Cambridge High School Library 2024

By: Melody Carlson Series: Diary of a teenage girl Genre: Family, Drama "Maya is a fun character! Its not possible to even read Its a Green Thing and not relate to her questions, her challenges and her struggles as a teen and Christian. And I found myself jotting down her awesome Eco-friendly tips!" Jenny B Jones Maya's mum is in jail for drug dealing, her pop-star dad is on a come back back tour,.She lives with her Aunt and Uncle, a new life and it looks OK, new job, new boyfriend, new car and a fascination to live green.... well it all pan out how she hopes.

By: Frances Hardinge Genre: Fantasy On this Island the volcanoes quarrel, beetles sing danger and fish can see into the future. But look closer through the mist- there is persecuted tribes, tattooed warriors hell-bent on revenge, a blue skinned bounty hunter and two girls with a deadly secret.... running for their lives.

By:Rob Shone Illustrated: Nick Spender GENRE: Graphic Novel- Natrual Disasters Read all about amazing stories of people caught in some of the most terrifying and destructive earthquakes to have hit our cities in a fast-paced, graphic style. This book is really topical with all the carnage around my home city of Christchurch. This book may have had its cartoons on ChCh if it was published later, but instead it looks at San Fransico, Kobe in Japan and Kashmir in Pakistan. It also has great info on Earth quakes with good graphics to illustrate.

By: Ryan Smithson Genre: Autobiography war The true story of a 19 year old GI. He was deployed to Iraq and his year of combat at 19years of age, changed his life. Its unflinchingly honest and it gives a tough but powerful look at one mans experience. Is being in the US Army like Generation Kill, The Hurt Locker or Home of the Brave- what is it really like being a 19 year old at war today. this book will give you a great insite ...

By: Eric Clapton Genre: Autobiography This is the best selling rock autobiography ever. Clapton is more than a rock star, he is an icon, a living legend. His guitar playing ranks him as one of the best guitarists ever. This is his story, professional and private. Sex, drugs, fame- the death of his son, the marriages. Its an inspiring story of struggle, setback and redemption according to the Daily Telegraph.

By: Alex Scarrow Genre: Fantasy Time travel, death and a collision of people from time zones that are different, all connect to create this fantasy. Maddy mistakingly opens a time window...Liam is marooned 65 million years in the past, with dinosaurs on his tail. can Maddy reverse her mistake and rescue him without endangering history...

By; Dave Luckett Genre: Fantasy Can a good deed change the world? Can worlds change- to another, one filled with magic and danger. Where the powerful forget the people that they serve? Maybe in this world, your friends are the last people you should trust.... There is truth, and there is lies....

Author: Matt Elliot Genre: Autobiography The life and times of Billy T. The cool thing with this story is that our very own town, Cambridge, gets lots of coverage. Billy T grew up in Arnold St and went to Leamington School. There are two class photo's in the book- maybe he went to school with your own parents? Billy T, larger than life comedian, who gave NZ our best belly laughs, he introduced us all to the wonderful world of Maori humor. This is his story, behind the cheeky grin, the heart transplant, a generous man- who wanted NZ to laugh together, at itself.

By: Fleur Beale Genre: Fantasy- second book in "Juno " series This is the sequel to "Juno of Taris " It is about pandemics, it is about new worlds, it is about hate and love, fashions and technologies It is about courage and determination.... to be free from extreme control. At the end of each chapter readers can go to a blog site, that features additional conversations and commentary ...

By: Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn Genre: Non Fiction -Human Rights; Woman's Rights " These stories show us the power and resilience of woman who would have every reason to give up but never do.. You will not want to put this book down." -Angelina Jolie "An inspiring testament to woman's courage, hope and recovery" - Khaled Hosseini (Kite Runner author) "It is impossible to stand by and do nothing after reading 'Half the sky' " - George Clooney This ground breaking bestseller book tells the stories of extraordinary woman in Africa and Asia, who overcome amazing hurdles in order to change their worlds. Rath from Cambodia who escaped from a brothel, Mamitu who had no education as a girl and now trains doctors, and many others. It is fierce, pragmatic and full of inspiring stories of courage and determination...

