Susan Brocker

Set in early New Zealand, Tom had sent his only child, Charlotte, to be looked after by nuns while he panned for enough gold to be able to buy a small farm. Unfortunately he was attacked by thieves and was thought to have been killed. WhenToms partner Tama tells Charlotte the bad news, Charlotte changes her appearance to a boy's and joins Tama droving a herd of cattle over the rugged Arthur's Pass to the West Coast so she can find her father. On the drove she proves her skills and makes a show more new friend who has his own secrets. She soon realises the dangers on the trail are not just from the land and the animals she works with, and will she ever find out what happened to her father? show less

Charlotte's father has had to leave her at a convent while he goes gold prospecting on the West Coast of New Zealand. Rumours of his death reach 14-year-old Charlotte but she doesn't believe them and determines to visit his claimsite herself. She runs away, disguising herself as boy in order to join a droving team taking cattle over the dangerous Southern Alps. Helping along the way are her father’s friend, Tama, and Joseph, an American boy. What she uncovers when she reaches the claim show more site will leads her to her father but also into danger.

Another fantastic offering from Tauranga author Susan Brocker. A great adventure tale set in an historical landscape that is an important part of New Zealand's heritage. show less

After hearing Susan Brocker speak at the 2011 Bookrapt Seminar in Tauranga I was keen to read some of her books and Dreams of Warriors happened to be the first of my holds to arrive. In this book Susan’s history degree and general love of history shine through her work adding authenticity and relevancy. Fourteen-year-old Bella is left to run the family farm when her father goes to fight in World War 2. Her mother and older sister are of limited help with the physical day to day work. show more Fighting to save their farm from both ruin, and their devious neighbour Bloodworth, she must look after the herd of cows as well as a terrifying black racehorse named Gipsy. The Japanese POW camp at Featherston, including the episode of the shooting of prisoners, is woven into the story. The relationships with both animals and humans are beautifully developed. This is an outstanding and extremely well researched book crafted by a woman who is passionate about history, animals and storytelling. Highly recommended. show less

Tauranga author Susan Brocker has written a book about what she knows: animals and children requiring foster care. Thirteen-year-old Ben and his older brother Sam have been placed in the care of their Aunt and Uncle in West Auckland, the last option that their social worker had. Their mother is dead and their father has just been sent to prison – again. Ben has a natural affinity for dogs and is immediately drawn to the scared long-haired German Shepherd hiding in his kennel that his uncle show more recently purchased as a guard dog. She’s just not up to the job and Ben’s uncle wants to get rid of her. Ben manages to talk him into giving the dog another chance. He names the dog Layla after his mother’s favourite song, and slowly starts rebuilding her confidence. Meanwhile older brother Sam is becoming increasingly entangled in the drug world through a crooked PE teacher who is also a dealer. Sam has always been Ben’s rock but the drugs have changed his personality and behaviour. Ben and Layla will need to enter the dangerous world of drug manufacturing, bullies, gangs and violence in order to try and save Sam. Luckily Ben and Layla have learnt how to trust the new friends they have made as part of their journey as they’ll need them now. This is a well told story about finding self-worth, friendship, love and companionship as well as standing up against people who deal drugs to children. A great read for children aged 12+. show less