Book Author Shaun Barnett
Rights Available World excl. ANZ
Are there still people out there, in the rest of the world? For decades there’s been nothing. No ships, no messages, nothing but floating debris.
Set in a future dystopia with no internet or global communications, where books can no longer be made and have become invaluable, twelve-year-old Herman’s life is turned upside down when he’s sent off to an orphanage – known as Castle Grim. Surrounded by pirates and stalked by kidnappers prowling the land, Herman is determined to find out what has happened to his parents and enlists the help of his clever friend Polly.
Having read every adventure story he could ever get his hands on, Herman is about to star in his own!
+ Winner of the 2025 Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award
+ Shaun Barnett’s dramatic story of pirates, lighthouses and bravery will appeal to readers who enjoy fast-paced adventures
+ A compelling, edge-of-your-seat story of courage, determination, friendship and mysterious family dramas, set amidst treacherous waters and rugged rocks that test the survival skills of all
Awards
Winner of the 2025 Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award
About the Author
Shaun Barnett grew up in Auckland, the Waikato and Hawke’s Bay before shifting to Wellington. He gained a degree in zoology and began his career working as a ranger for the Department of Conservation. Over time he followed his passion for photographing and writing about the New Zealand backcountry, being involved with Wilderness and Backcountry magazines both as a contributor and editor, as well as authoring a number of acclaimed books about tramping in New Zealand.
Shaun explored just about every backcountry track and hut that Aotearoa has to offer and has often been described as the leading tramping author of his generation. Shaun loved to tramp, sea kayak, climb and spend time in nature – but he also loved to read. Sadly, Shaun passed away before this book was published.
Publisher
Scholastic New Zealand Ltd
Extent
248pp
Format
198 x 129 mm
Binding
Paperback
Category
Children’s
Genre
Junior Fiction
Age range
9+ years
Publication Date
March 2026
Rights Available:
World, excl. World excl. ANZ
Rights Agents:
World
Lynette Evans, Scholastic New Zealand Ltd
levans@scholastic.co.nz
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