Book Reviews – Just Remember

Just Remember
by Donna Blaber

Donna Blaber sets her young adult novels in New Zealand and while she doesn’t tackle sex or drugs, Donna does write about some difficult topics in a gentle and natural manner. Em Rogers has moved north from Wellington to live with her nana after a car accident involving her parents. Em is convinced the accident was her fault as they were on their way to pick her up from a school detention. With this emotional trauma playing in her head, Em is struggling to fit in at her new school. That’s when everything changes. Em finds a special stone on the beach, new friends are made, and even though there’s a rahui on the rock pools, Em can’t help but be drawn to the area. This is where she remembers how happy her dad was. However, an angry local is determined to keep Em away from the rock pools, but why? What’s he hiding? Lovely story, well told and aimed at readers aged 10 to14 years.

Book Giveaway

Mahurangi Matters has two copies of Just Remember to give away. To go in the draw, email your contact details to editor@localmatters.co.nz. Put “Just Remember” in the subject line. Competition closes August 30, 2021.