DescriptionAn updated edition of Snakes and Ladders as a 10-year anniversary edition. It was the Children’s Choice winner in the Young Adult category of the 2013 NZ Children’s & YA Book Awards.A gripping, accessible read for 14 to 18 year olds from a mother of four sons, whose experience with teenage boys served her well in the writing of this book. Blackmail and Lies features interesting characters that teens will relate to, facing modern issues and experiences that reflect their own lives (mature themes, mild language).ReviewsRead NZ ~ “With trademark insight and empathy honed through earlier award-winning works, Scott crafts an engrossing human drama where adolescent dreams battle haunting secrets. Crisp Kiwi slang grounds the story in affectionate familiarity. Finn invites both frustration and poignancy as he fumbles tests of integrity, torn over risking newfound popularity for honesty. When the hero’s deferred reckoning finally erupts, redemption emerges through speaking difficult truths, however overdue.”Magpies magazine ~ “The story stresses the vulnerability of teenagers when alcohol is a major part of their social lives and the consequences that can often be deadly. Recommended for readers at mid to senior secondary level.”Bob’s Book Blog ~ “Well written with an authentic teenage voice. The banter between the boys is a particular highlight and the issue and after – effects of a school ball and after-party that goes horribly wrong, will be of strong interest to teenagers.”More about the Kiwi authorFind out more about Hawke’s Bay author Mary-anne Scott on her author page.
