From the inside flap: "Timi is descended from the Maori and John from the Irish, and Peter Neroy, who is laughing - when he's not smiling - is their good friend. Timi and John live on next-door farms near the small New Zealand town of Puhawai. When they are not at school they roam the bush or fish and play in the sea - and they have adventures. They join in a search-party for a little girl lost in the bush near an old tunnel; they have the loan of a rifle for a day as a Christmas present, and they are nearly separated forever when Mr. Hukinga sets off to go back to his old home. Milking was finished late that night. They make friends with some people in a holiday camp, but fall foul of some others who do not like Maori boys, and have a fight with a bully. They have to decide things for themselves and, in doing so, learn a lot about other people and about themselves, too. But no need to tell more. THE BOYS OF PUHAWAI is full of excitement and fun and friendship and good days together. This is a book we are proud to publish. It is written by a New Zealander who holds both Maori and Pakeha in his experience and understanding. He is a citizen of the world whose perception clears barriers and distinguishes people. For children of nine years and upward this book is both a delightful story and an education in humanity. The drawings are by Dennis Turner and the photographs just happened."
This classic New Zealand novel was first published in 1960 under the name, Kim. The actual author is Alistair Airey, son of Auckland University history professor, Willis (Bill) Airey. A background about the novel and its author can be found here which is very interesting and well worth taking a few minutes to read.
The story is set in a small seaside community in the spring and summer months. Three boys - Hemi, Peter and John set out each day pretty much unsupervised (after completing chores) to do whatever takes their fancy. As you can imagine, they have plenty of adventures. A few sample pages show how the text reads.
The book is illustrated with black and pen drawings and photographs.
The book recommends itself for ages 9 and above. After reading it myself, I would lend it it children 12 and above personally. Why? I found the story intense and some of the scenes would suit older readers. There is racism (the word nigger is said twice), bullying, physical fighting, an accident with serious injuries, a stand-off between a man and a boy with a gun, a pet dog being shot, a dog attacking a man, stealing from a neighbour's orchard, an escaped prisoner, and a domestic incident with alcohol use.
This makes the book sound terrible, but it is a great story with boys figuring out relationships, what is wrong and right, who is good and bad and their place in it all. The boys want to do right by each other and respect those in authority who do them right. I do recommend this book. If you can get a copy, read it yourself first, then decide who in your family would best benefit from reading this great New Zealand-based novel.