Sign In / Register
Although rainy days and chilly evenings can put a damper on outdoor plans, they might just be the perfect time to settle in with a good book. Whether you’re a retiree with time to fill or a busy student with little to spare, reading provides an easy way for anyone to unwind.
From picture books to chapter books, the National Library of NZ says helping kids find the joy in reading is an important step towards building confidence and creating lifelong reading habits.
“Students often find a character or theme that resonates with them, paving the way for more consistent reading and a sense of achievement as they read their way through the series,” the website says.
Auckland Libraries and local bookstores have a wide range of series for all ages, including readers aged eight to 10 who are still improving their reading literacy. Long-running series can be a great way to keep younger readers hooked, offering familiar characters, exciting worlds and plenty of reasons to keep turning the pages.
Since its debut in 2003, the Warrior Cats series has become a favourite among young readers, following the adventures of feral cats through action-packed stories spanning more than 100 books. Another popular choice is Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, which follows a teenage demigod as he discovers his place in the world of Greek mythology. Fans can also watch the latest TV adaptation, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, on Disney+.
As readers move into Young Adult fiction, finding a book that captures their interest can be challenging. However, trends like BookTok are helping spark renewed interest in reading, with bookstores including Whitcoulls and Paper Plus featuring titles that have gained popularity online.
Bridget Schaumann of the National Library of NZ says online reading communities are “changing attitudes about reading”, as platforms like TikTok introduce a new generation of readers to books through reviews, recommendations and viral trends.
“What I’m highlighting is the phenomenon of what is now called ‘social reading’. Whatever you think of the books themselves, you can’t deny that #BookTok creates readers,” she says.
Fantasy, romance and dystopian fiction continue to dominate online recommendations, with BookTok helping teens and young adults discover new genres and expand their reading choices.
Ahead of the release of its latest spinoff film in November, The Hunger Games remains one of the world’s most popular dystopian series. Set in the nation of Panem, the story follows Katniss Everdeen as she enters the deadly Hunger Games, where young people from each district are forced to fight to the death as punishment for a past rebellion.
For younger teens looking for something different, Michael Grant’s Gone series explores a world where everyone over the age of 14 suddenly disappears, leaving children to survive without technology or adult help. Additionally, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder follows 17-year-old Pip Fitz-Amobi as she investigates a local murder case, combining mystery with a true-crime twist. The trilogy has also been adapted into a Netflix series.
For adults and retirees, historical fiction and family dramas remain popular choices across libraries and book stores alike. Lucinda Riley’s The Seven Sisters series blends romance, history and mystery as six adopted sisters uncover their family’s secrets across the globe. Additionally, readers looking for a standalone novel may also enjoy Abraham Verghese’s The Covenant of Water, an epic family saga spanning generations and exploring themes of love, loss, medicine and resilience.
For readers struggling to find time, Auckland Libraries’ Libby app offers thousands of ebooks and audiobooks that can be enjoyed on the go.
For those still wondering where to start, book clubs such as Drifter Coffee’s monthly gathering can help readers discover new favourites while connecting with others.
Readers can also discover more local stories through Auckland Council Libraries’ annual We Read Auckland festival this August, featuring more than 20 free events, author talks, workshops and the return of the Taiohi Writing Competition. The festival’s Bestie Collection includes 24 books by Auckland authors, available to borrow from August 1, with featured writers including Barbara Dreaver, Charlotte Grimshaw, Witi Ihimaera, Paula Morris and Eugene Bingham.
