Spearo
Sean Phelps is lonely and homesick at his new school since he emigrated to NZ with his mother after his father died tragically in Zimbabwe. He grasps an opportunity to get involved in the alien world of spearfishing after meeting up with mad-keen spearo, Mason.
Sean has to overcome such obstacles as, his fear of sharks, controlling his breathing, finding the money to buy dive gear and assure his over-anxious mother that he’ll be safe. Perhaps the most difficult obstacle, though, is Mason’s older sister Nicole.
Sometimes it seems as if Sean’s new life might drown him — and not just literally.
From the author of Sticking With Pigs comes a new hunting adventure for readers of all ages to enjoy and question, ‘Would I be brave enough?’
“A captivating read from first page to last” - Pat Swanson (World Champion Spearo)
Awards
Storylines Notable Book Award 2021
On the background of Spearo:
Once again, the idea behind this new book, Spearo, came from listening into conversations. I’ve always been a keen fisher; I have my own rod reel and love the thrill of catching a fish. I couldn’t understand why my sons wanted to get in the water and begin diving. Why on earth would anyone want to leap off a boat into the wide-open ocean?
But gradually as I listened to the chat around spearfishing I started to realise that this was indeed a thrilling sport. The simplicity of free diving, and/or spearfishing, appealed to me. I also liked the fact that it was a buddy sport and I began to see how much divers relied on each other. I listened to the tales of this ‘other world’ under the sea; the big fish, the struggles to learn how to use spear guns, ropes, dive flags, snorkels, the jargon and the air. Always air.
I heard a spearfisherman refer to himself as a ‘pig hunter of the sea’ and I thought, yes, there’s a story here.I brought my protagonist in from Zimbabwe because it’s a landlocked country and because Zimbabweans often epitomise the essence of hard-working, getting involved kiwis. I also wanted to write about a kontiki, the sort of fishing my grandfather did, when there was no boat available.
And I love stories about bravery, pitting yourselves against the odds, digging in for the tough times and calling up resilience. Where better for a tale like this than under the sea?
- Mary-anne Scott
Spearo Review:
“Author Mary-Anne Scott really knows how to capture the attention of our younger readers. Spearo is full of action, drama and cracks along at a wicked pace. But it is also full of emotion and her characters aren't afraid to show it.
Scott has also nicely worked in a parental conflict that many younger readers will relate to too - a seemingly over-bearing and over-protective mother. Scott understands that lives are complicated and doesn't shy away from making her characters complex and full of realistic tension.
Spearo was a surprisingly good read. I never thought I'd want to read a book about spear fishing. But Scott instantly captured me with familiar landscapes, passion and emotion. A fantastic addition to New Zealand's middle-grade fiction scene.”
- R Lyell, NZ Book Lovers
Teachers Notes
Find the teachers notes for Spearo here.