By: Suzanne Collins Series: The final book of -The Hunger Games Series Genre: Fantasy #1 USA bestseller #1 New York Times bestseller #1Wall St Journal bestseller #1 Publishers Weekly bestseller... says it all really. Stephanie Meyer, author of "Twilight" series said that she was so obsessed with this book, she had to take it out to dinner with her... "My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead....

The Aussie girl who took on the world... By: Jessica Watson Genre: Biography, Ocean travel "I'm just an ordinary girl who believed in a dream" On May15th 2010 after 210 days at sea and 24, 285 nautical miles, 16 year old Jessica Watson sailed her yacht, " Ella Pink Lady " triumphantly back into Sydney Harbour.She became the youngest person to sail solo, unassited and non-stop around the world.. This is her story, day bt day as it unfolds....

By: Clive Cussler Genre: Adventure Clive Cussler's peerless hero Dirk Pitt, in his most gripping and action packed adventure yet... You've seen the movie- now read the book- its better. Pitt discovers a top secret scientific installation is leaking a lethal chemical into the rivers, threatening to kill thousand of people and destroy the life in the worlds seas. To fix this he must escape capture and race across the Sahara, while a ruthless West African dictator is after him...

By: Rosanne Hawke Genre: Family and Culture This book is set in Australia and is about seventeen year old Ameera Hassa, her mother is a Christain, her father a devout Muslim. Ameera falls in love with a Pakistani boy, and her father opposses this so strongly, that her tricks her into going to Pakistan, there she discovers the truth, he has arranged for her to be married. Will she be trapped, or can she escape back to her freedom, back to Tariq...

By: Sara Gruen Genre: Drama "An utterly transporting novel richly full of the stuff of life" A glorious big-hearted novel set in a travelling circus touring the back blocks of America during the Great depression. Read the book BEFORE the movie comes out- staring Reese Witherspoon. The New York Times reviewed this as "An enchanting escapist fairy tale" Its about a circus, freaks, misfits, an elephant called "Rosie" a vet student called Jacob and Marlena- a beautiful equestrienne. Water for Elephants has it all, warmth, humour, poignancy and love. It has energy and a spirit like a circus about to begin....

By: Chris Bohjalian Genre: Family/legal - Drama If you like Jodi Picoult... On a balmy July night in New Hampshire a shot rings out in a garden, and a man falls to the ground, terribly wounded. The wounded man is Spencer McCullough, the shot that hit him was fired - accidentally?- by his adolescent daughter Charlotte...... "An irresistible read. Moving from quiet domestic drama to a legal thriller" Washington Post "A modern compelling drama"

By: Laura Moriarty Genre: Drama- Family If you like Jodi Picoult..... This is a story baseed around a high school senior student and her mother. The relationship is strained already and Kara then is part of a tradedy that has devasting consqequences, for her, the community in which she lives and the relationship with her mother.It is a novel with a complex moral dilemma, filled with nuanced characters and a page turning plot. Jodie Picoult says that this novel " resonates like an emotional tuning fork..."

By: Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams Genre: Fantasy BOOK FOUR of the Tunnel Series 'Its well paced, exciting and in places- frightening and bloody..." At the centre of the earth, in a world that no-one know exits, Will is in trouble. His enemy, The Styx, is chasing him to the end of the world...any world..

By: Jamie Ford Genre: Historical Drama "Mesmerizing and evocative, a tale of conflicted loyalities and timeless devotion" Sam Gruen "Will make you linger on the final pages, sure that even the bitterest memories and the most painful regret can yield something sweet"- Bookpage A wartime- era Chinese- Japanese variation of Romeo and Juliet, set in 1940 Seattle. It is about a father and son, Japanese Americans in Seatlle area during WWII , its about internment camps, beauty, and sadness. Its about Jazz, its about innocent passion across racial barriers. Its about the damage caused by war...

