An Unexpected Hero (2014)

A fast-paced adventure for girls and boys set in rural New Zealand, introducing WW1 pacifist Archie Baxter to young readers. Chosen by teachers for NZ ReadAloud 2017 and again in 2019 for Year 7-8. “... a mischievous, affectionate story of a very likeable, very credible young boy, who startles everyone, including himself, by what he proves himself able to do.” David Hill (My Brother’s War) “ ...a hidden tale of wartime New Zealand exposed within a gripping contemporary story. Great reading!” Ruth Paul, author/illustrator (The King’s Bubbles)

Food Legends of the World : Traditional Tales with Recipes of Today (2009)

Traditional legends about twenty five favourite foods sourced from their cultural origins and meticulously illustrated by artist Bodhi Vincent. Each Legend is followed by a contemporary recipe featuring the food. From the tale of the onions that saved a Pharaoh’s son to the origins of the pineapple; from the wily merchant who used black beans to trick the Devil to the great bird of prey that carried the first potatoes to the mountain dwellers of Peru.

Bad Oil and the Animals (2016)

Heidi always dreamed of being a society photographer for the rich and famous. Instead, the sixteen-year old’s first film project plunges her into a world of subterfuge as she joins a multi-cultural group of teenage activists from the Cook Islands, China, Canada and Aotearoa New Zealand, committed to saving orangutans in the wild. There’s danger, disguise and daring and more than a little mischief. But when the police come calling at their school, has it been one stunt too many? ‘An absorbing and exciting book … a fascinating tale that teenagers will love … I highly recommend it.’ Sue Kedgley, politician, author, animal welfare campaigner. … A book with a message this certainly is but it is such an important message and the pages are studded with a cast of such lively and spirited young people that it all makes for an unputdownable read. Barbara Murison

The Fire Keeper's Girls (2018)

Rebel teenage cousins Gemma and Alice are sent to spend summer at a lonely beach with Samantha, an eccentric woman they barely know. Encountering a mysterious and supportive web of real-life women, the pair become enthusiastic players in what is called The Game. Samantha is revealed as the Game’s Fire Keeper and gives each girl a gift to summon help in times of danger. Are they now the Fire Keeper’s girls? …a story full of hope and light, a fast-paced adventure involving deep emotional trials that many teenage girls will identify with... raises the profile of women in the sciences.’ Chris Duggan, Founder and National CEO, House of Science: NZ ‘The Fire Keeper's Girls is a coming-of-age story to enlighten and inspire the next generation of GirlBosses. A realistic tribute to modern feminism.’ Alexia Hilbertidou, Founder and CEO, GirlBoss NZ, and 2018 Westpac Women of Influence: Young Leader Award Winner.

The Dark Quest of Countess X – A Call to the World’s Youth

Calling herself Countess X, one of Europe’s richest billionaires invites the world’s youth to take up a modern day Quest. Will they help her to challenge a colossal abuse of human rights?   More than forty young people converge on the château to share their plans and meet with wealthy philanthropists and others prepared to put the plans into practice. Tensions accelerate as cheats are expelled, hostilities revealed and romances bloom. Then the pace of the Quest quickens – changing the participants forever. 

“This is a terrific read, delightful not just for young adults but for the older adults in their lives. It gives a bigger picture of how we humans can live equably together. The Quest offers challenges – and then hope.” Michele A’Court, writer, social commentator, comedian.

“I'm very excited about this book which makes urgent issues real and accessible while leaving young readers feeling empowered. A captivating read on a challenging topic.  I’m hooked!”  Eleanor Parkes, Director, Child Alert (ECPAT) NZ.

The Argonaut Queen

"The argonaut or paper nautilus is surely one of the most mysterious creatures that travels our oceans. In her book, The Argonaut Queen, LP Hansen has created an excellent story that I recommend. Anyone wanting to instill a love of shells and other marine marvels in young readers aged up to 12 years will appreciate the engaging and accurate text, while the illustrations are both detailed and colourful. There’s history plus an introduction to an early marine biologist as well.  Should you or your young ones have been lucky enough to find an argonaut shell washed up on a beach, this book is for you." Bill Shortt, former member of the Wellington Shell Club, has had a fifty-year relationship with the argonaut or paper nautilus, building up one of the larger collections of shells or egg cases in New Zealand. 

Hidden Stories of Heroism for a Peaceful Planet

Reviewed for The Sapling by Becks Popham

Hidden Stories of Heroism for a Peaceful Planet is a 112 page chapter book (for an older readership of  around 12+ I’d say) about peacemaking and opposition to war. The book starts with 14 vignettes of lesser known people (and peoples), from the Moriori, Parihaka and other Aotearoa activists to Samoa, Poland, Kenya and beyond, who, often to their extreme physical and mental detriment, decided that the nonviolent fight for peace was the better option. 

It took me by surprise how much I enjoyed Hidden Stories of Heroism for a Peaceful Planet. I was worried, at first glance, that this would be an overly sentimental read but it isn’t flowery or simpering in the slightest. I ended up spending an evening, completely absorbed, learning all about conscientious objectors, peaceful protesters, selfless actions and ‘those who chose social justice over cruelty and violence’.

LP Hansen, who has penned many novels for young folks, writes concise and easily digestible chapters and does a truly excellent job of giving you enough information to feel like you can form an opinion. She also bookends each chapter with a list of resources for further solo research and provides great teaching material with timelines and extra facts about the various stories. 

Reviewed by Mandy Hager, Author. LIANZA Book Award for Young Adult fiction three times, the New Zealand Post Book Award for Young Adult fiction, an Honour award in the Aim Children's Book Awards, Word Weavers Excellence Award (2002), Golden Wings Award (2003) and five Storylines Notable Book Awards.

“This succinct and well-written book is a celebration of the courageous people who have put their lives on the line to promote peace and social justice. It's a timely work, a good reminder that when ordinary citizens stand up for their values, real change can result. All the people in this book are role models for future generations, and it's cheering to learn of the many New Zealanders (and others) who have worked so hard to protect us all. It's vital our young people read this, so they can be inspired into action. I particularly liked the final chapter, putting all these stories into today's context, with clear practical guidelines for those who wish to promote non-violence and peacemaking. Highly recommended. Please share it widely!”