Recommended Reads for Reading Level – Adult

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – Book number 045287
A young girl steals books and shares them during Nazi Germany, finding hope amidst devastating loss and darkness.

The Bone People by Keri Hulme – Book number 055356
A mysterious woman connects with a troubled boy and his foster father, revealing hidden traumas and profound healing.

The Story of a New Zealand River by Jane Mander – Book number 055800
A woman’s struggle for independence unfolds against the harsh and beautiful backdrop of New Zealand’s remote frontier.

A Dagg at My Table by John Clarke – Book number 055847
A hilarious collection of satirical writings and parodies capturing the unique spirit and humor of New Zealand.

Cross Stitch (Outlander Series Bk1) by Diana Gabaldon – Book number 059807
A WWII nurse is transported to 18th-century Scotland, entangling herself in love, danger, and historical intrigue.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – Book number 060045
A child’s view of racial injustice and moral growth in the American South during the 1930s.

All Blacks Don’t Cry by John Kirwan with Margie Thomson – Book number 061633
Rugby legend John Kirwan shares his courageous journey through depression and his path to hope and healing.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – Book number 067782
Elizabeth Bennet navigates love, class, and misunderstandings in this beloved classic of wit and romance.

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin – Book number 072823
Noble families vie for power in a brutal, sprawling medieval fantasy world filled with betrayal, dragons, and intrigue.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley – Book number 074964
A chilling dystopian future of engineered society questions freedom, individuality, and the cost of stability.

Plumb by Maurice Gee – Book number 078900
A fiery clergyman’s downfall and complex legacy ripple through generations of his troubled New Zealand family.

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr – Book number 087195
A blind French girl and a German boy struggle to survive and find humanity during World War II.

The Team That Changed Rugby Forever by Alex McKay – Book number 099136
The groundbreaking 1967 All Blacks tour reshaped the game and left a lasting impact on rugby history.

Pūrākau by Witi Ihimaera and Whiti Hereaka – Book number 126087
Māori myths are beautifully reimagined, breathing new life and meaning into traditional tales of gods and heroes.

Call Me Evie by J.P. Pomare – Book number 126137
A girl held captive in a remote town must piece together fractured memories to uncover a haunting truth.

Haben by Haben Girma – Book number 131097
The inspiring story of the first deafblind graduate of Harvard Law, challenging barriers with wit and resilience.

Auē by Becky Manawatu – Book number 133383
Two siblings navigate violence, grief, and hope in a raw, powerful story set in rural New Zealand.

Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason – Book number 137951
A sharp, tender novel about mental illness, family, and love, delivered with wit and brutal honesty.

Māori Made Easy by Scotty Morrison – Book number 138983
A friendly guide for beginners to learn and embrace everyday te reo Māori language and culture.

The Boy from Gorge River by Chris Long – Book number 140505
Growing up off-grid, Chris Long shares adventures, challenges, and lessons from New Zealand’s remotest settlement.

Jumping Sundays by Nick Bollinger – Book number 141108
A vibrant look at New Zealand’s counterculture movement, music, and social revolution of the 1960s and 1970s.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver – Book number 141169
An Appalachian boy struggles through poverty, addiction, and hardship in this powerful reimagining of Dickens’ David Copperfield.

Straight Up by Ruby Tui – Book number 141194
Rugby star Ruby Tui shares her candid journey from a challenging childhood to world champion and inspirational figure.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman – Book number 141288
Four retirees solve cold cases—and get tangled in a fresh murder—in this witty, charming mystery.

Always Italicise by Alice Te Punga Somerville – Book number 141594
Essays on identity, colonialism, and writing as a Māori scholar in a colonized literary landscape.

The Axeman’s Carnival by Catherine Chidgey – Book number 141608
A mischievous magpie narrates a darkly comic story of love, obsession, and fame in rural New Zealand.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus – Book number 141632
A brilliant chemist in 1960s America challenges gender norms by becoming an unexpected television star.

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty – Book number 141860
A missing mother and buried family secrets unravel in this twisty, emotionally rich domestic drama.

Pet by Catherine Chidgey – Book number 141952
A psychological thriller about manipulation, secrets, and obsession unfolding in a seemingly idyllic 1980s suburb.

The Country of the Blind by Andrew Leland – Book number 142046
A memoir about blindness, perception, and redefining independence as the author gradually loses his sight.

Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts by Josie Shapiro – Book number 142068
A young runner battles ambition, love, and loss in a poignant exploration of resilience and dreams.

The Doctor’s Wife by Fiona Sussman – Book number 142239
An illicit affair leads to tragedy and betrayal, revealing devastating secrets in a small New Zealand town.

