Book Corner

Who are you? 

Hey there, I’m Ashvir, a Year 13 student in 2026 fully immersed in the International Baccalaureate. My favourite subject is Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) at Higher Level, which perfectly reflects who I am: curious, analytical, and endlessly fascinated by ecosystems. I’m the type to stop mid-walk to identify a bird species or explain how climate systems interact, even when no one asks.

Beyond the classroom, I think globally. Through UN Youth programmes like MUNA, AMUN, and NZMUN, I’ve learned to debate complex global issues diplomatically and, thankfully, without starting an international crisis. As part of Youth COP Auckland, my team won the Case Competition on Sustainability by designing a gamified transport app that reroutes users away from extreme weather zones — think sustainable travel meets Mario Kart. In 2026, I was also selected to represent New Zealand at the Youth Future Summit, hosted by the Centre for International Policy and Sustainability, where I collaborated with other young changemakers on sustainable development and climate action.

In the REAL Programme (Rangatahi Environmental Action Leaders), I turn environmental ideals into tangible projects. I also lead the Greenfluence Collective, a youth initiative empowering young voices in sustainability, and serve as a Candywaves leader (2025–2026), helping run my school’s largest club and building teamwork through creative community events. One of my proudest achievements was placing Top 11 in New Zealand for the Geography Olympiad, earning a Silver Award — an unforgettable experience filled with intense map analysis, laughter, and learning.

At my core, I’m deeply passionate about the environment. Climate change feels personal, driving me to advocate for meaningful change through action. My Malaysian-Kiwi background fuels my global perspective, and as an ENTP-T, I thrive on creativity, open-mindedness, and enthusiasm for new challenges. I’m also absolutely addicted to Eurovision and Junior Eurovision — my Spotify playlists are pure international pop chaos.

What’s a book that’s changed your mind about something?

One book that really changed how I think about reading is The Crystal Run by Sheila O’Flanagan, a Fantasy Fiction novel I picked up in Year 7 during the COVID-19 lockdown. I got it in a mystery book bag from the East Coast Bays Library, where you choose a bag based on a genre without knowing the exact books inside. I had planned to read all seven books in the bag, but I ended up spending almost all my time on The Crystal Run, it completely pulled me in.

This book was a big step up from the usual chapter books I’d been reading. It was my first real taste of “big kid” books, and it made me feel emotions I hadn’t experienced while reading before. The mix of Fantasy, Adventure, and Nature was so engaging that I found myself thinking about the story long after I put it down. I loved how the characters and the world felt alive, and it inspired me to explore more books in similar genres.

What makes it especially memorable is that it’s one of the first books I actually finished, I’d only ever completed about seven or eight books in total. That achievement has shaped how I approach reading today by encouraging me to try bigger, more complex stories and reminding me that even small choices, like picking a mystery bag at the library, can have a lasting impact.

What’s your favourite book, and why?

Earlier this year (2025), I read the duology Fire and Flood and Salt and Stone by Victoria Scott, and they quickly became some of my favourite books. What hooked me most was how engaging and thrilling the adventure were, from tense survival challenges to breathtaking landscapes, the story kept me on the edge of my seat. The plot never felt predictable, and there were moments that genuinely made me emotional, like when characters faced impossible odds yet persevered, or when small acts of courage had huge consequences. It felt both epic and relatable at the same time.

These books are particularly memorable because they’re among the few I’ve actually finished, out of only about seven or eight total. The mix of genres and focus on older teen readers worked perfectly for me, since I don’t usually enjoy typical teen novels. I connected with the characters’ determination, problem-solving, and difficult choices, which often reflected real-life challenges. One scene that stuck with me was a life-or-death challenge where the protagonists’ teamwork and bravery highlighted perseverance and courage.

I would recommend these books to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure, but I treasure them personally for how they captivated me, expanded the types of stories I enjoy, and reminded me that a great story can be both thrilling and meaningful, leaving a lasting impression long after the last page.

Describe your perfect Saturday/Sunday?

My perfect Saturday or Sunday usually starts late, I’m definitely a night owl, so waking up around 10 or 11 am is ideal. I usually skip breakfast to dive straight into work, but if I do eat, it’s a ridiculously overloaded peanut butter and butter sandwich because, honestly, I’m greedy. Once I’m up and semi-fueled, I spend most of the morning and early afternoon studying. I focus on whichever subject has an upcoming test — Maths, Biology, Chemistry, or ESS — or sometimes explore a topic I’ve been curious about. It’s productive fun for me, even if it’s not the usual weekend vibe.

