Best of 2011 # 4

Here's another couple of librarian's view of the best books of 2011.

The first comes from Loryn a senior librarian at Mangere Bridge who specialises in children's and teens services. This is a mix of junior, teenage and adult fiction.

Darius Bell and the crystal bees by Odo Hirsch.
"The bees on the Bell estate are dying. There'll be no more delicious honey, and without the bees to pollinate flowers, no more fruit and vegetables. No more of Mrs Simpson's glorious pies and cakes! Worse still, Mr Fisher the gardener will have to leave the estate, along with his family. Darius Bell is determined that something must be done, even if the dastardly Mayor is against him..."

Gold seekers by Jane Johnson
The best children’s novel I’ve come across in a while. Well written and well researched with a great message.

Let me whisper you my story by Moya Simons
Set in WW II and a great history read for children to learn more about the world we live in

The Visconti House by Elspeth Edgar
Just remember this was worth the time reading it. And now being enjoyed by the children I suggest it to!

Nicholas Dane by Melvin Burgess
A very powerful story set in a boys home in England – read and enjoyed by the adults and teens I suggest try it.

The last Chinese chef by Nicola Mones
"Struggling to get back on her feet in the wake of her husband's premature death and stunned by a paternity suit against her husband's estate, food writer Maggie McElroy plans a trip to China to investigate the claim and to profile rising chef Sam Liang."

The second set of titles come from Matthew who has returned to summer at Warkworth as acting Library Manager there.

Young MacDonald had a farm written by Anna Crosbie ; illustrated by Scott Tulloch
Neat New Zealand children's book with lots of cool farm machinery that little boys love to point out! (and probably the big boys as well judging by Matt's reaction to it)

Life Class by Pat Barker
A well told story that focusses on the emotional effects WWI had on a young generation