One Way Ticket

by Iona McNaughton

Meg was born and raised in Canada but after her mother's death, her New Zealand father longs to return home. Meg is horrified when her grandparents send one-way tickets and her opinion is not taken into account. She starts a new school year in New Zealand full of anger, and the friends she makes suit her mood. Before she realises it she is shop-lifting and wagging school. Her life is chaos and completely out of control. Suggested intermediate, junior secondary.

198 pages, Paperback

Reviews

[Rachel Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read this book because it was by a New Zealand author and I haven't read many book written by New Zealanders. I was curious as to whether it would be set in New Zealand or not and what it would be about.

This book is about a 14 year old girl named Meg, who lives in Canada with her dad. Her mum passed away in a car crash when Meg was 10 and Meg was also in the car at the time but she survived. Meg and her dad move to New Zealand, the story follows Meg's life and how she copes with the big move. I really enjoyed this story because something was always happening and it kept me interested in the story, also the fact that Meg is the same age as me makes it much more relateable.

The category that this book belongs to on the bingo board is "A book written by a New Zealander" I thought this category was interesting because it was intriguing to read something written by someone from New Zealand and to see whether they had a very different perspective on the country, and what kind of things they write about. I really enjoyed it.

My favourite quote from the book was just after Meg had got her mums book back and Meg and her dad were sitting on the couch. The quote from the book is that I liked is "We sat on the sofa, silent, my mind playing home movies... the good times and the the nightmare... waking up in a hospital bed, Dad holding my hand and Gramps there and... "Where's Mom?" I ask. "I want Mom." Dad and Gramps crying, telling me Mom's dead." I liked this quote because it summed up one of the biggest events in Meg's life in just a few sentences. It tells the reader about the "good times" that she misses and then the devastation of the news about her mum.

Something new I learned form this book is to not take your parents for granted, because one day they might not be there. Also I learned that things will get better, even if it seems that your life is falling to pieces. I think that Meg's journey about adjusting to New Zealand shows this well, because she has so many ups and downs and she just wants to give up. But she persists to make it better and then in the end things start to pick up again.

A character that I liked in this story was Meg's dad, Don. I liked him because he was a great dad. He always tried to please Meg and stay strong even though he was falling apart inside. I like how understanding he was when Meg began to tell him what was wrong.

I really enjoyed this book because it was interesting and realistic, and I give it 4 stars.

[Cass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm probably over the age group this is geared towards, but I was intrigued by the blurb when I found it in a Streaky Bay library in South Australia. Took it home to Melbourne and finished it in one sitting. I did enjoy this book and found it a well-written account of the confusion and unintentional selfishness of being a young teen, as well as some dreamy descriptions of the natural NZ landscape.
I think I'll pass it on to my younger cousin in New York when I see her next - maybe the book will travel as far as its protagonist!

[Kayley R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would actually rate this a 3.5 stars. It was ok, it kinda encouraged bad behaviour tho.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this big around when I was twelve and I really enjoyed it because it was interesting I would love to read it again now that I am older!!