Better Blood by Michael Bennett – Book number 142242
A gripping New Zealand thriller following a tenacious detective seeking justice for missing indigenous women.

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover – Book number 142375
A moving love story that explores the painful complexities of abusive relationships and difficult choices.

Water by John Boyne – Book number 142451
A woman escapes scandal by moving to a remote island, confronting solitude and her troubled past.

One of Those Mothers by Megan Nicol Reed – Book number 142560
A mother’s carefully constructed life unravels amid suspicion and secrets when tragedy strikes her close-knit community.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez – Book number 142607
A sweeping magical realist saga tracing the rise and fall of the Buendía family in Macondo.

Evolving by Judy Bailey – Book number 142780
Beloved broadcaster Judy Bailey reflects on aging gracefully, staying healthy, and embracing life’s later chapters.

The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton – Book number 073732
An intricate tale of fortune, mystery, and fate unfolds during New Zealand’s 1860s gold rush.

Death of a Gossip by M.C. Beaton – Book number 080513
Amateur sleuth Hamish Macbeth solves a murder in a sleepy Scottish village full of hidden grudges.

The Seven Sisters: Maia’s Story by Lucinda Riley – Book number 131513
Maia D’Aplièse uncovers secrets of her birth and embarks on a journey across continents to find her roots.

Life as a Casketeer by Francis & Kaiora Tipene – Book number 136731
A heartfelt, humorous glimpse into Māori funeral traditions and the life of New Zealand’s favorite undertakers.

Raven Black by Ann Cleeves – Book number 136830
A chilling murder in a remote Shetland community unearths long-held secrets and simmering tensions.

A Promised Land by Barack Obama – Book number 139443
Former President Barack Obama reflects on his political rise, challenges, and the meaning of leadership.

Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton – Book number 141581
An activist gardening collective collides with corporate greed and conspiracy in a tense, brilliant ecological thriller.

The Lavender Garden by Lucinda Riley – Book number 141739
Two women, separated by decades, uncover family secrets spanning WWII and the French Resistance.

The Pain Tourist by Paul Cleave – Book number 141764
A dark thriller about obsession, survival, and the fine line between victim and monster.

Life, Loss, Love by Lorraine Downes – Book number 141914
Former Miss Universe Lorraine Downes shares her journey through fame, grief, and rediscovering meaning in life.

Becoming by Michelle Obama – Book number 128521
Michelle Obama’s inspiring journey from Chicago’s South Side to First Lady, filled with hope, resilience, and empowerment.

Recommended reads for Reading Level Young Adult and Secondary

Hunter by Joy Cowley – Book number 045070
A gripping survival story where a boy and a mystical spirit beast connect across time to save each other.

24 Hours by Margaret Mahy – Book number 046190
A teenager faces unexpected danger during a mysterious, thrilling twenty-four-hour journey filled with twists, secrets, and self-discovery.

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman – Book number 048529
In a racially divided world, two teenagers fight against prejudice and forbidden love, risking everything for change and freedom.

Alex (Alex #1) by Tessa Duder – Book number 050266
A talented teenage swimmer battles personal struggles and intense competition on her journey toward Olympic dreams and self-belief.

The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera – Book number 051023
A young Maori girl challenges tradition and fulfills an ancient prophecy, proving her worthiness as a leader and whale rider.

The Juniper Game by Sherryl Jordan – Book number 053901
Two teens experiment with mind travel but discover dark consequences in this thrilling tale of friendship, power, and trust.

Take it Easy by David Hill – Book number 053914
When his life spirals, a teenager learns that slowing down and facing challenges head-on is sometimes the only way forward.

Winter of Fire by Sherryl Jordan – Book number 053981
In a brutal dystopia, a young girl’s defiance sparks a revolution that challenges the oppression enslaving her people.

Rocco by Sherryl Jordan – Book number 054008
Rocco’s dreams transport him into a haunting ancient world, where he must uncover the truth to save himself and others.

The Sleeper Wakes by David Hill – Book number 054009
After a tragic accident, a boy awakens with mysterious powers and faces new responsibilities he never imagined.

Tanith by Sherryl Jordan – Book number 054021
A banished girl with strange gifts battles suspicion and fear, fighting to prove her innocence and reclaim her place.

The Champion by Maurice Gee – Book number 054283
A teenage boy struggles with secrets, lies, and loyalty after uncovering shocking truths about his idolized family.

The 10 PM Question by Kate De Goldi – Book number 054553
A witty, sensitive boy navigates anxiety, family quirks, and growing up while hiding a secret he fears will unravel everything.

