Secrets and Spies

by Judith Bryers Holloway

This book is a bit different!

It is a New Zealand book set in a fictional city, where big business and local council are trying to manipulate the lives of ordinary citizens. Some primary aged children, with the help of a seventh former, fight the council to allow a home for old dogs to remain on a piece of prime real estate.
The book has many short chapters (two to ten pages long), and is illustrated by a number of black and white photographs.
Once the characters and settings are established, the story moves along briskly. One chapter is written as a TV play, complete with stage directions. There is also a chapter about making a submission to a council meeting.

Photos were taken in the Horowhenua area, and $1 from the sale of each book will go towards Hearing Dogs NZ.

Primary (good readers) and Intermediate level.

Reviewed by Lynn