Ink and identity: NZCYA 2023 awards finalists

This post is one of a series

This blog post is the first of two posts discussing books on the NZCYA shortlist in the run-up to the announcement of the award winners on 10 August.

Readers will find recognisable people and places in the pages of this year's finalist books, each with their own challenges, laughs, excitement and journey of self-discovery.

Abbreviations

Here is a list of award abbreviations we use in this blog post:

• PB — Picture Book Award

• JF — Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction

• YA — Young Adult Fiction Award

• NF — Elsie Locke Award for Non-Fiction

• IL — Russell Clark Award for Illustration

• FB — Best First Book Award.

Our world today

Set in present-day Aotearoa New Zealand, ākonga (students) will love reading about kids just like them, with a little something extra.

Echo

Sixteen-year-old author Arlo Kelly’s novel Echo [FB] (Sparrow Press) takes readers on an eco-adventure to a quiet coastal town. Eric, a visually impaired teen desperate for independence, makes a connection with a minke whale. Eric’s love for the wildness of the beach will resonate with many. This is a chance for the reader to experience a remarkable encounter with this mighty creature, whilst gaining insight into a world with limited visibility.

Below

In almost every classroom there will be two ākonga who just don’t get or like each other. So, there will also be readers who will be able to relate to Below [JF] by David Hill (Puffin, Penguin Random House). Liam and Imogen continually try to one-up each other, which leads to the claustrophobic tale of being trapped together underground and how they work out their differences. A story of conservation meets progress. A tense, exciting read with great potential for class discussions.

Weather and Climate New Zealand

Young readers are often keen on looking for facts rather than, or in addition to, fiction. With climate change and weather events currently front-of-mind for New Zealanders, Weather and Climate New Zealand [NF] by Sandra Carrod (Oratia Media) is bound to be of interest. This topical, easy-to-read book should be in every school. It explains the wide range of meteorological terms as well as what influences the weather that, at the very least, drives us a bit crazy and, at its worst, causes devastation.

Sylvia and the Birds

The celebration of the life and work of Sylvia Durrant — the ‘Bird Lady’ in Sylvia and the Birds [NF] — is written by Johanna Emeney and Sarah Laing, with drawings and comics also by Sarah Laing (Massey University Press). Sylvia and the Birds is relatable for young and old, with its lead character and a youthful protégé whose example readers may be keen to follow. The book is written in short illustrated chapters and comic strips, along with activities. It’s on-point for many curriculum topics — mental health, kaitiakitanga, New Zealand birds, conservation and history, predators and epidemics. Read for pleasure or for information.

Freestyle: The Israel Adesanya Story

Read about another local hero in Freestyle: The Israel Adesanya Story [NF] by David Riley, illustrated by Ant Sang (Reading Warrior). Israel came to New Zealand from Africa when he was a boy. He had problems reading due to dyslexia and was bullied for being different to others. But he decided he wanted to be a fighter and was determined and dedicated, leading to international success as Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight world champion. Sure to be known, and a potential role model, to young fans.

Present-day fun

The Lighthouse Princess

The Lighthouse Princess [PB, IL, FB] by Susan Wardell, illustrated by Rose Northey (Puffin, Penguin Random House) is a great nod to strong, independent, resourceful, creative and caring girls. It’s a contemporary fairy tale where the princess doesn’t need rescuing and is a reminder for ākonga that enjoyment can come from anywhere. The beautiful illustrations include strong Aotearoa New Zealand touches that ākonga may recognise. A picture book to spend time examining the intricate detail on every page.

Jason Mason and the World’s Most Powerful Itching Powder

Readers will laugh aloud at the antics in Jason Mason and the World’s Most Powerful Itching Powder (JF) by Jason Gunn and Andrew Gunn (Bateman Books), with its clearly New Zealand setting and school-boy hero. This is an ideal read-aloud. It will inspire the inventive minds of all those Kiwi kids who have ever dreamt of being a spy or a superhero who saves the day, while still being recognisable as someone who might be sitting beside them in class.

Masher

Also full of laughs — which we know our ākonga enjoy so much in their reading for pleasure — is Masher [JF] by Fifi Colston (Puffin, Penguin Random House). A funny and touching novel that captures the essence of being a kid. Freddie just wants to create the best, most realistic papier mâché dog puppet ever, but Masher turns his life upside down. With familiar concepts of friends, family, neighbours, pets and things not going to plan, this would be perfect for engaging reluctant readers and reading aloud to a class. There are even instructions to make your own puppet from the craft-queen author.

Pipi and Pou and the Raging Mountain

Add a bit of fantasy to the mix with Pipi and Pou and the Raging Mountain [JF] by Tim Tipene, illustrated with engaging line drawings by Isobel Te Aho-White (OneTree House). Cousins Pipi and Pou leave their devices at home to help their wise Nana on a mission to soothe an unhappy maunga. Te reo Māori, tikanga, pūrākau, and kaitiakitanga are woven seamlessly throughout, truly reflecting the character of Aotearoa.

