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Title: Duffy and the Bullies Author: Jeff Szusterman Illustrator: Ant Sang ISBN: 978-1-99-004256-0 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 229 x 160 mm portrait, PB, 88 pp, colour Published: 6 August 2024 From the pen of one of New Zealand's finest comic artists, in tandem with the creative brains behind the Duffy Books in Homes theatre programme, comes this graphic novel that speaks to kids from upper primary school through to junior high school. Adapted from a play that confronts bullying, Jeff Szusterman’s story — superbly illustrated by Ant Sang — shows the popular Duffy (a Māori kid who captains the rugby team) coming to the aid of 11-year-old Marama, victim of physical and psychological bullying by the jealous Ashlee. With Kiwi-as characters, lots of rugby and familiar school and home settings, Duffy and the Bullies is a gripping read that will make a difference to kids. -
Title: Kura Toa: Warrior School Author: Tim Tipene ISBN: 978-0-947506-17-9 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 210 x 148 mm portrait, PB, 92 pp, b&w Published: new edition 4 August 2016 The Book: High-school student Haki needs to find the pounamu that was stolen from him after a car crash by a mysterious old man who seems to know a lot about him. Haki’s search brings him into conflict with his family, his friends and his school. In the process he must confront his fears and find a way to answer the challenge to serve his people and his land, fight a taniwha, and grow into a warrior. Kura Toa is a superb read for students in the 12–16 age group that distils youth and indigenous issues into a seamless and easy-to-access narrative that has attracted a strong following in schools.E-book available from
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Title: Patu Author: Tim Tipene ISBN: 978-0-947506-84-1 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 210 x 148 mm (A5) portrait, PB, 224 pp Published: November 2012 The Book: In this powerful novel for teenagers, 16-year-old Jahnine is having to fend for herself amidst a series of family misfortunes, with her mother is in hospital battling cancer and her brother gone without a trace. Family legend has it that a patu taken during the Land Wars by her great-great-grandfather has left a curse on them. Determined to return the patu and lift the curse, Jahnine turns to a strange Maori boy, Andy, and follows him away from Auckland to try and put things right. Nothing turns out the way she imagines in this powerful, realistic novel.Audiobook available from
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