Maddigan’s Fantasia by Margaret Mahy – Book number 055034
In a post-apocalyptic world, a young performer joins a traveling circus on a quest to save their crumbling city.

Stormbreaker (Alex Rider #1) by Anthony Horowitz – Book number 055228
Teenage spy Alex Rider plunges into a world of espionage, facing deadly gadgets, evil plots, and daring missions.

I Am Not Esther (I Am Not Esther #1) by Fleur Beale – Book number 055591
Forced into a strict religious cult, a teenage girl struggles to retain her identity and reclaim her freedom.

See Ya, Simon by David Hill – Book number 055597
A moving story of friendship, courage, and coping with terminal illness, told through the eyes of a boy losing his best friend.

Because We Were the Travellers by Jack Lasenby – Book number 055638
In a future wilderness, a boy must survive alone, forging a new life among dangerous remnants of the old world.

Secret Sacrament (Secret Sacrament #1) by Sherryl Jordan – Book number 055763
A healer’s destiny unfolds as he challenges corruption, confronts betrayal, and seeks to fulfill a life-changing prophecy.

Alchemy by Margaret Mahy – Book number 056475
A teenage boy becomes entangled in a mysterious girl’s quest for magical knowledge and learns secrets that change everything.

The Tomorrow Code by Brian Falkner – Book number 056655
Two teens decode messages from the future warning of global disaster, and must race against time to prevent it.

Juno of Taris (Juno #1) by Fleur Beale – Book number 056804
Juno questions the rules of her isolated, utopian island, uncovering dangerous secrets that could change everything.

Orchard Street by Maurice Gee – Book number 060517
A boy’s life changes when he discovers troubling truths hidden in his seemingly quiet suburban neighborhood.

Northern Lights (His Dark Materials #1) by Philip Pullman – Book number 063450
In a magical universe, Lyra journeys across the frozen North to rescue kidnapped children and confront cosmic forces.

The Falcon’s Malteser (Diamond Brothers #1) by Anthony Horowitz – Book number 067227
A bumbling detective duo stumbles into a dangerous criminal conspiracy after receiving a mysterious package.

Raven’s Gate (The Power of Five #1) by Anthony Horowitz – Book number 067228
A troubled teen discovers he has powers and is destined to fight ancient evil forces threatening the world.

Eragon (Inheritance #1) by Christopher Paolini – Book number 067299
A farm boy discovers a dragon egg, setting him on a perilous path of magic, destiny, and rebellion.

Hostel Girl by Maurice Gee – Book number 071044
A young woman’s life at a hostel reveals friendships, betrayals, and self-discovery amid personal and family challenges.

The Hunger Games (Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins – Book number 071431
In a brutal dystopian society, Katniss Everdeen volunteers for a deadly televised survival game to save her sister.

The Tiggy Tompson Show (Tiggy Tompson #1) by Tessa Duder – Book number 073022
A teen TV host navigates fame, friendship, and personal dramas in a lively coming-of-age story.

The Raging Quiet by Sherryl Jordan – Book number 073997
Accused of witchcraft, a girl finds friendship and love with a deaf boy, challenging cruel village prejudices.

Mortal Fire by Elizabeth Knox – Book number 081070
A brilliant girl with secret powers investigates magical mysteries hidden within a strange, enchanting valley.

Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth – Book number 086633
In a divided society, a girl chooses her fate and uncovers conspiracies that threaten to destroy everything she believes in.

The Severed Land by Maurice Gee – Book number 089132
Two unlikely heroes cross a ravaged land on a daring rescue mission, confronting both enemies and themselves.

Flight Path by David Hill – Book number 090363
A young pilot-in-training faces love, loss, and courage during World War II in the Pacific.

Closed, Stranger by Kate De Goldi – Book number 098520
A teenager’s encounter with a mysterious stranger triggers a poignant journey into the secrets of his family’s past.

The Parihaka Woman by Witi Ihimaera – Book number 098972
A spirited woman from colonial New Zealand fights injustice, love, and survival through turbulent times.

The Anger of Angels by Sherryl Jordan – Book number 126653
A girl risks her life to protect a subversive play that challenges tyranny and inspires rebellion.

The Crossing by Mandy Hager – Book number 128120
In a dystopian future, a young girl resists religious indoctrination and seeks freedom across a perilous sea crossing.

The Angel Experiment by James Patterson – Book number 133670
Genetically engineered teens with wings flee ruthless scientists and uncover shocking truths about their existence.

Assault by Brian Falkner – Book number 134950
Teen rebels fight to defend their homeland from invaders in a gripping, action-packed survival story.

