Moa Valley

Author: Anne de Roo

Purchase this book at Abebooks

I’ve been hunting for quality living books, and after a few letdowns, I found a real treasure in Moa Valley by Anne de Roo. From the opening page, I knew I’d discovered the kind of engaging, meaningful story I was looking for.

The book centres on Marion, a 12-year-old daughter of a well-known mountaineer, who joins a 10-day tramping trip through Fiordland’s mountains, starting at Lake Te Anau. She’s with two adults and three other kids when they meet Stanley Peacock, an odd but harmless man who’s spent years searching for the extinct moa. The trip takes a turn when one of the group slips away with Stanley to hunt for the bird, forcing the others to follow. Things get trickier when Valerie, an adult in the party, breaks her ankle, leaving them stranded in the wilderness without food or help for days.

I enjoyed how unpredictable the story is, unlike many children’s books, it kept me guessing. Having tramped in New Zealand, I found the setting and experiences convincing, though thankfully my trips were less eventful. The adventure feels real and immersive.

What makes this a true living book are the thoughtful details woven in. Marion’s appreciation for the mountains and nature stood out to me. I liked how Paul teaches her to notice birds in the bush, helping her connect with the environment. Mr. Flemming’s brief geography lesson about Fiordland early on is a nice touch, blending learning into the story naturally.

Anne de Roo does a great job with the characters. As the group navigates challenges, their personalities and relationships develop in a way that feels authentic. I appreciated how she showed their tensions and growth without overdoing it. The writing is smooth and clear, making the story easy to follow.

I recommend Moa Valley for readers aged 10–14, especially homeschoolers interested in New Zealand geography and a bit of history. It’s a solid adventure with substance, and I’m looking forward to reading more by Anne de Roo.

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