Spending time with friends is another essential part of my weekends. I have over 30 long-distance friends, and the weekend gives me a chance to catch up properly,  texting, calling, and having long conversations about everything from life to random interests. I also carve out time for YouTube, which is my go-to relaxation. I love Eurovision content, Minecraft competitions, and other intense or creative videos.

Of course, a big part of the perfect weekend is just bed-rotting, lying in bed, scrolling through Instagram, and not thinking about anything at all. That mix of productivity, social connection, entertainment, and lazy comfort makes weekends feel both fulfilling and enjoyable.

What are some of your hopes and dreams for the future?

As an environmentalist, my biggest hope for the future is to make a real difference, not just for people, but for the planet too. After Year 13, I hope to study Medical and Conservation Genomics at the University of Melbourne, which feels like the perfect combination of everything I care about. I’ve always been fascinated by the environment, and the conservation side lets me explore ecology and evolution while helping endangered and vulnerable species survive for future generations. The medical side comes from my dad, who always hoped I’d become a doctor. While I didn’t follow that exact path, genomics allows me to combine both passions, helping humans through medical applications while protecting biodiversity. I first realised this could be possible while studying gene expression (D2.2) in IB Biology HL, and I fell in love with how genetics can make a tangible difference. I thought, “Why not apply this to help animals and people at the same time?” It felt like the perfect integration of my love for the environment with a field that has practical, life-changing impact.

Outside academics, I want to continue building experience and leadership in environmental projects. Programmes like Youth COP, REAL, and the Greenfluence Collective have shown me that even small actions can lead to real change, whether creating sustainable initiatives, developing strategies to protect ecosystems, or advocating for environmental awareness. I hope to continue participating in conferences, ambassador roles, and leadership opportunities where I can learn, collaborate, and inspire others. One of my ultimate dreams is to help at least one species avoid extinction. Knowing my work could allow a species to survive for future generations is the kind of impact I want to dedicate my life to.

I also hope to live somewhere with incredible biodiversity, like Australia or Europe, where I can explore natural environments and research opportunities. One place I’ve longed to visit is Socotra, Yemen, an island with plants found nowhere else on Earth. Its landscapes are breathtaking, and the endemic species are unlike anything else in the world. Experiencing that in person would be unforgettable and inspiring exactly the type of environment I want to connect with personally and professionally.

Hope, for me, is believing that our actions today can shape the future. As environmentalist Wangari Maathai said, “It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference.” Every project I take on, every species I help, and every initiative I join reminds me that change is possible. I dream of a greener, healthier planet where humans and nature thrive together, and I hope that through my studies, leadership, and actions, I can help make that dream a reality.

Who are you? 

I am Miss Bright-Young, English teacher and Publicity Manager here at Rangitoto College.

What was on the family bookshelf growing up?

Growing up, I was lucky enough to have two fantastic bookish parents, with very opposing tastes. We grew up near the ocean, so my dad was often reading non-fiction about sailors or daring ocean crossings. Alternatively, he loves New Zealand fiction and you could always find Roald Dahl, Margaret Mahi, and Janet Frame peppered amongst the books in our shelves. My mother, on the other hand, had a great love for tragic stories and historical fiction. I have an explicit memory of her giving me The Book Thief, Atonement and The Poisonwood Bible all in one year. That is the other thing about having book worm parents; they push you with your reading. I remember asking for Twilight for my birthday and Dad bought me Fight Club instead. It certainly wasn’t amusing at the time, but we laugh about it today. 

Tell us a brilliant book memory? 

My brother is a fanatic reader and we would often steal each other’s books. I remember ruining  the end of The Hunger Games for him with the tragic death of Finnick and Prim, and he stole Brandon Sanderson’s Skyward from me because I was taking too long to finish it. The irony is our complaints were never taken seriously as mum and dad said they could do a lot worse than children who fight over books. Now that I’m a teacher, I completely understand. A more recent brilliant book memory is whenever a student recommends a novel to me. Last year a student recommended Circe by Madeline Miller and I was completely enamoured with the story. I promise you, the quickest way to an English teacher’s heart is to discuss books with them.

What are you currently reading? 

I am currently reading There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shavak; it is a stunning novel that stretches across multiple timelines and countries, and incorporates water into the narrative. The plot sounds strange but that is often the genius of authors who can pull off these epic narratives. I am also reading The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles by Haruki Murakami. I am finding it both surreal and jarring at the same time. I also just finished Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, a fantastic story on Shakespeare’s wife and the death of their son (which supposedly inspired the play Hamlet!).  

What’s your favourite book? 