The Deadly Sky by David Hill – Book number 136146
Two teenagers survive a catastrophic meteor storm, facing both physical and emotional challenges in the aftermath.

Ransomwood by Sherryl Jordan – Book number 137337
A servant girl and a wrongfully accused boy journey together for justice in a medieval society fraught with danger.

La Belle Sauvage (The Book of Dust #1) by Philip Pullman – Book number 137613
A brave boy protects a mysterious baby destined to change worlds, embarking on a perilous journey through floodwaters.

Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard #1) by James Patterson – Book number 139361
Siblings with magical powers battle an oppressive regime determined to destroy creativity, freedom, and hope.

Coast Watcher by David Hill – Book number 141246
A teen helps a hidden coast watcher during WWII, facing danger, secrecy, and acts of bravery.

Yes by Deborah Burnside – Book number 141481
A spirited debate over a political referendum tests friendships and beliefs among a group of New Zealand teens.

Eddy, Eddy by Kate De Goldi – Book number 141512
After a family tragedy, a boy reconnects with his roots, rebuilding life and relationships through resilience and hope.

 

Recommended reads for Reading Level Primary / Intermediate

Down the Back of the Chair by Margaret Mahy — Book number 046278
A magical chair hides treasures beyond imagination, helping a struggling family find unexpected happiness and surprises.

The Silent One by Joy Cowley — Book number 051021
A lonely boy forms a special bond with a rare, mysterious white turtle in a remote island village.

Carpet of Dreams by Tessa Duder — Book number 054375
A girl follows a magical carpet on an enchanting journey that teaches her courage, friendship, and hope.

Jellybean by Tessa Duder — Book number 054413
A spirited young girl navigates family struggles and personal growth with warmth, resilience, and a bit of mischief.

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr — Book number 055644
A Jewish family flees Nazi Germany, facing hardships, hope, and resilience through a child’s eyes.

Friends, Snake and Lizard by Joy Cowley — Book number 058915
Two unlikely animal friends navigate misunderstandings, loyalty, and laughter in a series of charming short stories.

Snake and Lizard by Joy Cowley — Book number 058980
Snake and Lizard form an endearing friendship, learning life lessons through humorous and heartwarming adventures.

The Word Witch by Margaret Mahy — Book number 059164
A delightful collection of poems and stories celebrating the magic of words, imagination, and childhood adventures.

Wake Up, Bear by Lynley Dodd — Book number 066083
Bear tries to sleep through winter, but noisy friends make hibernation impossible in this charming bedtime story.

The Witch in the Cherry Tree by Margaret Mahy — Book number 066089
A cheeky witch tries to steal freshly baked cakes, but a clever boy thwarts her mischief with wit.

Stories of the Wild West Gang by Joy Cowley — Book number 067768
A lively family creates hilarious chaos and unforgettable adventures on their farm in rural New Zealand.

Hairy Maclary’s Rumpus at the Vet by Lynley Dodd — Book number 069681
Hairy Maclary causes a hilarious commotion at the vet’s office with a cast of mischievous animal friends.

Fly Pie by Joy Cowley — Book number 071616
Two boys’ plan to catch flies for a pie spirals into an unexpected, hilarious disaster.

A Lion in the Meadow by Margaret Mahy — Book number 074914
A boy’s imaginary lion becomes real, blurring the lines between make-believe and reality in a heartwarming tale.

The Three-Legged Cat by Margaret Mahy — Book number 075862
Tom the cat dreams of exploring the world and finds adventure much closer to home than expected.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen — Book number 078576
A family embarks on a rhythmic, brave adventure through grass, rivers, and caves to find a bear.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr — Book number 085644
A friendly, unexpected tiger visits a girl’s home, devouring everything in a whimsical, beloved classic tale.

The Tuatara and the Skink by Yvonne Morrison — Book number 087725
Two native reptiles clash over territory but learn to coexist in this entertaining New Zealand animal fable.

Wacko Kakapo by Yvonne Morrison — Book number 087731
A quirky kakapo’s humorous adventures showcase New Zealand’s unique wildlife and the importance of acceptance and individuality.

Slinky Malinki Catflaps by Lynley Dodd — Book number 088315
Slinky Malinki sneaks through catflaps at night, causing mischief until he’s finally caught red-pawed.

Hairy Maclary’s Bone by Lynley Dodd — Book number 089294
Hairy Maclary proudly parades his prized bone, cleverly fending off envious dogs along the way.

Slinky Malinki, Earlybird by Lynley Dodd — Book number 095391
Slinky Malinki’s early morning adventures lead him into delightful mischief while everyone else still sleeps.

