Advanced Search

Search

Advanced Search

Upper Riccarton Library will close for repair & refurbishment from Sun 9 April 4pm & will re-open Monday 1 May at 9am

Check our Easter opening hours Good Friday 7 April to Easter Monday 10 April

Jacket cover images copied to clipboard.

General Recommendations

True Stories - Non-Fiction - Teens

By:

ChristchurchTeens

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

Staff-created list

Encounter true stories from people all around the world. Whether they're celebrities or ordinary people in extraordinary situations, these books will transport you, challenge you, and inspire you. These incredibly moving stories take place in war-torn countries, New Zealand towns, and the homes of writers grappling with gender, race, and political issues. This list is loosely ordered from ‘light’ to ‘gritty’ reads. A Christchurch City Libraries’ list perfect for your NCEA reading needs.

By:

ChristchurchTeens

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

21 items

21 items

Flowers in the Gutter

Flowers in the Gutter

The True Story of the Edelweiss Pirates, Teenagers Who Resisted the Nazis

by Gaddy, K. R.

Book - 2020

A well-researched, compelling graphic biography, "Flowers in the Gutter" tells the real-life story of Gertrude, Fritz, and Jean, three young peo...Show more A well-researched, compelling graphic biography, "Flowers in the Gutter" tells the real-life story of Gertrude, Fritz, and Jean, three young people involved in a youth resistance group known as the Edelweiss Pirate. This hard-hitting and historically accurate account of Nazi Germany is an easy, yet educational read. Show less

A well-researched, compelling graphic biography, "Flowers in the Gutter" tells the real-life story of Gertrude, Fritz, and Jean, three young peo...Show more A well-researched, compelling graphic biography, "Flowers in the Gutter" tells the real-life story of Gertrude, Fritz, and Jean, three young people involved in a youth resistance group known as the Edelweiss Pirate. This hard-hitting and historically accurate account of Nazi Germany is an easy, yet educational read. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

"I Will Not Be Erased"

"I Will Not Be Erased"

Our Stories About Growing up as People of Colour

Book - 2019

Funny and life-affirming essays from the award-winning magazine created by young women and non-binary people of colour. The authors invite the reader to e...Show more Funny and life-affirming essays from the award-winning magazine created by young women and non-binary people of colour. The authors invite the reader to empathize and learn from their experiences, proving that whatever life throws at you, it will be OK. This collection feels like hope embodied, like a sibling talking to you about life. Also available as an eBook. Show less

Funny and life-affirming essays from the award-winning magazine created by young women and non-binary people of colour. The authors invite the reader to e...Show more Funny and life-affirming essays from the award-winning magazine created by young women and non-binary people of colour. The authors invite the reader to empathize and learn from their experiences, proving that whatever life throws at you, it will be OK. This collection feels like hope embodied, like a sibling talking to you about life. Also available as an eBook. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Diary of A Young Girl

The Diary of A Young Girl

The Definitive Edition

by Frank, Anne, 1929-1945

Book - 1995

The must-read memoir of a teenage girl during the Holocaust in Germany. Anne Frank’s diary gives a haunting insight into a family's struggle to endure one...Show more The must-read memoir of a teenage girl during the Holocaust in Germany. Anne Frank’s diary gives a haunting insight into a family's struggle to endure one of the worst horrors the world has ever seen - the systematic mass murder of European Jews during WWII. An emotional and impactful read that will forever remain relevant. Also available in Te Reo Māori. Show less

The must-read memoir of a teenage girl during the Holocaust in Germany. Anne Frank’s diary gives a haunting insight into a family's struggle to endure one...Show more The must-read memoir of a teenage girl during the Holocaust in Germany. Anne Frank’s diary gives a haunting insight into a family's struggle to endure one of the worst horrors the world has ever seen - the systematic mass murder of European Jews during WWII. An emotional and impactful read that will forever remain relevant. Also available in Te Reo Māori. Show less

All copies in use. Availability details

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

What Cancer Taught Me

What Cancer Taught Me

by Bailey, Jake, 1997-

Book - 2017

Jake Bailey’s end-of-year speech at Christchurch Boys High School, given only a week after he was diagnosed with cancer, propelled him into the internatio...Show more Jake Bailey’s end-of-year speech at Christchurch Boys High School, given only a week after he was diagnosed with cancer, propelled him into the international spotlight. In his biography he shares his experiences with the reader and how he overcome his battle to come out the other end a stronger person. This book will inspire reader from all walks of life. Also available as an eBook. Show less