By: Christine Arnothy Genre: War Survival The true story of a young womans wartime survival. A 15 year old girl hid with her family in Budapest in 1945, avoiding the Germans from the west and the Russains from the east. Christine found refuge in her notebook and pencil- she recorded the story and personalities of all who inhabitated the celllar of refuge with them. The story then journals her escape and adult life in Paris. Its told with compulsive force... " Will take its place among the best books written on war" "Outstanding" The Times

By: "P J" Firmin Genre: Hunting Peter Firmin grew up listening to hunting stories, stories of his dad and his grandfather- now he has a few of his own to tell. Living in the back country of Whanganui, he has thousands of hectares of prime hunting country on his backdoor. It tells yarns of hunting now, but also of the "good ol days" .

By: "Big Al" Lester Genre: Hunting Bush lies and half truths- another collection of outrageous hunting yarns from the master of the genre. Plenty of laughs for the hunting mad, hard case and hare brained! Kamikaze deer, Marvin the nosey morepork, blood thirsty crocs.. city slickers gone bush and a Maori named Arab- this book has it all.

By: S R Vaught and J B Redmond Genre: Fantasy Second in series, a continuation of Part one - "Oathbreaker -Assassins Apprentice" first in series. This book is filled with magic and incredible powers, it has a dash of romance. It explores the depths of love, loyalty and war. " A complex and original fantasy"

by: Danielle Hermans Genre: Thriller The Tulip Virus is a fast paced, fascinating thriller that plunges readers into questions of free will, science and religion, whuile showing the dark fruits of greed, pride and arrogance.. An international bestselling thriller..

By: Nicky Singer Genre: SciFi Maxo Strang is a Gem X, the most perfect human ever made. Top in social class, in looks, in intelligence.... until the day he wakes up and discovers a crack in his face.. "A riveting story that questions whta is to be really human"

Author: Marcus Sedgwick Genre: Action Shortlisted for Carnegie Medal 2010 Razor-sharp, psychological thriller set in a snowy Artic wilderness. Its 1910. In a cabin north of the Artic Circle , in a place murderously cold and desolate, Sig Andersson is alone... alone except the corpse of his father, frozen to death that morning when he fell through the ice on the lake. The cabin is silent -until there is a knock at the door. Its a stranger, and as his extraordinary story unwinds, Sig's thoughts turn more and m ore to his fathers prized possession, a Colt revolver ....

By: Lisa Klein Genre: Drama / Historical Fiction So....Lady MacBeth had a daughter, what is her story? ".... I have given suck, and know How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me." - Lady MacBeth (1.7.54-55) " Bring forth men-children only!" - MacBeth ( 1.7.72) With a Mother who loves her daughter and a father that only wants a son- Albia's story is set to be colourful and full of intrigue. Some people have called this book a masterpiece and Shakespeare would be pleased that teenagers are discovering MacBeth again.

"The perfect start for aspiring cooks" " A cracking book by a great young lad" Jamie Oliver Yummy recipes, easy to follow, and the ingrediant are easily sourced. The nice glossy photos make your mouth water and it wants to make me go home and cook up a treat.....

By: Sarah N. Harvey Genre: Drama It will take all of Julia's wit, ingenuity and compassion to help her best friend through her unexpected pregnancy... .... One of the great things about Ruth is that she has a moth-flame relationship with catastrophe. Another great thing is that she is really creative, and I'm really pragmatic, so between the two of us we can usually figure something out. It started with the facts...Ruth was pregnant. "The Lit report is at once laugh out loud funny, and heartbreakingly poignant. The scheme that Julia cooks up to protect Ruth is both outrageous and risky, but her loyalty is endearing and we root for its ultimate success, no matter how it unfolds" Shelley Hrdlitschka

by: Nancy Werlin Genre: Fantasy/ Mystery/Romance all in one book!!! Ever heard of the Simon and Garfunkle song "Are you going to Scarborough Fair"? This is the authors version of what that song is about, it has elves, magic, teenage pregnancy and ancient curses. "A fast paced compelling read. With its fantasy, mystery and romantic aspects, the story will appeal to many readers" VOYA "This tale, inspired by the song "Scarborough Fair" showcases the authors finesse at melding genres. It has graceful interplay between wild magic and contemporary reality and catapulting suspense" BOOKLIST

By: Scot Gardner Genre: Youth Fiction -Family An extraordinary tale of an ordinary family... LAURENCE AUGUSTINE RAINBOW is born into an ordinary family and seems set for an ordinary life. But as the world changes around him, do does the happiness of his own family. Unique, dark, and ultimately uplifting, this is a beautiful story of one family, and one boy -trying to hold their heads above water in a world gone quietly mad. This book has recieved excellent reviews and would be good for 8808.