Hairy Maclary’s Caterwaul Caper by Lynley Dodd — Book number 095555
Hairy Maclary and friends join forces in a noisy rescue mission for a yowling cat in trouble.

Dreams of Warriors by Susan Brocker — Book number 099580
A young girl’s dream of riding alongside warriors teaches her courage, compassion, and resilience in wartime New Zealand.

Dogfight (Flying Furballs #1) by Donovan Bixley — Book number 101902
Furry pilots battle dastardly enemies in a hilarious, action-packed aerial adventure with plenty of feline fun.

Helper and Helper, Snake and Lizard by Joy Cowley — Book number 101998
Snake and Lizard’s friendship deepens through funny, heartfelt tales about teamwork, trust, and understanding differences.

A Friend in Paradise by Des Hunt — Book number 120042
A boy’s wildlife rescue mission leads to danger and discovery in a hidden paradise facing destruction.

Gumboot Stomp by Samantha Laugensen — Book number 128921
Joyful rhymes and muddy fun celebrate New Zealand’s love for gumboots and outdoor adventures.

The Beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams — Book number 133413
In a future London, a lonely prince faces monstrous beasts and dark conspiracies to save his kingdom.

Little Red Riding Hood: Not Quite by Yvonne Morrison — Book number 135502
A hilarious Kiwi twist on a classic fairy tale with unexpected characters and laugh-out-loud surprises.

Skink Gully by Des Hunt — Book number 135510
A boy’s holiday uncovers secrets about wildlife conservation, friendship, and confronting unscrupulous developers.

Into the Wild (Wolf Girl #1) by Anh Do — Book number 135527
Separated from her family, a brave girl survives in the wild with a pack of loyal dogs.

Whale Pot Bay by Des Hunt — Book number 136169
A boy’s efforts to save stranded whales reveal hidden tensions and environmental challenges in his coastal community.

A Winter’s Day in 1939 by Melinda Szymanik — Book number 136178
A Polish boy’s wartime journey of survival and hope unfolds amid displacement and hardship during World War II.

The Haystack by Jack Lasenby — Book number 136626
A mischievous gang of boys build a giant haystack and find unexpected trouble in the New Zealand countryside.

Tui Street Tales by Anne Kayes — Book number 136917
Children living on Tui Street discover magical mysteries and extraordinary adventures hidden within their ordinary suburban lives.

Brave Bess and the ANZAC Horses by Susan Brocker — Book number 137605
The true story of a courageous New Zealand war horse that served valiantly during World War I.

Take to the Skies (Skydragon #1) by Anh Do — Book number 137674
A girl discovers she has dragon powers and must fight to protect her secret and save her family.

The Ugly Hatchling by Yvonne Morrison — Book number 138859
A heartwarming Kiwi twist on the classic ugly duckling story, celebrating uniqueness and finding where you belong.

Dashing Dog by Margaret Mahy — Book number 138860
A runaway dog causes delightful chaos during a wild, playful chase around town.

Boogie Bear by David Walliams — Book number 139251
A lonely polar bear finds friendship and acceptance in a strange new land after drifting far from home.

Stuck in Poo, What to Do? by Samantha Laugensen — Book number 140436
A hilarious, messy adventure where teamwork and quick thinking rescue a stuck friend from a sticky situation.

The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire #1) by Tui T. Sutherland — Book number 140706
Young dragons destined to end a war seek freedom and friendship in a world of prophecy and betrayal.

Sharing with Wolf by Melinda Szymanik — Book number 141282
A little girl teaches a scary wolf an important lesson about kindness, sharing, and unlikely friendships.

The Memory Thief by Leonie Agnew — Book number 141390
A mysterious boy steals memories to survive, but his latest target changes everything in this haunting fantasy.

The Wolf in the Wardrobe by Susan Brocker — Book number 141401
A boy rescues an injured wolf, discovering courage, loyalty, and the healing power of friendship.

Grandpa’s Great Escape by David Walliams — Book number 141499
A boy teams up with his adventurous grandpa for a daring escape from a sinister retirement home.

Mog and the Vee Ee Tee by Judith Kerr — Book number 141532
Mog the cat’s simple vet visit spirals into hilarious chaos and unexpected adventure.

From Nerd to Ninja (Ninja Kid #1) by Anh Do — Book number 142357
A nerdy boy wakes up on his tenth birthday to discover he’s secretly a ninja superhero.

Deadly Feathers by Des Hunt — Book number 142622
A boy’s quest to protect endangered birds turns dangerous as he faces poachers and dark secrets in the bush.