NZ Intermediate School Librarians discussion

CUZ by Liz van der Laarse
When cousins River and Huia meet up now in their teens, they realize their lives have taken very different paths. Huia has been deeply immersed in her Maori culture (tikanga Maori) where as River a lover of surfing, fishing and hunting has been bought by his hippy mother. When a family tragedy takes place they both learn to lean on each other's life skills to survive. The added Glossary at the back of this book enable you to interpret and understand the many Maori words through the story. The author has also added a list of edible native plants and survival information offering not just a great story but social studies lessons at the same time.
Cuz will be a welcomed addition in every intermediate school library.

I hadn't heard of this book before Annette but it is definitely going on my To Buy list. I've just looked it up and I see it is described as "New Zealand's version of Hatchet". And I loved Hatchet! Thanks for the heads up.