I couldn’t pick but I will run through a few from different genres. Whenever someone says they do not like fantasy, I instantly recommend Babel from R.F Kuang. It is a phenomenal narrative that redefines the genre of fantasy. Kuang uses so many historical and linguistic facts that it almost feels like non-fiction at times. I will also check-out/buy anything by Khaled Hosseini. His stories have completely haunted me in the best way possible, especially A Thousand Splendid Suns. That man knows how to put together a prose! Anything by Gillian Flynn, Margaret Attwood and Janet Frame will also be an immediate buy and placed meticulously on my bookshelf. Oh! And recently I read Betty by Tiffany McDaniel – not for the faint hearted but an incredible look at Native American life in the 1950s. In regards to non-fiction (a genre I used to avoid) Dolly Alderton’s Everything I Know About Love is such a fun read. I also recently read Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight by South African author Alexandra Fuller who writes about growing up in Rhodesia on her parents’ farm. I absolutely devoured that novel and immediately bought my own copy.  

What are some mottos you live by?

There is no such thing as wasted knowledge. Everything you learn has purpose and it is useful! 

Who would your ideal lunch companion(s) be, dead or alive?

Frida Kahlo and Jane Goodall. I hate the word inspirational because it’s overused, but talk about a powerhouse of knowledge and pushing the boundaries of what women can achieve! 

What advice do you have for teenagers today?

Read! And read widely. Anything worth knowing you will find in a book. My understanding of so many things in this world have been stitched together from reading about it. This is also applicable to film. Watch widely. Do not stick to what your friends watch, or what you are comfortable with. Watch foreign films, watch documentaries, watch your parents’ favourite films, ask your teachers about their favourite films. Once you open your mind to different genres for both books and films, you begin to see how incredibly unique storytelling can be. 

Who are you?

I’m Emma Mackrell, a year 12 here at Rangitoto College.  I’ve grown up on the North Shore and love being at the beach. I have a passion for netball, travelling and spending time with friends. In previous years I have been a part of the service committee and the community and environment committee which has been a rewarding experience for me.

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing?

I love everything netball, I enjoy playing, coaching and umpiring and spend most of my free time at the netball courts. It is a wonderful way to have a break from school with my friends. 

What’s a book you remember reading/having read to you when you were younger?

My most memorable book from early childhood is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I loved this book and often read it to myself when I was learning to read. 

What do you love about our library?

I love the vast selection of books at the library. You can find just the book you want, especially with the help of our librarians. I love spending time in the library when I need a quiet place to study. 

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter. It is the second book after the Better than the Movies. 

What’s your favourite book, and why?

My favourite book is probably The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. It keeps you guessing throughout the whole series, and is one of the few books that I haven’t been able to predict till the end. Whenever I just want to read something, but don’t have time to find or start a new book, this is my go to. I find my favourite parts and re-read them. 

What are some mottos you live by?

“Don’t live your life wrapped up in cotton wool” 

Who are you? 

My name is Sienna Cooper – formally known as Davis; I am an English teacher and an avid reader.

What’s your claim to fame? 

When I was in high school, I once read 22 books in 2 weeks. I’m still proud of that achievement even though I didn’t get a lot of sleep during those holidays.

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing?

When I’m not reading, I am usually playing games or enjoying a Dungeons and Dragons session with my friends. I also really love to crochet. I try to give my friends small crocheted gifts for their birthdays and christmas to show my appreciation.

What were you doing before this role?

Before I was a teacher, I worked in the television industry as a Junior Editor. I worked on a range of different shows including Bachelorette, House of Drag, Great Kiwi Bake Off and The Block. Working in reality TV didn’t feel great once I realised the level of manipulation that went on behind the scenes and it made me want to do something with my life that would leave a lasting positive impact on the world. 

What was on the family bookshelf growing up?

Anything and everything fantasy. My dad, my brother and I are all avid readers and even now we suggest books to each other. Our bookshelves were filled with anything including magic and dragons or heroic fights. From Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl to Christopher Paolioni’s Inheritance Cycle and now Brent Week’s The Black Prism, I have always enjoyed stories set in impossible worlds. 

Tell us a brilliant book memory? 

When Rick Riordan released The Mark of Athena, the second book in the Heroes of Olympus series, I devoured it in 2 days, staying up late with a torch under my sheets till 3am, trying to avoid detection by my dad. The book left is mark on me with the greatest (literal) cliffhanger of any book I have ever read. It held a grip on me for the entire year before the next book was released and I still remember sobbing into my pillow in shock from the final chapter. 

Where do you seek inspiration? 

I get inspiration from a lot of places. My family and friends are always recommending new books that align with my interests. Other teachers, librarians and students are always a great source of book inspiration because everyone has different tastes and I’m always up for trying something new. 

What do you always recommend? 

