Recommended texts for the new English curriculum
To help you in your lesson planning, we've gathered a collection of the best books to inspire, engage and delight your students.
These recommendations include novels from NZ authors, short stories, poetry, seminal texts, film-tie ins and non-fiction texts that fit in with the new curriculum.
Linking to teachers' notes and real life examples of how teachers have taught these books in their classrooms, we hope you find this resource a useful source of inspiration!
Download our free printable 2026 Education Highlights resource for Years 7-13 here!
Looking for more great education resources including printable activites, teachers' notes, book reviews and more? Subscribe to the Penguin Schools newsletter! Click here to sign up.
Discover some of the best vampire books – from paranormal to gothic and beyond.
Learn about the inspiration behind debut authors’ first novels.
Do you know a young reader who loves the Lottie Brooks series? We want to hear from them!
Enter for a chance to win 1 of 10 double passes and the FTI edition of Project Hail Mary! Coming to cinemas on the 19th of March.
Penguin Random House is delighted to announce that Jacinda Ardern will be doing three book events in New Zealand in April and May.
They've closed the final Percy Jackson book. Now what?
Graphic novels are the perfect way to get disinterested readers to pick up a book.
Easter is coming up, and once the novelty of chocolate wears off, older kids still need something to sink their teeth into.
See the Penguin Random House NZ books shortlisted for the 2026 NZ Booklovers Awards
Easter fun with Bluey! Whether you're a fan of quizzes, crafts, colouring, or biscuit decorating, we've rounded up the best Easter activities so you and your little ones can celebrate Easter with their favourite, Bluey!
So, you’ve watched a particular hockey romance series that left you wanting more? You’ve come to the right place. After all, every great series is based on an even better book.
