Author: Vanessa Hatley-Owen

Vanessa Hatley-Owen says the idea for her latest children’s book The Littlest Lifeguard came about while she was on a family holiday at the beach.

January 2024 release

In 2023 a cohort of excellent, world-class authors from Aotearoa penned novels for young adults. Here is Kete’s pick of the year based on our reviewers’ insights.

Rapture features 90 performance poets, rappers, spoken-word artists, slam poets, theatre makers, genre blenders and storytellers brought together by Carrie Rudzinski and Grace Iwashita-Taylor to celebrate the diverse voices and communities within Aotearoa. Here, the duo explains how they took poems from the stage to the page.

Author: Latika Vasil. Reviewer: Crissi Blair.

‘The World I Found is Wellington author Latika Vasil’s first YA novel, and she’s included a lot of her local landscape here. She’s had a number of short stories published, and I look forward to seeing her fiction repertoire grow and develop.’

September 2023 release

Rebecca Fawkner is a teacher and has worked at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth for 20 years. She has just compiled and written Ziggle! The Len Lye Art Activity Book. One of the most unique art activity books for Kiwi kids – and beyond - it is packed with ideas inspired by acclaimed New Zealand artist Len Lye.

2023 is proving to be author, illustrator and designer Mat Tait’s year. His advice for emerging writers? ‘The best advice I can give is just mahia te mahi, keep working on your craft even when you're not necessarily feeling inspired, because the inspiration comes through doing the work. If you wait for that feeling, you might be waiting for a long time.’

Kaituhi: David Riley. Nā Milo Lilo Morrison i arotake.

‘Ka whakaatu tēnei pukapuka i te manawatītī, te aumangea, te kaha me te māia.’

‘This book was an amazing way of showing determination, resilience, strength and bravery.’

“Being Poet Laureate has always been a ‘maybe someday’ goal for me, but I never expected to be appointed in the role before turning 40! The role is a huge opportunity to give back to the community that has supported and encouraged me since my early days as an aspiring poet.”

On Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day, New Zealand Poet Laureate (2022-2024) Chris Tse talks about the role, his favourite NZ poem, the ingredients needed for a successful poets’ dinner party and taking part in the first-ever open mic held at the Kennedy Centre in Washington D.C.

Author: Shaneel Lal. Reviewer: Demi Cox.

‘For me, there are not enough words to describe just how stunning One of Them really is.’

July 2023 release

Author: Eileen Merriman. Reviewer: Crissi Blair.

Catch A Falling Star is another thought-provoking, real-world read for young adults by this very able writer, Eileen Merriman.

July 2023 release

Author: Blair McMillan. Reviewer: Anne Ingram.

There are difficult themes in Here Upon the Tide – refugees and their need for a safe home, the loss of a parent, depression and mental health. These matters impact the characters deeply but never weigh the book down. Blair McMillan has explored each theme with understanding and compassion…

June 2023 release

Author & illustrator: Bob Kerr. Reviewer: Dionne Christian.

Jack & Sandy is an adventure story told across three generations - a story about friendship, family and the devastating effects of war. Written and illustrated with graphic novel sections by Bob Kerr, the award-winning illustrator of Terry Teo.

June 2023 release

Author: Chelsey Furedi. Reviewer: Jack Remiel Cottrell.

For fans of Kiss Number 8 and On a Sunbeam, Chelsey Furedi’s debut graphic novel is a fast-paced time travel adventure with a hint of romance that has garnered 1.5 million views as a Tapas webcomic.

April 2023 release

First chapter: New Dawning: The Edge of Light trilogy - The Uncovering of Truth by A. M. Dixon (OneTree House, $27.00)

Read the first chapter in book one in a startling new trilogy by A. M. Dixon.

Author: Tessa Duder. Reviewer: Louise Ward.

The Sparrow is a powerful new historical novel from one of New Zealand’s best-loved YA authors, Tessa Duder.

May 2023 release

Author: David Eggleton. Reviewer: Harry Ricketts.

Respirator is a sumptuous celebration of David Eggleton’s tenure as the nation’s poet-at-large during his time as Aotearoa NZ Poet Laureate (2019–22).

March 2023 release

Author: Leonie Agnew. Reviewer: Sarah Forster.

The unpublished manuscript was the winner of the 2022 Tessa Duder Award; now comes The Impossible Story of Hannah Kemp - a powerful exploration of guilt, forgiveness, choice and personal responsibility.

April 2023 release