Nine Girls

[A] New Zealand classic that should be in every home, classroom and library.

Joanna Ludbrook, Radio New Zealand

[A] taonga from a masterful storyteller...a book that not only exemplifies the highest standards, but that we believe will make a lasting contribution to Aotearoa’s national literature for children and young adults

Judges, New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults

From Bata Bullets, beer crates, and talk of Bastion Point, the memory of orange and khaki vinyl chairs, Axminster carpet and the movie Jaws, these places in time had me immersed in the story with main character, Titch. I learnt along with her the story of the land her family now lived on and its painful history. But there is much humour too ... A beautiful snapshot of New Zealand through the eyes of a young girl discovering more about her whakapapa and iwi.

Adele Broadbent, What Book Next?

This is an excellent coming-of-age story filled with strong characters. It’s frequently hilarious and deeply moving; a greatly enriching and engrossing read. ... Recent government changes in Aotearoa New Zealand have sparked widespread concern surrounding Māori issues and with this in mind the book feels especially relevant. Highly recommended for readers aged 11+.

Kim Gruschow, Readings

Nine Girls by Stacy Gregg immediately captivated me from the moment I opened its pages ... Drawing from her own upbringing in Ngāruawāhia, Stacy Gregg infuses the narrative with authenticity and depth.

Jenny Tawa, Read New Zealand

I knew Nine Girls was something special as soon as I got my hands on it. From the exceptionally pleasing blue-green cover from Sarah Wilkins (Stacy’s favourite cover ever!) to the exemplary writing and meaningful story, it didn’t disappoint. Nine Girls is a cleverly constructed, loosely autobiographical novel that had me hooked from start to finish.

Belinda Whyte, The Sapling

Bookwagon recommends Nine Girls to all older readers, who love memoirs, recent history, titles that course biography alongside considerations of race and culture. This book is reminiscent of Children of the Quicksands, though it is funny and rich. In fact it feels so real that you can smell Rainbow chips and the local dump too. What a magnificent and wonderful read.

Bookwagon.co.uk

A [girl] from a posh Auckland suburb returns to her mother’s hometown of Ngāruawāhia, divided by race and a river. The Margaret Mahy Book of the Year features a buried treasure mystery dating back to the land wars, and a talking eel – a device for imparting nuggets of historical information.

Ann Packer, NZ Listener

Within this small book are the opportunities to discuss and learn about apartheid, Boby Marley's historical concert in New Zealand, the resurgence of te reo Māori, the wrongdoings of Governor Grey in trying to secure the Waikato, and the Bastion Point protests. There is so much packed into one book, yet it flows seamlessly...An absolute triumph for Stacy Gregg which evidences her storytelling talent. This ode to her tupuna is a clear home run.

Melissa Sparks, Magpies

A powerful, poignant Te Ao Māori coming-of-age story, much based on Gregg's own childhood in Ngāruawāhia.

David Hill, Kete Books