Anything by Rick Riordan. Reading the Percy Jackson series growing up made me fall in love with reading over and over and over again. I love his writing style and these books inspired my love for classical history and mythology. Even now, my favourite poems to read are about Greek mythology because of the impact these books had on my life. 

What’s your favourite book? 

I always find it difficult to select my favourite book and as an English teacher I get asked this a lot. Through the years my taste has changed a little and it depends on my mood on what I feel like reading. But the books I can always return to without ever getting bored are The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. The story of Eragon and Saphira grips me every time and each time I read them. It is like returning to an old friend.

Describe your perfect Saturday/Sunday?

My perfect weekend day starts with a little sleep in and a cup of my favourite tea. In an ideal world my husband cooks me breakfast and I get to spend the morning on the couch reading a book and enjoying some sunshine. The afternoon would be spent with some friends, putting on a terrible accent and playing DnD, getting overly invested in the characters that we have created to adventure into the world. 

What advice do you have for teenagers today?

Everything will be okay in the end. This is only high school. You have the rest of your life ahead of you and things will only get better. This is the time of your life to enjoy yourself. Strive for success but your wellbeing is more important.

Who are you?

My name is Harriet Tidman, and I’m a Maths teacher here at Rangitoto College. 

Claim to fame?

I have a few fun ones, but my most glamorous claim to fame is that my grandmother used to make dresses for the great mystery writer Agatha Christie.

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing?

I love anything that gets me moving and outdoors: I’m passionate about running and hiking. It’s the perfect way to clear my head.

Tell us a brilliant book memory

It has to be the feeling of finally getting my hands on one of the Harry Potter books on release day. My dad would queue up for the midnight release, and I’d spend the entire weekend curled up, losing myself entirely in the world. That sense of total immersion is what I still chase in reading.

What are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading Jane Harper’s The Lost Man. 

What do you always recommend?

I always recommend: The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. It’s a perfect murder mystery that requires you to track multiple timelines and identities to solve the puzzle. It’s structured with the kind of beautiful, complex logic that appeals to the mathematician in me.

What advice do you have for teenagers today?

My biggest piece of advice is to go for it! If I didn’t make the slightly scary decision at 25 years old to move to the other side of the world, I wouldn’t have had the incredible experiences I’ve had or met the wonderful friends I have now. Embrace the unexpected adventures!

Who are you?

My name is Phoenix McClean, and I am a year 12 student at the Kura. I enjoy being active and hanging out with friends. I also am interested in academics and have taken a bunch of scholarship exams, and competitions

What are you currently reading?

I’m currently immersed in The Will of the Many by James Islington. What’s really captivating me is the depth of the political intrigue and the moral complexity of the main character. The magic system, based on a hierarchy of Will, is incredibly unique and raises fascinating questions about power, consent, and societal structure. It’s the kind of book that makes you think long after you’ve put it down.

What’s a book you can recommend to others, and why? 

I constantly recommend Red Rising by Pierce Brown. It’s more than just a sci-fi adventure; it’s a raw and visceral story about the cost of revolution and the blurry line between becoming a hero and becoming a monster. Brown’s prose is razor-sharp and brutally poetic. The book is a relentless emotional gauntlet that forges incredible loyalty to its characters, making their triumphs and tragedies hit with unbelievable force. It’s a series that truly stays with you.

Why do you think people should read?

I believe reading is fundamental because it’s a powerful exercise in empathy, allowing you to fully inhabit perspectives and experiences far beyond your own. It actively builds your attention span and critical thinking skills in a world of constant distraction. Ultimately, reading provides the language and context to better understand your own life, connecting you to the universal human experience and making you feel less alone.

Where do you seek inspiration from?

I’m most inspired by listening to the stories of everyday people. Hearing about their unique experiences, their quiet perseverance, and the creative ways they solve their own problems provides a deep well of human-centered insight. It reminds me that the most meaningful innovations often start with a deep understanding of human need.

What are some mottos you live by?

Leave things a little better than you found them. This applies to everything from physical spaces to personal interactions. It’s a small, daily commitment to positive impact. If everyone did this, the world would be transformed, so I focus on my own part in that.

What advice are you grateful you’ve received?

I’m grateful for the advice to see challenges as temporary and specific, rather than permanent and pervasive. This optimistic reframing has taught me that a single setback doesn’t define my entire future, and it helps me bounce back with resilience and hope

What are some of your hopes and dreams for the future?

My primary focus is on pursuing a degree in engineering, as I’m driven by a deep curiosity to understand how things work and a desire to build solutions to real-world problems. I hope to use that knowledge not just in a traditional career, but to contribute to innovative projects in sustainable technology or community development. Ultimately, my dream is to leverage the problem-solving skills I gain to create tangible, positive change and to inspire others to see the power of creative and purposeful design.