By: Rick Riordan ( Creator of Percy Jackson) Genre: Egyptologist Mystery- Youth fiction Rick Riordan the author of the very popular Percy Jackson has released his first novel in his new series "The Kane Chronicles" One Curse Two Heroes and an evil that wont stay buried. Carter and Sadie Kanes dad is a brilliant Egyptologist with a secret plan that goes horribly wrong. An explosion shatters the ancient Rosetta Stone and unleashes Set, the evil god of chaos. The pharaohs of ancient Egypt are far from dead and buried, and so unfortunantely are their gods...

By: Geoff Havel Genre: Thriller, Youth fiction. Tully's life is controlled by her Fathers strict rules. "Keep away from strangers" " Dont stay at home alone" ...." and NEVER go in the water" All she wants is to be like everyone else in Riverton. But when a mysterious stranger comes to the door, Tully discovers the horrifying secret her father has been trying to protect her from. Apart from a good read, this book has the coolest cover Ive seen in ages...

By: Ken Catran Genre: Youth Fiction Murder/Mystery A classic whodunnit with a startling and unexpected twist. Its dark, brooding and a real page turner..who is Smiling Jack... and what is the playing card got to do with the murders?

By: Moya Simons Genre: Holocaust "Mercy has a human heart Pity a human face..." William Blake Rachel is German and Jewish. Life is good, and it revovles around Sabbath meals shared with her happy family. With the outbreak of WWII their lives are changed. The family are forced to move from their comfortable home into cramped housing. When the Nazi's arrive to finally take the family away, they have no idea what will become of them. Rachel's father gives her instructions that save her life. He tells her not to speak. Rachel remains quiet for the rest of the war, but what happens to the rest of her family? Will Rachel regain her voice if she really needs to... This book was written for a child survivor of the Holocaust- Anna Parnas. The author is her friend.

By: Sophia Bennett Genre: Chick read " Girls will love it" "A magical tale about four girls and their amazing adventure with fashion" Fashion collides with Ethics... Crow is in desighner heaven; Nonie's caught the eye of a gorgous boy; Jenny's rehearsing a new play. But this time Edie's in trouble... The rumours are that the slave children in India have been making Crow's new high-street collection. How far do the girls have to go to save their dreams?

By: Sheila A. Cooperman Genre: Non fiction- Health Living with Eating Disorders explains the conditions of anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. It helps teens understand these issues and gives excellent information about these disorders. It examines the causes, symptoms, treatment and also how to help a friend or family member who may be going through an eating disorder. For me this book was excellent, its easy to read yet not simplistic. As I journey with a close family member who suffers from anorexia, I try to read as much as I can to help support her, this book is one of the best.

By: Javier Sierra Genre: American Indian/Catholic Fiction. Historical The Lady in Blue is the haunting and evocative tale of the triumph of modern spirit and science and a 400 year old conspiracy. Its about the devastating clash between Catholic Europe and the far more ancient world of the American Southwest. The Lady in Blue is set in a 17 Century convent, it is about a nun's rumoured religious powers, the US Defence Department and an American spy....

By: Sherman Alexie Genre: North American Indian fiction. Blues Fiction Winner of the American Book Award and the Murray Morgan prize. "Scathingly funny, Reservation Blues never misses a beat, never sounds a false note" One day legendary bluesman Robert Johnson appears on a Spokane Indian reservation- he was long presumed dead. He passes his enchanted intstrument to Thomas-Builds-The-Fire, a story teller, misfit and musican. The musical odyssey begins and takes them both to reservations, bars, the cement trails of Seattle and the concrete canyons of Manhatten. This is a fresh, comic tale of power, tragedy and redemption among contemporary Native Americans .

