As new

Hene and the Burning Harbour tells the story of Hene, a Maori girl living in 1840s New Zealand, and is for younger readers aged 7-10.

Northland, 1845. When Hene’s twin brother falls dangerously ill, her parents fear she will also catch the sickness, so they send her away from her home at the pa to the Paihia mission station. Life with the missionaries is difficult. Hene must wear a hot European dress and learn to sew, which she hates.

Meanwhile, across the water in Russell, the world is in turmoil. Hone Heke has cut down the flagpole again and has attacked Korororeka. Hene sees smoke and fire from across the bay; the town is on fire and her best friend from the mission house, Rangi, is trapped there. Hene is the only one who can save her.

“The smoke was like a thick mist, making it hard to see anything. But Hene could hear the crackling of flames, distant shouts and booming guns. She felt as though she was high in a grey sky, crawling through a thunder cloud, and waiting to be hit by lightning.”

Rebecca and the Queen of Nations tells the story of ten-year-old Rebecca Kelly’s journey from Belfast to New Zealand in 1874. Set in Ireland and on board the historical ship the Queen of Nations, this is the story of a determined girl whose circumstances mean she must make difficult decisions and become independent at a very young age. For ages 7-11.

Happy to combine shipping with my other listings.