Jake Bailey’s end-of-year speech at Christchurch Boys High School, given only a week after he was diagnosed with cancer, propelled him into the internatio...Show more Jake Bailey’s end-of-year speech at Christchurch Boys High School, given only a week after he was diagnosed with cancer, propelled him into the international spotlight. In his biography he shares his experiences with the reader and how he overcome his battle to come out the other end a stronger person. This book will inspire reader from all walks of life. Also available as an eBook. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Mao's Last Dancer

Mao's Last Dancer

by Li, Cunxin, 1961-

Book - 2005

From a desperately poor village in northeast China, at age eleven, Li Cunxin was chosen by Madame Mao's cultural delegates to be taken from his rural home...Show more From a desperately poor village in northeast China, at age eleven, Li Cunxin was chosen by Madame Mao's cultural delegates to be taken from his rural home and brought to Beijing, where he would study ballet. What followed became history. An inspirational and sometimes humorous real life story of how one man defied his government to become his own person. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook. Show less

From a desperately poor village in northeast China, at age eleven, Li Cunxin was chosen by Madame Mao's cultural delegates to be taken from his rural home...Show more From a desperately poor village in northeast China, at age eleven, Li Cunxin was chosen by Madame Mao's cultural delegates to be taken from his rural home and brought to Beijing, where he would study ballet. What followed became history. An inspirational and sometimes humorous real life story of how one man defied his government to become his own person. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Failing up

Failing up

How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning

by Odom, Leslie, Jr., 1981-

Book - 2018

This biography is about being a creative soul and a survivor of the harsh rejection that inevitably hits upon anyone who wants to do creative pursuits, wh...Show more This biography is about being a creative soul and a survivor of the harsh rejection that inevitably hits upon anyone who wants to do creative pursuits, whether that be singing, acting, visual arts, or writing. Odom’s witty narrative on his own life in the spotlight encourages the reader to unlock their true potential and empower themselves to achieve their dreams and improve tomorrow. Show less

This biography is about being a creative soul and a survivor of the harsh rejection that inevitably hits upon anyone who wants to do creative pursuits, wh...Show more This biography is about being a creative soul and a survivor of the harsh rejection that inevitably hits upon anyone who wants to do creative pursuits, whether that be singing, acting, visual arts, or writing. Odom’s witty narrative on his own life in the spotlight encourages the reader to unlock their true potential and empower themselves to achieve their dreams and improve tomorrow. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Brave Face

Brave Face

A Memoir

by Hutchinson, Shaun David

Book - 2019

Shaun Hutchinson wasn’t depressed because he was gay. He was depressed and gay. His surreal and in depth reflection on his life as someone who struggled w...Show more Shaun Hutchinson wasn’t depressed because he was gay. He was depressed and gay. His surreal and in depth reflection on his life as someone who struggled with fitting into a society which chastised who he was. This compelling memoir will be hard to put down as Hutchison retells how he survived adversity and found self-acceptance. Show less

Shaun Hutchinson wasn’t depressed because he was gay. He was depressed and gay. His surreal and in depth reflection on his life as someone who struggled w...Show more Shaun Hutchinson wasn’t depressed because he was gay. He was depressed and gay. His surreal and in depth reflection on his life as someone who struggled with fitting into a society which chastised who he was. This compelling memoir will be hard to put down as Hutchison retells how he survived adversity and found self-acceptance. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Over the Top

Over the Top

My Story

by Van Ness, Jonathan, 1987-

Book - 2019

This autobiography uncovers the pain and passion it took to end up becoming the model of self-love and acceptance that Jonathan is today. Before he fabulo...Show more This autobiography uncovers the pain and passion it took to end up becoming the model of self-love and acceptance that Jonathan is today. Before he fabulously strutted onto our screens as a part of the hit show Queer Eye, Jonathan was growing up in a small Midwestern town that didn’t understand why he was so…over the top. His upbeat and conversational writing style will make the hardships he covers seem conquerable for anyone. Also available as a downloadable audiobook. Show less

This autobiography uncovers the pain and passion it took to end up becoming the model of self-love and acceptance that Jonathan is today. Before he fabulo...Show more This autobiography uncovers the pain and passion it took to end up becoming the model of self-love and acceptance that Jonathan is today. Before he fabulously strutted onto our screens as a part of the hit show Queer Eye, Jonathan was growing up in a small Midwestern town that didn’t understand why he was so…over the top. His upbeat and conversational writing style will make the hardships he covers seem conquerable for anyone. Also available as a downloadable audiobook. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Dare to Disappoint

