Anna Kenna's latest novel... "Never underestimate the power of one."

The accident that almost killed her mother seals Caitlin's own destiny. And when she meets a kick-butt reporter and a ghost from the past, the drama really begins...   Click here for reviews and more.

Educational writing by Anna Kenna

Stories written for School Journals in support of the New Zealand Curriculum

picture of Bike Race storyThe Bike Race

"What d'ya reckon a Dirt-eater Pro would cost?" I asked Damien during maths. He thought for a while.

"About seven hundred," he said. "I've seen them for that much on the Net."

This story appeared in Choices: The Way Ahead, published in 2006 for the Ministry of Education by Learning Media Limited.

 
 

picture of Pet PandemoniumPet Pandemonium

"Hello," squawked Rosie as I pushed the broom under her cage.

"Hello yourself," I said, stopping to scratch her head. Rosie is an African grey parrot and the only pet that's not for sale in Paws and Claws. As well as saying heaps of words, she does a very good police siren and the sound of a woman laughing.

This story appeared in Choices: Is it Working?, published in 2009 for the Ministry of Education by Learning Media Limited.

picture of Keeping it CleanKeeping in Clean: Air Travel and the Environment

"Bing-bong! This is the final call for passengers on Flight XYZ to Brisbane."

As you step onto the plane, chances are your mind is on the fun times ahead – and not on how much fuel your plane will burn up crossing the Tasman or on how many tonnes of greenhouse gases it will spew into the atmosphere.

This story appeared in Choices: Flight, published in 2008 for the Ministry of Education by Learning Media Limited.

picture of Doctor in the HouseDoctor in the House

The day Dad got the blame for killing a baby changed our lives forever.

I knew something was wrong when I got home from school and saw his car in the drive. Dad's usually at the hospital till late. I found him sitting at the table with Mum. Well, that's not totally true. Mum was sitting; Dad was slouching. It had to be bad news. Dad never slouches.

This story appeared in The New Zealand School Journal, Part 4, Number 3, 2006, Published for the Ministry of Education by Learning Media Limited.

Stories written for various American educational publications

picture of Heather's StoryHeather's Story

In 1966 Heather Stewart looked like an ordinary nine-year-old. She was kind of cute, with leaf-green eyes and brown hair. There was nothing unusual about Heather that would make people notice her – until the accident.

Anna Kenna grew up in the same neighborhood as Heather. The explosion that injured Heather happened in the yard next to Anna's home. "Everything changed that day," Anna says, "for Heather and for all of us who knew her."

This story appeared in Orbit Chapter Books, published in 2003 by Learning Media Limited, and distributed in the US by Pacific Learning.

picture of The Big TwisterThe Big Twister

I'd rather have been anywhere but at Dad's wedding. My suit felt like sandpaper, and I couldn't see whay Dad had to get married again.

"You may kiss the bride," said the guy who was leading the ceremony. I watched Dad kiss Luisa on the lips – gross!

This story appeared in Orbit Collections – Relationships: Friends and Family, published in 2002 by Learning Media Limited, and distributed in the US by Pacific Learning.

picture of Over the TopOver the Top

"I'll have a latte with low-fat milk," said the pretzel-thin woman with big hair. "No! On second thoughts, I'll have a decaf cappuccino." She arched her pencilled eyebrows. "Do you have decaf?"

I watched Luke drum his fingers on the counter. "Sure. We can also do organic yak's milk if you want," he said with a straight face.

This story appeared in Power Zone Magazine, Issue 3, published in 2005 and distributed in the US by Nelson Education.

picture of Black GoldBlack Gold

Most of the world's energy comes from crude oil. Finding and selling oil is one of the world's biggest industries. However, our supply of crude oil will soon run out. How will we survive without this precious "black gold"?

"I had never thought about how important oil is – or what will happen when it runs out. Writing this book has changed that. Now I ride my bike whenever I can. I've also started recycling and suggesting that other people do the same." – Anna Kenna

This story appeared in Orbit Chapter Books, published in 2004 by Learning Media Limited, and distributed in the US by Pacific Learning.

picture of Growing PainsGrowing Pains

Sam was totally wiped out. His shoulders hurt, his back ached, and his face was burning.

He sat down on an upturned bucket. He looked at the blisters that were beginning to swell on his hands.

"Huh, stupid homework!" he muttered.

This story appeared in Orbit Collections – Challenge: You Can Do It!, published in 2002 by Learning Media Limited, and distributed in the US by Pacific Learning.

picture of Rash MeasuresRash Measures

The doctor was driving me crazy as she prodded my itchy back with her cold hands. I'd always had eczema, but never this bad.

"Hmm, she said, "it really is worse, isn't it?" (Um! That's why I'm here!)

This story appeared in High Wire Magazine, Volume 6, Issue 8, published in 2008 and distributed in the US by Nelson Education.