A LIST OF IMPORTANT AFRIKAANS SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH/CHILDREN’S BOOKS:

Bloemhof Francois Die dae toe ek Elvis was (Tafelberg, 2000)

C.J. se maat word vermoor en gemolesteer en hy word amper self ‘n slagoffer voordat die moordenaar ontmasker word. ‘n Mengsel van spanning en romanse. Skrywer ken trendy jong volwassenes.

Brink, Tania Liefde laat jou Rice Krispies anders proe (Lapa, 2002)

A genuine true to life story about teenagers who fall in love; and that changes their perception of the world.

Conradie, Anne-Marie e-topia (H&R, 2004)

A current novel which shows how young people can fall in the grasp of drug addiction; and how it is virtually impossible to escape again. A strong statement against drug abuse, telling young people what the dangers are. Highly recommended.

Conradie, Anne-Marie Tippex dit uit (H&R, 2001)

A group of teenagers get into trouble after an illegal abortion was performed on one of them. The girl was raped. Broken lives must be mended.

De Villiers, Leon Die Pro (Tafelberg, 1997).

To make Biology more interesting, Tiaan begins a diary, also in an attempt to come to terms with the death of his best friend. Very moving.

De Villiers, Leon Aliens en engele (Tafelberg, 1996)

Winner Sanlam prize. Pieter is a boy of 11 who finds it difficult to come to terms with the reality of his world; so he escapes into a fantasy world.

Greyling, Franci Die meisie van Melrosehuis (H&R, 1995)

A bomb explodes at Melrose house, and Sonja is there first. Her mother must restore the building, and she makes a mysterious encounter with a girl from the past.

Hamersma, Elsa Die teken van Crux (Tafelberg, 1998)

Sanlam prize 1998. Mia wins an essay-writing competition, and is invited for a week to Washington. Reality gets intertwined with fantasy, as she carries the “sign”, and she is taken to outer space to help the creatures from outer space. Debut story. Exciting, believable, tense.

Hough, Barrie & Meiring, Lizz Breek (Tafelberg, 2002)

A drama which was performed successfully at the KKNK 2001. Tom and Gideon are student friends, and they move in together in a cottage. Tom falls in love with Justine. All 3 harbour family secrets in their lives.

Hough, Barrie Droomwa (Tafelberg, 1990)

A boy in Grade 7 looses his father, and he has to grow up and come to terms with the past.

Leroux-Van der Boon, Marzanne Luc en Libertine (Tafelberg, 1998)

Two young people from different backgrounds meet at the Waldorf school in Constantia, and fall in love. For teens. Elizabeth’s parents are separating, and her own relationship with Kevin is on shaky ground. First experience with sex. She is scared that she is pregnant.

Maree, Kobus Proefwedstryd vir Wikus (H&R, 1993)

A teen story. Story about sexual behaviour and alcohol abuse. Wikus is everybody’s hero as captain of the first rugby team and a prefect. But things get out of hand when his girlfriend tells him she is expecting a baby.

Parker, Elize Moenie vir ma se nie (Lux Verbi 2001)

Marcelle writes about her life in a diary. She wants to be like other teenagers, but belongs to the Funky for Jesus youth club, and helps her brother who is studying theology to take care of AIDS orphans. A story with a Christian slant.

Philips, Fransi ‘n Baie lang brief aan Rolf (HAUM, 1993)

16 year old Klara must adapt to a new school, after her father committed suicide. She is a dreamer who meets Rolf, a boy who plays the piano beautifully. Two talented and sensitive teenagers who help one another to discover the meaning in life.

Preller, Martie In die tyd van die Esop (Tafelberg, 1996)

A futuristic story in which 4 young people must pass difficult tests to discover who will be the one honoured to wear the red cloak. Exciting story about the struggle between good and evil.

Schuler, Rena Die somervakansie wat te lank was (Tafelberg, 2000)

Willem is a typical grade 11 boy who is fond of soccer and dance. But he has a deformed left hand, and he has to learn to accept this deformity. Nellie’s accident brings about a change for the better in him. Engrossing and striking story. Winner silver medal Sanlam prize.

Van der Walt, Willem Ragtime en rocks (Tafelberg, 2003)

With sharp observation the author captures a dramatic period in the lives of teenagers going to school, who are in love, hate and hope against a background of drugs and gangster-action on the Cape Flats.

Van der Vyver, Marita Die ongelooflike avonture van Hanna Hoekom (Tafelberg, 2002)

An entertaining story about a strange family and the adventures they have. These are eccentric characters; and the author writes so well that the reader is taken in . Hanna tells their story. She considers herself to be the boring person who just wants to write, and the character in her story is her alter-ego- The fabulous Fabienne.

Van Rooyen, Marietjie Drie maande in Mei (Tafelberg, 1997)

Elet is enthusiastic about her sport , also because of problems at home. Then she goes to a party with Eddie, and an accident happens. How will she be able to continue with her life?

Von Meck, Anoeschka Vaselinetjie (Tafelberg, 2004)

Helena Bosman lives in a home for children; and the writer based her story on her real experiences in such a home as one of the caretakers. Helena was placed in the home after living with her grandparents. She introduces us to a world few people are familiar with; and many social issues are revealed: racism, violence, drugs, prostitution; suicide…. For all ages. An excellent book.

Weideman, George Dana se jaar duisend (Tafelberg, 1998)

At the end of the first millennium the story takes place in Scandinavia where a small colony thru internal betrayal is wiped out, except for Dana, the daughter of the Viking chief, and 2 slaves. They begin a long journey across the ice fields of Sweden and Northern Europe, and when her cousin joins them, they establish the Company of Entertainers to survive. Very interesting story and the historical background makes it even more exciting. They learn about relationships in the process, and with new hope, knowledge and faith they enter the new millennium. A good adventure story which keeps your attention to the end.