Fiction reading guide
Whatever kind of fiction you’re into, there’s a great story here for you.
Books for teens with dyslexia
Dyslexia friendly books with a special font, thick, cream pages and widely spaced lines; high interest but a lower reading age.
Booklists
Māori fiction for Rangatahi
Collection of YA fiction and graphic novels written by and/or starring Māori characters and culture, for teens.
Short Reads - Teens
Sometimes you just need a quick read - a short book that you can pick up and polish off fast.
New Zealand Fiction - Teens
A varied list of books by Aotearoa writers. Our authors write from multiple perspectives, across all kinds of genres.
Romance - Teens
Read messy love-triangle stories or sweeping historical epics; bittersweet romantic tragedies or hilarious meet-cute mishaps.
Classic Novels - Teens
If you need a 'classic' read for NCEA or just want some great books that have stood the test of time - all published before 1960.
Books for teens with dyslexia
Dyslexia friendly books with a special font, thick, cream pages and widely spaced lines; high interest but a lower reading age.
Classic Romance
Secret longing, pompous men who turn out to have hearts of gold, and family, legal, or societal pressures getting in the way of love.
Classic Horror
Horror novel classics that have stood the test of time and will no doubt be enjoyed by generations of horror fans to come.
Classic Adventure Fiction
Classic tales that have stood the test of time. Go on a journey with beloved characters to far off lands filled with adventure.
New Zealand fiction reading guide
Explore adult fiction by New Zealand writers. Stories in a range of genres revealing something of our national character.
New for Rangatahi
New for Rangatahi
Printable lists
If you like... Rainbow reads
Stories about relationships, family, romance, activism, and struggle with a range of LGBTQIA+ characters. Printable author list (405 KB pdf)
If you like... YA Mystery fiction
Mystery is lurking everywhere from the school hallways to the shadows of the local woods. Printable author list (702 KB pdf).
If you like... YA Fantasy fiction
Encounter magic and myth, journey with legendary heroes, or protect the world from monsters or oppression. Printable author list (370KB pdf)
If you like... YA Dystopian fiction
Travel into grim futures not-so-far-removed from the world as we know it. Printable author list (939 KB pdf).
If you like... YA contemporary and realistic reads
Stories firmly rooted in the issues that affect us today. Funny, heartbreaking, realistic, engrossing. Printable author list (478KB pdf).
If you like... YA Adventure & action fiction
Hardy men in the wilderness, as well as bad guys in mean streets, tough heroines, and spies doing spy stuff. Printable author list (1MB pdf)
World War 1 and Anzac Day related books
Here's a selection of interesting books Christchurch City Libraries has relating to World War 1, going beyond New Zealand and ANZAC Day
2024 ALA Youth Media Awards - Young Adult
"Each year the American Library Association (ALA) honours books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens."
Te Tiriti o Waitangi - Treaty of Waitangi Resources
Check out this selection of some of the great Te Tiriti o Waitangi resources available in the libraries.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi - Tamariki Resources
We have put together a list of introductory resources on Te Tiriti o Waitangi. These are great resources for tamariki or new learners.
More Reading Ideas
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Genre reading guide
Find new reads from your favourite genres with these librarian recommendations for teens.
Backbone of the Nation
This was a fascinating read about the Miner's Strike from those who were involved, their experiences, and how it changed their lives and their communities.…
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