Zealandia: The Dreadstones Grasp

Zealandia: The Dreadstones Grasp offers almost everything primary school teachers look for in a Year 6-8 novel study or read-aloud: rich language, complex characters, and a compelling plot that keeps students hooked. If I were to choose between read-aloud and guided reading group novel study, I'd choose the latter, as students would love to read these stories in their own minds, with their own imaginations whirring into action.

Tom Walker’s journey from isolation to self-discovery—set against a vividly imagined magical version of Aotearoa New Zealand—provides opportunities for students to make connections, explore themes of identity and friendship, and engage in critical thinking.

Zealandia offers the right mix of mystery, tension, and humour to spark discussion. Themes of belonging, loss, and found family are sensitively handled and invite reflection and writing. Tom and Victoria’s evolving friendship will resonate with students, while the immersive fantasy world will appeal to readers who love adventure and magic.

From a teaching perspective, this book lends itself to vocabulary development (potentially overuse of WOW words!), character analysis, and creative writing.

Zealandia is a fantasy novel that offers courageous characters as well as the belief that even the quietest among us can change the world.