Into the future

Kidnap at Mystery Island

For every curious child who has built a fort and imagined an adventure of epic proportions with friends, comes junior fiction Kidnap at Mystery Island [FB] by Carol Garden (Scholastic New Zealand). Described by one reader as ‘Thunderbirds meets the Famous Five on the Coromandel Coast’, which makes it instantly recognisable. It's also glorious, page-turning fun, set in the near future. With special talents, eco-criminals, sophisticated technology and climate change entwined, this is an exciting futuristic read for primary and intermediate ākonga.

Indigo Moon

For those looking to the future and what possibilities it might hold, Eileen Merriman’s Indigo Moon [YA] (Penguin, Penguin Random House) will be a rewarding read. A futuristic story following Indigo and Rigel who have been ‘optimised’ with enhanced powers. They are still two teenagers facing the same issues that today’s youth will be able to relate to: changing family dynamics, uncertainty around lifelong friendships, budding relationships, trust, manipulation and betrayal.

Andromeda Bond in Trouble Deep

Finding reading material to appeal to our older readers can be a challenge. Young gamers and reality TV fans will find great enjoyment in Andromeda Bond in Trouble Deep [YA] by Brian Falkner (Red Button Press). Set in the near future, 12-year-old Andromeda is selected for the world’s first real-life, live-streamed video game Spacetown. She must fight against more than just the other teams — there's a force far more dangerous — while on live TV.

Out in the world

4 Yaks and a Yeti

Readers can experience other parts of the world through books. The setting of 4 Yaks and a Yeti [IL] by Peter Hillary, illustrated by Ant Sang (Bateman Books) is likely to be familiar to many, in name at least, thanks to the historic achievements of the author’s father, Sir Edmund Hillary. It would make a great side-read when studying this achievement. A Nepalese boy travels through the Himalayan mountains with his four faithful yaks in search of the mythical Shangri-La. The vibrant, energetic illustrations capture the adventure, dangers and magic. Feel the chill and the magic of this memorable environment.

A Portrait of Leonardo

Step back in time and look in on the culture of beautiful Renaissance Italy in A Portrait of Leonardo [IL] by Donovan Bixley (Upstart Press). Be transported in time and place to meet artist Leonardo da Vinci (b. 1451), through the eyes and skilful digital art of Donovan Bixley whose illustrations allow us to view the man, his art and the world around him. See what people wore, the busy streets, Leonardo’s inventions and the bustle of life all around.

The animal kingdom

Doesn’t everyone love an animal story? These tales often reflect our own human interactions, and we see our own issues, celebrations and dilemmas through these stories.

Duck Goes Meow

Enjoy the rhyme and rhythm of Duck Goes Meow [PB] by Juliette MacIver. With its quirky illustrations by Carla Martell (Scholastic New Zealand), it will make ākonga both laugh and feel more at home. It could also be ideal for anyone who feels like an outsider or is battling stereotypes. Or use for young children struggling in tricky family situations to show how ‘home’ can look different for everyone.

Roo and Vladimir (an unlikely friendship)

Roo and Vladimir (an unlikely friendship) [PB] by Minky Stapleton (Scholastic New Zealand) is a familiar tale. Roo is a large dog who just wants a friend. The other dogs fear him until he meets Vladimir the Pekingese. Everyone can relate to the feelings and experiences of not fitting in and being misunderstood but trying to stay true to self. Teachers could use it to support a learning focus of not judging by appearances or of understanding growth mindset, self-awareness and self-belief.

Roar, Squeak Purr: A New Zealand Treasury of Animal Poems

Animals of all shapes and sizes, from air, land and water have their poetic moment of glory in Roar Squeak Purr: A New Zealand Treasury of Animal Poems [IL] edited by Paula Green, illustrated by Jenny Cooper (Puffin, Penguin Random House). A marvellous anthology of poems to enjoy with primary school children, as writing prompts or for reading engagement. There's art inspiration in the vibrant, characterful illustrations, which bring a particularly joyful tone to this book. Kids will love the silly ones and the clever ones and the ones which make them glow with recognition.

Connect and grow

Whatever the age or stage of the young people in your life, there will be something in this wonderful collection of finalist books that they can connect with. They will grow their enjoyment of reading and engagement with stories, be it in the classroom or curled up in their chosen, cosy reading spot. Explore, enjoy and recommend your favourites to others.

See all the finalists

Read more

Reading for pleasure — find out more about the importance of reading for the joy of it, and the benefits to literacy, social skills, health and learning outcomes.

Lending service — borrow these NZCYA finalists and other great books from us.