Susan Brocker

First in the Kiwis at War series which is set to comprise five books by various authors on each year of the First World War. When war is declared in August 1914, 17-year-old Billy Bowman is caught up in the excitement and signs up with his best mate Jack along with their horses. From shepherding on a Manawatu farm they are sent to Awapuni Racecourse near Palmerston North and assigned to the 6th Manawatu Squadron of the Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment.

During the long sea voyage to war the heat takes its toll on the horses and soldiers alike with the horses needing extra care just to stay alive. Once they are through the Suez Canal they finally reach Egypt and experience culture shock as they spend weeks training in the desert.

Leaving their horses behind in Egypt, the squadron is sent to Gallipoli after the first landings. There they take park in the horrific battle of Chunuk Bair in August 1915. The horror of trench warfare surrounded by the dead from both sides is depicted in grim reality. War is hell – far removed from the big adventure Jack and his mates thought it would be. In a minority of those who survived, Billy must learn a new way of getting around as he comes to terms with his injury.

Accurately reflecting the story inside, the embossed cover is just fantastic. The map at the front is detailed and an important reference point as the reader moves through the story. Also very useful are the timeline, glossary and bibliography are included at the end of the book. Another fantastic offering from well respected Tauranga children’s author Susan Brocker, one which reflects a large amount of research into the topic. Highly recommended.… (meer)

Set in early New Zealand, Tom had sent his only child, Charlotte, to be looked after by nuns while he panned for enough gold to be able to buy a small farm. Unfortunately he was attacked by thieves and was thought to have been killed. WhenToms partner Tama tells Charlotte the bad news, Charlotte changes her appearance to a boy's and joins Tama droving a herd of cattle over the rugged Arthur's Pass to the West Coast so she can find her father. On the drove she proves her skills and makes a new friend who has his own secrets. She soon realises the dangers on the trail are not just from the land and the animals she works with, and will she ever find out what happened to her father?… (meer)

Charlotte's father has had to leave her at a convent while he goes gold prospecting on the West Coast of New Zealand. Rumours of his death reach 14-year-old Charlotte but she doesn't believe them and determines to visit his claimsite herself. She runs away, disguising herself as boy in order to join a droving team taking cattle over the dangerous Southern Alps. Helping along the way are her father’s friend, Tama, and Joseph, an American boy. What she uncovers when she reaches the claim site will leads her to her father but also into danger.

Another fantastic offering from Tauranga author Susan Brocker. A great adventure tale set in an historical landscape that is an important part of New Zealand's heritage.… (meer)