he's happy to share specially because Mimi can confirm that something strange is going on in this Canadian backwater. I really thought I knew where the story was heading and who the likely culprit was, but there are some surprising twists, turns and red herrings that kept my attention right to the end. With its well-drawn characters this book examines the complex nature of families; Mimi's father has a lot to answer for.

Who would enjoy this? If you like mysteries then this is a great read without being too violent or gory. It also gives you plenty to think about.

Reviewed by Jason

Drums, girls and dangerous pie / Jordan Sonnenblick

Steven's life is a little stressful, with him dealing with the usual teenage problems (girls, homework, and music). But his life becomes even worse when his 5 year old brother, Jeffrey, gets leukemia. With his emotions in tatters, his disinterest with school, and the dangerous pie, Jordan Sonneblick (the author) has created a light-hearted, yet heartfelt look at the issues of youth cancer (and girls, of course).

Who would enjoy this? Anybody who enjoys light books with deep messages.

Reviewed by Liam

Chains / Laurie Halse Anderson

Isabel is the perfect slave - clever, compliant and skilled. However, unbeknown to her current owner, she has been taught to read. When the American Revolutionary War breaks out, she is able to put this to good use and spies on those who support the British. Not that Isabel wants to take sides, but she needs something to barter with to allow her to rescue her younger sister Ruth. This story is so well described that I felt I was back in the 1770s with Isabel. It is an engrossing story of not only day-to-day survival, but the struggle to be freed. This is the first book of a new series.

Who would enjoy this? This is a great book for finding out what it was like being a slave in 18th Century North America. Isabel is a feisty character with an agenda of her own, drawing you into her story and her quest for freedom.

Reviewed by Amy

The great wide sea / MH Herlong

This book begins with a death and there are several scary near-death experiences throughout. It is a book about survival: individual, physical and emotional. I really liked it because it was exciting and realistic. It moves along quickly and you can imagine yourself in the situation of being on-board a small boat fighting against ridiculous odds for the lives of those you love. The ending worked because it wasn't an easy one.

Who would enjoy this? If you like survival stories then this is very worthwhile reading. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Jason

No safe place / Deborah Ellis



Reading this book makes me glad I live in New Zealand. 'No Safe Place' opens up a completely different world. Abdul (from Iraq), Cheslave (from Russia)  and Rosalia (a Gypsy from Eastern Europe) are teenagers attempting to 'gate-crash' England. Based on true stories, this is a gripping and fast-paced read that uses flashbacks to explain how each person ends up on a stolen yacht heading for English shores. It is scary to think these situations actually happen and right through the book you are not sure whether things are going to work out for them or not.

Who would enjoy this? If you need a jolt to make you appreciate your life then this is the story for you. It's a real eye-opener about the lives of teenagers who have been forced to leave their homes.

Reviewed by Hamish