Dare to Disappoint

Growing up in Turkey

by Samancı, Özge, 1975-

Book - 2015

A humorous and moving portrayal of coming-of-age in Turkey in the turbulent 1980s. Growing up on the Aegean Coast, Ozge loved the sea and imagined a life ...Show more A humorous and moving portrayal of coming-of-age in Turkey in the turbulent 1980s. Growing up on the Aegean Coast, Ozge loved the sea and imagined a life of adventure while her parents and society demanded predictability. She dared to disappoint them by pursuing a career as an artist, instead of the engineer her father wished her to be. An unpredictable and hilarious memoir. Show less

A humorous and moving portrayal of coming-of-age in Turkey in the turbulent 1980s. Growing up on the Aegean Coast, Ozge loved the sea and imagined a life ...Show more A humorous and moving portrayal of coming-of-age in Turkey in the turbulent 1980s. Growing up on the Aegean Coast, Ozge loved the sea and imagined a life of adventure while her parents and society demanded predictability. She dared to disappoint them by pursuing a career as an artist, instead of the engineer her father wished her to be. An unpredictable and hilarious memoir. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Idiot

Idiot

Life Stories From the Creator of Help Helen Smash

by Clery, Laura, 1986-

Book - 2019

A candid look into the life of an internet celebrity and how Laura Clery went from rock-bottom, to making a living out of filming homemade comedy sketches...Show more A candid look into the life of an internet celebrity and how Laura Clery went from rock-bottom, to making a living out of filming homemade comedy sketches. In this book, Clery is able to be honest and vulnerable about her past, while being utterly hilarious at the same time. A well balanced biography that turns dark topics into something light-hearted. Also available as a downloadable audiobook. Show less

A candid look into the life of an internet celebrity and how Laura Clery went from rock-bottom, to making a living out of filming homemade comedy sketches...Show more A candid look into the life of an internet celebrity and how Laura Clery went from rock-bottom, to making a living out of filming homemade comedy sketches. In this book, Clery is able to be honest and vulnerable about her past, while being utterly hilarious at the same time. A well balanced biography that turns dark topics into something light-hearted. Also available as a downloadable audiobook. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Laughing at My Nightmare

Laughing at My Nightmare

by Burcaw, Shane

Book - 2014

With his razor sharp wit, Shane Burcaw describes his life as a young man with muscular atrophy. From sports and video games to girlfriends, the narrative ...Show more With his razor sharp wit, Shane Burcaw describes his life as a young man with muscular atrophy. From sports and video games to girlfriends, the narrative will resonate with readers, who will laugh along with the funny stories, cringe at the awkward moments, and tear up at the emotionally charged parts. A poignant story that provides a fresh perspective on life. Show less

With his razor sharp wit, Shane Burcaw describes his life as a young man with muscular atrophy. From sports and video games to girlfriends, the narrative ...Show more With his razor sharp wit, Shane Burcaw describes his life as a young man with muscular atrophy. From sports and video games to girlfriends, the narrative will resonate with readers, who will laugh along with the funny stories, cringe at the awkward moments, and tear up at the emotionally charged parts. A poignant story that provides a fresh perspective on life. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Lion

Lion

A Long Way Home

by Brierley, Saroo, 1981-

Book - 2014

As a child, Saroo was accidentally separated from his mother and landed in a place where he could not speak the language to find his way home. Growing up ...Show more As a child, Saroo was accidentally separated from his mother and landed in a place where he could not speak the language to find his way home. Growing up after being adopted by an Australian family, Saroo decided to search for his biological family. A heart-warming tale of a man who once lost his family, only to gain two. Show less

As a child, Saroo was accidentally separated from his mother and landed in a place where he could not speak the language to find his way home. Growing up ...Show more As a child, Saroo was accidentally separated from his mother and landed in a place where he could not speak the language to find his way home. Growing up after being adopted by an Australian family, Saroo decided to search for his biological family. A heart-warming tale of a man who once lost his family, only to gain two. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

I Don't Want to Be Crazy

I Don't Want to Be Crazy

A Memoir

by Schutz, Samantha

Book - 2019

A poetic memoir about the one woman’s psychological disorder which surfaced when she began college. Readers accompany the author from the summer after hi...Show more A poetic memoir about the one woman’s psychological disorder which surfaced when she began college. Readers accompany the author from the summer after high school, through college, to a semester abroad in Paris, and into her first job after graduation. Anyone who suffers from anxiety, will be able to relate to this book and feel like they’re not alone - and we all need that sometimes. Show less

