About the Book:
Rock is the much-anticipated companion to Liz van der Laarse’s award-winning novel CUZ, a favourite in classrooms across Aotearoa. When stepbrothers Axl and Haki are taken on a bush trip by their father Mac, it’s meant to help them learn to trust each other. But when worsening weather and one wrong step leave them stranded without him, the boys must draw on courage, survival skills, and each other if they are to make it to safety.
Tense and fast-paced, Rock is not only a gripping survival story but also an exploration of whānau, resilience, and finding strength in unlikely places. As the final manuscript from Liz van der Laarse—published posthumously—this novel cements her legacy as a powerful voice in New Zealand children’s literature.
Includes a glossary of te reo Māori used in the text.
ROCK
About the Author:
Liz van der Laarse was a pre and early teen fiction writer. She taught in Far North schools as a primary, intermediate, and secondary school teacher for over 27 years. Her first book, Trouble Patch (Reed), was released in 2000, and Not Even (Reed, 2002) was placed in the Storylines Notable Book List 2003 in the Junior Fiction category. Cuz (2018) was a New Zealand Storylines Notable Award Winner in 2019.
Publication Date:
October 2026
Reviews:
Awards and Media:
The author's last work Cuz (2018) was a New Zealand Storylines Notable Award Winner in 2019
Teacher's Notes
Digital Assets for Stores