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Koro’s Star

Set in the 1960s, Koro’s Star is a heart-warming, exciting, adventure story.

It’s the beginning of the summer holidays in 1967 when 10-year-old Atama moves with his family into a new army base. His father, Atama’s hero, departs for Vietnam, asking Atama to look after his mum and his younger sister, Maia, while he’s away.

Atama is nervous about making friends at the new camp, so his dad leaves a surprise under his pillow: Koro’s 1939-1945 star medal, handed down to Dad after his own father died during World War II. Atama finds new friends but has to undergo an ‘initiation’ to become part of their club.

Wearing Koro’s medal around his neck, Atama hopes it will give him courage … but is unprepared for what lies ahead, deep in the tunnels beneath the army base.

Written by Claire Aramakutu

$21.99 incl. GST

1 in stock (can be backordered)

Description

Koro’s Star won the 2023 Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award for a junior fiction manuscript.

Reviews

The Sapling ~ This well-written book will capture the attention of all adventure lovers. It was wonderfully refreshing to read a book where devices aren’t central to young people’s lives and sticks are a crucial part of every childhood activity, from making kites to racing ‘boats.’ The story had me nostalgic for simpler times and evoked fond memories of riding around the neighbourhood on my yellow Raleigh 20. Aramakutu has crafted a meaningful story that, while set in the past, has enduring and engaging themes. A thoroughly enjoyable novel!

NZ Booklovers ~ While the story is set in the 60s, Aramakutu keeps it fresh and relatable for today’s generation. Her research of military elements is impeccable, and again, she keeps it relevant and educational for her readers. With short, sharp chapters, it’s the perfect book for a younger reader taking their next steps into independent reading. Aramakutu keeps a cracking pace throughout the book, urging readers on. 

Reader feedback ~ “I loved “Koro’s Star” by Claire Aramakutu. She captured the time and emotions perfectly. She created tension and moved the action on at a gripping pace. Her message was genuine and meaningful.”

Kiwi author Claire Aramakutuclaire-aramakutu

Through her writing, Kiwi author Claire Aramakutu aims to stir children’s imaginations, encouraging them to set their creative minds free. Her first published series, Loopy Lucy, is a science-based adventure set, loved in many homes and classrooms across the world. At the end of 2021, Claire released her first spooky story, Zombie at Number 56. Find out more about Christchurch author Claire Aramakutu on her author page.

Additional information

Format

Paperback edition

First published

2024

ISBN

9781775438618

Page count

144

Published by

Scholastic NZ

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