Best of the year: Aotearoa’s YA class of 2023

In 2023 a cohort of excellent, world-class authors from Aotearoa penned novels for young adults. Here is Kete’s pick of the year based on reviewers’ insights.

Here Upon the Tide by Blair McMillan. Amir escapes war-torn Syria, leaving his settled loving family and the promise of what was to be a bright future. Milly has lost her mother and her home in the Canterbury earthquakes. Bringing these two young people together ‘is a tour de force of the author’s imagination,’ writes reviewer Anne Ingram. There are ‘difficult themes in the story – refugees and their need for a safe home, the loss of a parent, depression and mental health.’ Blair McMillan explores these with ‘understanding and compassion’ and once the story takes off, the action is ‘fast-paced, suspenseful and thrilling’. 

Jack & Sandy by Bob Kerr. Jack and Eddie finish high school and embark on a kayaking adventure but Jack has another motive: to meet his long-estranged grandfather. Dionne Christian writes that author Bob Kerr has taken a personal story inspired by his father’s World War II experiences and crafted ‘an adventure story which rings true and spans three generations.’ Short, boldly illustrated chapters – some in graphic novel format – also feature photos, documents and newspaper clippings from the author’s father. ‘Deeply moving and expansive touching on everything from male friendship, parental expectations, lost love, the impact of war across generations and grief and forgiveness.’ Christian notes that Kerr’s primary audience is 10–15 year old boys who find chapter books with solid blocks of text daunting.