Book Reviews – Catch me when you fall

A shortlist of 28 titles in the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults has just been released. It’s a rich and varied array of the best titles – from picture books to Te Reo to the “best first book”. Selecting winners will be no easy task.  Here, we review two of the nominations.

Catch me when you fall
by Eileen Merriman
Nominated for best Young Adult Fiction

A moving novel about learning to find happiness in the face of uncertainty and discovering a love that transcends the boundary between life and death. Alex Byrd, 17, is about to have the worst day of her life, and the best. A routine blood test will reveal her leukaemia has returned, but she also meets Jamie Orange. He’s bipolar and irresistible.  Things get complicated as both teenagers have big dreams, but also big obstacles to overcome. A tender, emotional and realistic teenage love story that you will be swept along with. Eileen Merriman’s earlier book Pieces of You is also highly recommended.

Matakana Village Books
www.matakanavillagebooks.co.nz