Macleans College

36,250 pages read and 1,309 team points

Team members

ChrisReedNZ

15,556 pts

(9,740 pages read)

Tūmahi Māori

By Hone Waengarangi Morris

4 stars

Part of my learning journey. This was great to learn more about how grammatical structures within Māori add to meaning, and how differently I need to think than I do in English. A challenge for me in my haerenga.
Great Eastern Hotel

By Ruchir Joshi

4 stars

A review book that I didn't love, but the way it was told was interesting. Definitely a slog at 900 pages, but the world building was excellent and the characters had redeeming features - for the most part.
Wisdom Takes Work

By Ryan Holiday

4 stars

Lovely final installment of the series by Holiday. Perhaps not as captivating as some of the others, but it really does get to the nub of the issue, that things of value take time to accumulate. in an instant gratification world, it is important to realise that achievements do happen with patience and discipline.
Protest Shaping Aotearoa

By Mandy Hager

4 stars

Looking at the way that protests have happened in our nation over the years. not the greatest read, but some interesting points around things like the Springbok tour
A Bunk for the Night

By Shaun Barnett et al

4 stars

A comprehensive view of bunks and camp sites around the country - a great addition for this time of year and finding some outstanding opportunities!
The Sun is a Star

By Dick Frizzell

4 stars

Great book of words and drawings from one of NZ's most accomplished painters. I loved the way he has curated this and created a really fascinating view of the centre of our universe!
Wednesday's Children

By Robin Hyde

4 stars

Loved this, hadn't read much of Robin Hyde before, and I am sad that this was my first one. I really enjoyed the narrative style. The language is dated, obviously, but didn't take away from the narrative.
Cat on the Road to Findout

By Cat Stevens

2 stars

Had to move pretty quickly through this one. Not a favourite. Not a whole lot of new stuff, and a bit too much on the personal faith journey rather than the music and the understanding of how the songs came to be.
Red Notice

By Bill Browder

5 stars

I devoured this book. Loved the ideas of espionage and deception between UK and Russia. Read it all in one evening. Captivating!
Tales in the Waitakere Ranges

By Various

4 stars

Collection of locally written stories and poetry. Very easy read, and some really interesting pieces!
Tales of Curiosity

By Sonya McArthur

4 stars

I've been reading these short stories to my 9 year old each evening, it's been really special to do this with her. I have enjoyed the process of talking through the stories - the morals within, and the messages that they contain. Really enjoyable dad/daughter time.
I'm Working on a Building

By Pip Adams

4 stars

A really complicated piece this one. One of the review books that I do. I thought it held a lot of promise, but never quite delivered the way I wanted it to. I should note that it's my personal decision, and I know a lot of others have loved it.
Bear

By Kiri Lightfoot

5 stars

Definitely up there with one of the best modern YA fiction texts from NZ. I loved the exploration of self and the humour that went along with this. Outstanding.
Manhattan Down

By Michael Cordy

5 stars

A bit far fetched in places, but the story of a whole city knocked out in sleep is an interesting one. I liked the speed of the narrative.
Speaking My Language

By Mike McRoberts

5 stars

McRoberts completed the course that I intend to do in 2026, so it was fascinating to hear his story. I loved reading this, and appreciate the opportunity to connect with him on this.
Slowing the Sun

By Nadine Hura

5 stars

A fine collection of writings from one of our modern greats. Nadine has such a beautiful way about her presentation of grief, Māori ideas in modern society, and the exploration of the relationships between people, the land, and corporations. Thoroughly researched and expertly written.
The Edge of Light Book 2: The Miracle

By A.M. Dixon

3 stars

Following on from New Dawning. This YA text was a good read focused on global climate change. Didn't love it as much as the first, but this was a page turner still. Definitely going to read the next one.
The Lucky Ride

By Yasushi Kitagawa

4 stars

I loved this one. The mysterious taxi premise is simple and parable like, but such a great story. Almost 'The Alchemist' in this way!
All That We Know

By Shilo Kino

5 stars

Reading this one in anticipation of my own te reo journey in 2026. Love her writing, and the story has a lovely flow to it that is immersive - like the Rumaki Reo journey at Takiura
Māori Action Songs

By Alan Armstrong & Reupena Ngata

5 stars

A great overview of movement and kupu (words) with kapa haka
Coldwire

By Chloe Gong

4 stars

Love Chloe Gong, the landscapes and worlds that she creates are sublime. A highly recommended read for those interested in following some great writing.
Ngā Mōteatea

By Sir Apirana Ngata

5 stars

Outstanding. Been chipping away at these waiata for the last week and have found them both rewarding, and thoroughly informational. Ngata collected the waiata and mōteatea over a 40 year period, and his work is unbelievable. Such a valuable resource.
Chris Knox

By Craig Robertson

4 stars

Chris Knox is an eclectic fella. From Tall Dwarves to the haunting 'not given lightly' this guy knew his craft and was able to take New Zealand along with him. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
It's a bit more complicated than that

By Hannah Marshall

3 stars

Didn't love this book as much as I wanted to. It was a slow burn that was trying to be something great, but it just never landed fully for me. Perhaps I wasn't in the right frame of mind for some YA fiction!
Huia Short Stories 16

By Various

4 stars

Another great line up of local talent with the Huia Short Stories for 2025. This is edition 16 and it's a pretty impressive selection. Highly recommended.
Landfall 250 Edition

By Edited by Lynley Edmeades

5 stars

Landfall has long been a staple of the Aotearoa literati and remains that way. This anniversary edition really does bring to the fore the incredible depth of talent in our country and expresses deep and emotive approaches to concepts, ideas, and issues within our country.
Pipi and Pou and the Haunted Forest

By Tim Tipene

4 stars

Another great quick read (about 20 minutes!) that would be great in NZ classrooms to help growing literacy. Fast paced, and action packed.
Pipi and Pou and the Shadow Below

By Tim Tipene

4 stars

I like reading Tim Tipene's stuff. He is able to create worlds that appreciate te ao Māori. Well worth a read of these two adventurers.
Mini Whiteboards

By Craig Barton

5 stars

I love Craig Barton, and reading and learning from this book has been a really strong reminder of the work I need to do (and can do) to improve the learning in my classroom.
Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm

By Charlie Mackesy

5 stars

A wonderful follow up from the classic The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. I loved it. So many wonderful words of wisdom and ideas.
The Retreat

By Helen Vivienne Fletcher

4 stars

I enjoyed parts of this, but overall despite being a little formulaic (what YA novel isn't these days) I felt it had a lot of great points. Characters are well drawn and the concept did hold some promise!
The Man Who Died Seven Times

By Yauhiko Nishizawa

4 stars

A really interesting approach to the time-loop approach to story telling. i really enjoyed this one.

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Macleans College

36,250 pages read and 1,309 team points

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