Teaching Resources
"Mackenzie’s work is excellent for classroom teaching. Her deftly drawn, feisty heroines quickly draw the reader in; the worlds her characters inhabit are beautifully realised in sure and precise strokes. Her use of language is masterful and the range of issues she traverses, always with a delicate touch, allow scope for themed discussed – really, her work is a joy to teach."
Donnel's Promise
"This is a sequel that lives up to its precursor. Two years on, Risha steps into adulthood. The issues she and other characters face are challenging and real; the political intrigue echoing that of our own time. Plenty of scope for discussion. Readers of Cattra's Legacy will be eager to follow the story on."
To download Teaching Notes for Donnel's Promise, click the image above.
Evie's War
“Evie's War is a captivating and topical story of World War One, meticulously researched, poignant and gripping. It introduces a range of themes, characters that will engage teen readers, and an accurate sense of not only the history of the time but of how much has changed in the hundred years since. It is a novel that lends itself to being utilised in so many ways.”
- CB, Iona College
To download Teaching Notes for Evie's War, click the image above
Cattra's Legacy
“Cattra’s Legacy is great novel to teach at Year 10. The characters are expertly created, the language is beautiful and the plot full. It offers the chance to introduce students to key literary concepts – genre study (fantasy); the Hero’s Journey and Quest stories; and internal and external conflict – whilst being a bold and exciting story that is a sheer pleasure to read.”
- KvR, Karamu High School
To download Teaching Notes for Cattra's Legacy, click the image above
"There are meaty protagonist's challenges to address in Ebony Hill, ranging from the broad (e.g. discovering and defining who we are) to the specific (e.g. the ethics of violence and war, moral arguments around 'the greater good' and the treatment of prisoners). They make for some fascinating classroom discussions and will be useful in Connections studies."
To download Teaching Notes for Ebony Hill, click the image above.
"In The Sea-wreck Stranger, Anna Mackenzie introduces a character on the edge of adulthood. Ness has to summon great strength to make a journey through a post apocalyptic world, a hostile society and family feuds in order to become herself. Great scope for class discussion and individual analysis."
- KvR, Karamu High School
To download Teaching Notes for The Sea-wreck Stranger, click the image above.
The Sea-wreck Stranger
Ebony Hill
Finder's Shore
"Anna Mackenzie creates a scarily realistic world in her Sea-Wreck Stranger trilogy. She combines plausible theories about our environment with a strong-willed female protagonist and adds just a dash of romance. Her writing is measured and she is in control of her storylines and characters."
- John MacIntyre, The Children's Bookshop Wellington
To download Teaching Notes for Finder's Shore, click the image above.
Shadow of the Mountain
"A sensitive and thought-provoking portrayal of the impact of loss and our many ways of dealing with grief. Contemporary NZ setting, credible characters, an excellent portrayal of family dysfunction and redemption."
- KvR, KHS
To download Teaching Notes for Shadow of the Mountain, click the image above.
Out on the Edge
"Out on the Edge offers the Year 11 English student a local NZ, contemporary story that raises a number of meaty issues. Perfect for Connections, and Novel study, it deals with themes that are close to home and relevant."
- KvR, Karamu High School
To download Teaching Notes for Out on the Edge, click the image above.
High Tide
"High Tide is a fantastic Year 10 text. Students connect to the characters, recognising themselves in them but also easily accessing the developments of the characters. They like to track the changes, which are plausible and real to them, and can use this to effectively analyse the text."
- KvR, Karamu High School
To download Teaching Notes for High Tide, click the image above.
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