Nine Girls

In 1978, Titch’s dad goes bankrupt and her family moves from the flash city suburb Remuera to Ngāruawāhia, the small town where her mum comes from. In Ngāruawāhia, Titch and her cousins hear about a stash of gold that is apparently buried on the family land. Even though the gold is thought to be cursed, they become fixated on finding it. Things are different in Ngāruawāhia. Titch meets an eel named Paneiraira, or Pan for short. He’s a real character and a big talker, guiding Titch through the stories of her ancestors and helping her to understand herself and all the different and complex feelings of her family and her people.

The book is set over a few years and provides clear context for historical events like the occupation of Takaparawhau/Bastion Point, which began in 1977, and the greatly divisive protests that happened when the South African Springbok rugby team toured New Zealand in 1981.

This is an excellent coming-of-age story filled with strong characters. It’s frequently hilarious and deeply moving; a greatly enriching and engrossing read. Te reo Māori (the Maori language) throughout the book may feel unfamiliar to readers outside of Aotearoa New Zealand, so a glossary is included and there are notes at the back to clarify the historical detail and the author’s own story, which inspired the book. Recent government changes in Aotearoa New Zealand have sparked widespread concern surrounding Māori issues and with this in mind the book feels especially relevant. Highly recommended for readers aged 11+.