A poetic memoir about the one woman’s psychological disorder which surfaced when she began college. Readers accompany the author from the summer after hi...Show more A poetic memoir about the one woman’s psychological disorder which surfaced when she began college. Readers accompany the author from the summer after high school, through college, to a semester abroad in Paris, and into her first job after graduation. Anyone who suffers from anxiety, will be able to relate to this book and feel like they’re not alone - and we all need that sometimes. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Know your Place

Know your Place

by Ghahraman, Golriz, 1981-

Book - 2020

Golriz Ghahraman writes about her life and the path that led her to becoming an MP in the New Zealand Government. It is filled with stuff to make you thin...Show more Golriz Ghahraman writes about her life and the path that led her to becoming an MP in the New Zealand Government. It is filled with stuff to make you think - how refugees are treated and racism in New Zealand. Passionate and unflinching, "Know Your Place" is a story about breaking barriers, and the daily challenges of prejudice that shape the lives of women and minorities. At its heart, it's about overcoming fear, about family, and about finding a place to belong. Also available as an eBook. Show less

Golriz Ghahraman writes about her life and the path that led her to becoming an MP in the New Zealand Government. It is filled with stuff to make you thin...Show more Golriz Ghahraman writes about her life and the path that led her to becoming an MP in the New Zealand Government. It is filled with stuff to make you think - how refugees are treated and racism in New Zealand. Passionate and unflinching, "Know Your Place" is a story about breaking barriers, and the daily challenges of prejudice that shape the lives of women and minorities. At its heart, it's about overcoming fear, about family, and about finding a place to belong. Also available as an eBook. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Free Lunch

Free Lunch

by Ogle, Rex

Book - 2019

Unsparing and realistic, "Free Lunch" is a story of hardship threaded with hope and moments of grace. Ogle's story of hunger and poverty has man...Show more Unsparing and realistic, "Free Lunch" is a story of hardship threaded with hope and moments of grace. Ogle's story of hunger and poverty has many parallels to our own issues in New Zealand, where children are sent to school hungry with no food at lunch time and struggle to focus on learning. A richly detailed read that will have you empathising with not only Ogle, but the many other children who are in his situation. Show less

Unsparing and realistic, "Free Lunch" is a story of hardship threaded with hope and moments of grace. Ogle's story of hunger and poverty has man...Show more Unsparing and realistic, "Free Lunch" is a story of hardship threaded with hope and moments of grace. Ogle's story of hunger and poverty has many parallels to our own issues in New Zealand, where children are sent to school hungry with no food at lunch time and struggle to focus on learning. A richly detailed read that will have you empathising with not only Ogle, but the many other children who are in his situation. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Young Queen

Young Queen

The Story of A Girl Who Conquered the World

by Goebel, Parris, 1991-

Book - 2018

A true #girlboss, Parris Goebel is changing the game. She dropped out of school at 15 to pursue her dreams of dance and now choreographs for the biggest c...Show more A true #girlboss, Parris Goebel is changing the game. She dropped out of school at 15 to pursue her dreams of dance and now choreographs for the biggest celebrities in the world. Parris reveals the challenges, fears and obstacles she’s faced on her journey and gives fans and readers a backstage look into her life and the lessons she’s learned. An inspirational read from one of New Zealand’s home grown talents. Show less

A true #girlboss, Parris Goebel is changing the game. She dropped out of school at 15 to pursue her dreams of dance and now choreographs for the biggest c...Show more A true #girlboss, Parris Goebel is changing the game. She dropped out of school at 15 to pursue her dreams of dance and now choreographs for the biggest celebrities in the world. Parris reveals the challenges, fears and obstacles she’s faced on her journey and gives fans and readers a backstage look into her life and the lessons she’s learned. An inspirational read from one of New Zealand’s home grown talents. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Face to Face

Face to Face

Conversations With Remarkable New Zealanders

by Moon, Paul, 1968-

Book - 2015

Follow Moon’s conversations with 12 remarkable New Zealanders from a multitude of cultural and professional backgrounds, tell their story of how their life experiences have shaped them. A refreshing take on the meaning of success. Follow Moon’s conversations with 12 remarkable New Zealanders from a multitude of cultural and professional backgrounds, tell their story of how their life experiences have shaped them. A refreshing take on the meaning of success. Show less