By Steve Feasey Genre: Fantasy Netherworld- full of Icelandic Zombies, an evil sorceress and the dark vampire Caliban. Another saga in the Changeling series, with Trey the werewolf hero, out to slay the evils with Lucien the wealthy vampire on his side... Will he conquer?

By: Richard Hammond Genre: One all of its own... TOP GEAR This is the story of the "Hamster's" high speed car crash, his recovery and his exploits on Top Gear. It also journals his childhood and career path into the Top Gear show. If you love Top Gear, you have to read this book.

By Liane Shaw Genre: Eating Disorders Junior Fiction This book is inspired by a teacher, Liane Shaw and her own battle with anorexia. 17 year old Maddie has always felt a hole in her life, but she thinks she has found a way to fill it with a quest to mold her body into the the thinest shape possible. Where can she go for support on her quest.. the internet. Maddie logs onto 'thinspiration" websites, where young people encourage and show each other how to lose weight. They become the GWS, girls without shadows. Maddie ends up in rehab, refusing to accept help until a tragedy challenges her about having to change her mind. My niece has anorexia and she has accessed these web sites herself, they have impacted her in a dangerous way, this story although fiction, is very true for many young woman today.

by Kashmira Sheth Genre: Indian Historical Fiction - Leela was engaged at two, married at nine, previledged and unconcerned for her future. Then her husband dies. That leaves Leela stranded as an "unlucky" widow. She has to 'keep corner' or stay confined in a house, to prepare for a life of mourning. Ghandi at the same time is leading the Indian people in revolt against the British, but also against the Indian ways of degenerating woman and he protests against the caste system. His political movement called satyagraha gives freedom and hope... can it help Leela? " Powerful and absorbing" "Enchanting and atmospheric"

By: D J Connell Genre: Ultimate feel good novel. LOL... "The laugh out loud funniest novel in years" "Julian Corkle is a filthy liar" is the ultimate feel-good novel, a book that will have the reader laughing out loud on the back of a bus as it follows Julian's bumpy journey through adolesence. He fibs his way through school and a series of dead-end jobs, to find his ultimate calling as creator of 'The Hog'. ....

By: Mary Downing Hahn Genre: Slavery and American Civil War. Perry is a young African slave in southern America, as his Mum dies she makes Jesse promise to help Perry escape. Aiding and abetting a slave is against the law, and it goes against everything Jesse has been taught to believe, but he can't break a promise to the dead. He also wants to follow what he knows is the right thing to do. Jesse and Perry must survive a bloody riot, steer clear of a brutal slave jail and elude the ruthless slave catcher. As the fighting of the Yankees and the Confederates heats up, these boys on the run are forced to face some hard truths.. When I was getting into reading I loved these type of stories, justice that prevailed against opposition and culture. People standing against that which is wrong, even at risk of their own safety, and reputation.

By: Michael P Spradlin Genre: Crusaders/Knights Junior Fiction Fourteen year old Tristan doesn have much of a life. He has never known his parents, and he spends his days mucking out the stables in a monestery. So when an unexpected chance to go on a Crusade with the Knights Templar comes up, Tristan seizes it, plunging himself into a series of extraodinary travels and adventures. Tristan is entrusted with the Holy Grail, and he must escape a bloody seige and head for Scotland, where the Grail will be safe.... he just needs to get there.

By Private Edward Lynch Genre: World War One -Biography The conditions are almost unbelievable. We live in a world of Somme Mud. We sleep in it, work in it, fight in it, wade in it, and many of us die in it. We see it, feel it, eat it and curse it, but we can't escape it... not even by dying. Private Edward Lynch was just 18 when he enlisted to fight in the First World War. Like so many Australian soldiers, he had little idea of the horrors he would soon face. Somme Mud is his vivid account of the nightmarish realities of trench warfare, as an 18 year old infantryman. Traumatised soldiers, ravaged landscapes, a curious mixture of hatred, empathy and admiration, makes for a eye opening riveting read.