Into the River
- ISBN-10
- 1775536033
- ISBN-13
- 9781775536031
- Category
- Juvenile Fiction
- Pages
- 276
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2013-10-18
- Publisher
- Penguin Random House New Zealand Limited
- Author
- Ted Dawe
Description
A gripping, gritty and award-winning coming-of-age novel for young adult readers. When Te Arepa Santos is dragged into the river by a giant eel, something happens that will change the course of his whole life. The boy who struggles to the bank is not the same one who plunged in, moments earlier. He has brushed against the spirit world, and there is a price to be paid; an utu (revenge) to be exacted. Years later, far from the protection of whanau (family) and ancestral land, he finds new enemies. This time, with no one to save him, there is a decision to be made: he can wait on the bank, or leap forward into the river. At the 2013 NZ Post Childrens Book Awards Into the River was judged the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year. It also won the Young Adult Fiction category of the awards. An engaging coming-of-age novel, it follows its main protagonist from his childhood in small-town rural New Zealand to an elite Auckland boarding school, where he must forge his own way - including battling with his cultural identity. This prequel to Ted Dawe's award-winning novel Thunder Road is gritty, provocative, at times shocking, but always real and true. The awards' chief judge Bernard Beckett described a character "caught between two worlds ... the explicit content was presented as the danger of people being left adrift by society. And within that context, hard-hitting material is crucial; it is what makes the book authentic, real and important." The Deputy Chief Censor of Fim and Literature ruled that the book is not offensive: 'The book deals with some stronger content. There are sexual relationships between teenagers, encounters with possible child sexual exploitation, the use of illegal drugs and other criminal activities, violent assault, and a moderate level of highly offensive language. These are well contextualised within an exciting fast moving narrative that has as its protagonist, a young teenage Maori boy from a rural community who is finding his way through the strange uncomfortable environment of a boys' boarding school and unfamiliar social mores. The story captures the raw and real extremes of adolescence in teenage boys along with their yearnings and obsessions. The book is notable for being one of the first in the New Zealand which specifically targets teenage boys and younger men - a genre that does not have great representation. The genre character is therefore significant. The content immerses the reader in action, wit, and intrigue, as well as a level of social realism, all likely to engage teen and young adult readers and with particular appeal for older boys and young men.'
Get the book
Other editions
Similar books
-
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
By J. K. RowlingRescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.
-
Harry Potter y el Prisionero de Azkaban. Edición Slytherin / Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Slytherin Edition
By J.K. RowlingENGLISH DESCRIPTION You will always have a home at Hogwarts. The 20th Anniversary Edition of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Let J.K. Rowling's classic saga take you back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
-
Play It Again
By Laura DowerShe was Lindsay Frost, and she'd been in Madison's class since first grade, but Madison rarely noticed her. The only time Lindsay spoke ...
-
From the Files of Madison Finn Books 1–10
By Laura DowerShe was Lindsay Frost, and she'd been in Madison's class since first grade, but Madison rarely noticed her. The only time Lindsay spoke out in class was to ...
-
Storybook Advent Calendar
By Laura D. Lewis, Lewis BrechLaura D. Lewis, Lewis Brech ... and Jack Frost was mischievous enough to nip his nose and ears if he undertook the long journey while the Frost King reigned ...
-
All That Glitters
By Laura DowerFiona laughed. “I thought you'd wish that Dan would like you back.” Lindsay's eyes bugged out. “Dan?” Mrs. Frost asked. “Who's Dan?” Lindsay froze.
-
The Long Winter
By Laura Ingalls WilderSuch a light frost will only make it dry faster when it's cut. But I'd better get a hustle on, for it won't be long now till it's too late to make hay.
-
Keep It Real
By Laura DowerMadison told Fiona she'd check with her dad about changing the plans. ... Fiona's soccer buddy, Daisy Espinoza; and, of course, Lindsay Frost, who was.
-
From the Files of Madison Finn: All That Glitters - Book #20
By Laura DowerMrs. Frost asked . ... Mrs. Frost grabbed her daughter's hands . ... Madison noticed how Mrs. Frost just stood there as if she'd been socked in the jaw .
-
Heart to Heart
By Laura DowerCan Maddie follow her heart this Valentine’s Day?