Follow Moon’s conversations with 12 remarkable New Zealanders from a multitude of cultural and professional backgrounds, tell their story of how their life experiences have shaped them. A refreshing take on the meaning of success. Follow Moon’s conversations with 12 remarkable New Zealanders from a multitude of cultural and professional backgrounds, tell their story of how their life experiences have shaped them. A refreshing take on the meaning of success. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Every Falling Star

Every Falling Star

The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea

by Lee, Sungju

Book - 2016

As a young boy, Sungju Lee found himself on the streets of North Korea, fighting for his survival by almost any means necessary and living with the consta...Show more As a young boy, Sungju Lee found himself on the streets of North Korea, fighting for his survival by almost any means necessary and living with the constant fear of arrest and imprisonment. This educational and riveting memoir is a window into the reality of a country shrouded in secrecy, while being a dramatic personal story of escape and hope. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook. Show less

As a young boy, Sungju Lee found himself on the streets of North Korea, fighting for his survival by almost any means necessary and living with the consta...Show more As a young boy, Sungju Lee found himself on the streets of North Korea, fighting for his survival by almost any means necessary and living with the constant fear of arrest and imprisonment. This educational and riveting memoir is a window into the reality of a country shrouded in secrecy, while being a dramatic personal story of escape and hope. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

How Dare the Sun Rise

How Dare the Sun Rise

Memoirs of A War Child

by Uwiringiyimana, Sandra

Book - 2017

Great storytellers connect with their readers through universal truths, and Uwiringiyimana tells her own profound story with clarity and honesty. Beginnin...Show more Great storytellers connect with their readers through universal truths, and Uwiringiyimana tells her own profound story with clarity and honesty. Beginning as a child living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, she tells the incredible true story of how she survived a massacre, immigrated to America, and overcame her trauma through art and activism. A memoir sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Show less

Great storytellers connect with their readers through universal truths, and Uwiringiyimana tells her own profound story with clarity and honesty. Beginnin...Show more Great storytellers connect with their readers through universal truths, and Uwiringiyimana tells her own profound story with clarity and honesty. Beginning as a child living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, she tells the incredible true story of how she survived a massacre, immigrated to America, and overcame her trauma through art and activism. A memoir sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

A Cave in the Clouds

A Cave in the Clouds

A Young Woman's Escape From ISIS

by Ahmed, Badeeah Hassan

Book - 2019

A well-written account of the atrocities faced by women in war zones. Life for these women is based on hope. Badeeah sheds some light on the crimes commit...Show more A well-written account of the atrocities faced by women in war zones. Life for these women is based on hope. Badeeah sheds some light on the crimes committed by ISIS in the name of religion and faith. She gives hope and courage to the countless people trapped under the control of these organisations. This is a harrowing and thought-provoking account which will surely make putting this book down a difficult task. Show less

A well-written account of the atrocities faced by women in war zones. Life for these women is based on hope. Badeeah sheds some light on the crimes commit...Show more A well-written account of the atrocities faced by women in war zones. Life for these women is based on hope. Badeeah sheds some light on the crimes committed by ISIS in the name of religion and faith. She gives hope and courage to the countless people trapped under the control of these organisations. This is a harrowing and thought-provoking account which will surely make putting this book down a difficult task. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

All Boys Aren't Blue

All Boys Aren't Blue

A Memoir-manifesto

by Johnson, George M. 1985-

Book - 2020

A wonderful memoir that is perfect for LGBT+ teens and allies who are seeking to learn more about gender identity, toxic masculinity, and themselves. John...Show more A wonderful memoir that is perfect for LGBT+ teens and allies who are seeking to learn more about gender identity, toxic masculinity, and themselves. Johnson’s topics explore the black, queer body with a critical eye while filling the pages with black joy, love, hope, and celebration. "All Boys Aren't Blue" encourages the reader to be unapologetically themselves. Show less

A wonderful memoir that is perfect for LGBT+ teens and allies who are seeking to learn more about gender identity, toxic masculinity, and themselves. John...Show more A wonderful memoir that is perfect for LGBT+ teens and allies who are seeking to learn more about gender identity, toxic masculinity, and themselves. Johnson’s topics explore the black, queer body with a critical eye while filling the pages with black joy, love, hope, and celebration. "All Boys Aren't Blue" encourages the reader to be unapologetically themselves. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Powered by BiblioCommons.

BiblioCore: app17 Version 9.13.0 Last updated 2023/03/16 16:35

[]

[]

To Top