NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults: Best First Book NZSA Award

These books are all in the running for the NZSA Best First Book prize, selected from a wide range of genres. Click on the titles for catalogue information.

Hine and the Tohunga Portal by Ataria Sharman
A thrilling story about Hine and Hohepa, two children who step through a portal to a world of magical creatures and Maori deities. The evil sorcerer Kae rules with a cursed army and plans to take over the modern world. The children are caught up in a quest to learn ancient knowledge so they can revoke the curse. The manuscript for the book was selected for a Te Papa Tupu writing mentorship and went on to be published by Huia Publishers in 2021.

I Am Autistic by Chanelle Horiah
Chanelle wrote this book when she was looking for a simple resource explaining what autism is and how it can impact on your life. Not finding anything written from an autistic person’s point of view or about the different ways autism can present itself, she was keen to write a book that helped make sense of her experiences. The book explains different aspects of autism and is accompanied by Chanelle’s illustrations with space for readers to note their thoughts. The book was an immediate bestseller.

Mokopuna Matatini by Pania Tahau-Hodges, illustrated by Story Hemi-Morehouse
Already up for the Russell Clark and Te Kura Pounamu awards, this lively picture book celebrating the magic of kapa haka is the first book from this promising partnership. A bright and lively picture book full of humour and fun. The Greatest Haka Festival on Earth is their follow-up book, shortlisted for a Picture Book Award.

My Cat Can See Ghosts by Emily Joe
Already selected for a Picture Book Award and the Russell Clark Illustration Award, Emily Joe’s debut picture book is a fun read for children and cat lovers. The quirky illustrations and zany lettering perfectly reflect the fun rhyming verse of the story about a cat whose crazy behaviour makes you think it can see ghosts.

Spark Hunter by Sonya Wilson
Nissa is lost in a Fjiordland forest, drawn by sparks of light, but she’s not the only one in danger. This debut is a fabulous adventure story that carries the reader to a world of fantastic creatures and endangered species. This book is also shortlisted for a Junior Fiction Award. As well as a background in broadcast journalism, Sonya Wilson completed a Master of Creative Writing from University of Auckland in 2018, with First Class Honours.

18 July 2022

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