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About LP Hansen

LP Hansen

LP Hansen is a New Zealand based author of young adult and youth fiction. Asked about her work as an author, she will tell you:

“I write about real kids in real adventures. About teenagers finding their true strengths as they respond to issues like threatened environments, bullying in schools, over-ambitious parents, consumerist cultures, the hidden faces of war and slavery. They’re fast-paced stories for adolescents already involved in change, questioning social and cultural controls as they depart childhood.

These young people quickly discover how human potential can be influenced by violence – or by humane example –  and they make their choices as they confront issues they can’t ignore. 

There’s friendship, romance, audacity, disguise and quite a bit of mischief as these young protagonists from different cultures take up challenges. Being fact-based, all books include sources for further reading.

I took up YA writing after Socks, my story on homelessness, won the Jack Lasenby Senior Award for children’s writing (2012).”

Reviews for LP Hansen’s work

Beautifully crafted YA-fiction, so current that it has a reference to Greta Thunberg by page five! 

The Dark Quest of Countess X draws on the work of Amartya Sen, Nobel Prize winning economist, and follows four groups of teenage students from… Read more “Beautifully crafted YA-fiction, so current that it has a reference to Greta Thunberg by page five! “

Dr. Michael Morris, Director Environmental Education Ltd, zoologist

Dr. Michael Morris, Director Environmental Education Ltd, zoologist, author and animal welfare advocate: ‘Transmits a profound and disturbing message in an informative yet entertaining tale… Read more “Dr. Michael Morris, Director Environmental Education Ltd, zoologist”

Ben Dowdle, Founder and Campaign Director of Unmask Palm Oil

Ben Dowdle, Founder and Campaign Director of Unmask Palm Oil, The Australasian campaign for mandatory labelling of palm oil: ‘A fast paced and exhilarating read… Read more “Ben Dowdle, Founder and Campaign Director of Unmask Palm Oil”

Bad Oil and the Animals is an astounding novel/novella with themes of global warming, the environment and self-discovery.

Centred around sixteen-year-old Heidi and her new-found friends, it explores the horrific effects of palm oil.  Palm oil is something that sure has a bad… Read more “Bad Oil and the Animals is an astounding novel/novella with themes of global warming, the environment and self-discovery.”

Alexia Hilbertidou

Alexia Hilbertidou, Founder and CEO, GirlBoss NZ: ‘The Fire Keeper’s Girls is a coming-of-age story to enlighten and inspire the next generation of GirlBosses. This… Read more “Alexia Hilbertidou”

Barbara Murison worked with children, people and books from 1950

Barbara Murison worked with children, people and books from 1950. Member New Zealand Association of Manuscript Assessors: ‘‘An Unexpected Hero’ is one of those books where you… Read more “Barbara Murison worked with children, people and books from 1950”

Chris Duggan, Founder and National CEO, House of Science, NZ

Chris Duggan, Founder and National CEO, House of Science, NZ: ‘The Fire Keeper’s Girls is a story full of hope and light, a fast-paced adventure involving… Read more “Chris Duggan, Founder and National CEO, House of Science, NZ”

Sue Kedgley, politician, animal welfare campaigner and author

Sue Kedgley, politician, animal welfare campaigner and author: ‘An absorbing and exciting book about teenagers who decide to investigate the way palm oil plantations are… Read more “Sue Kedgley, politician, animal welfare campaigner and author”

Dawn Sanders ONZM QSM, CEO and Trustee, Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ

Dawn Sanders ONZM QSM, CEO and Trustee, Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ & Member of the Shakespeare Globe Council, London: ‘Linda Hansen creates a compelling read… Read more “Dawn Sanders ONZM QSM, CEO and Trustee, Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ”

Eleanor Parkes, Director, Child Alert (ECPAT) NZ

I’m very excited about this book which makes urgent issues real and accessible while leaving young readers feeling empowered. I’m… Read more “Eleanor Parkes, Director, Child Alert (ECPAT) NZ”

As a teenage girl, I can relate

I learnt a lot about the importance of knowing my own gifts and finding my place in the world. I recommend this book particularly to… Read more “As a teenage girl, I can relate”

Michele A’Court, writer, social commentator, comedian

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… Read more “Michele A’Court, writer, social commentator, comedian”

Wonderful story about teenagers and their belief they can make a difference

This is a story about a young New Zealand girl Heidi, who has a passion for photography and a yearning desire to be a photographer… Read more “Wonderful story about teenagers and their belief they can make a difference”

Dark Quest: inspiring and stirring tale of feminism and awareness

This inspiring and stirring tale of feminism and awareness comes with hints of humour and romance and will provide readers with a slew of new… Read more “Dark Quest: inspiring and stirring tale of feminism and awareness”

Ruth Paul, author/illustrator of many award-winning books

Ruth Paul, author/illustrator of many award-winning books including ‘The King’s Bubbles’ which won the NZ Post Children’s Choice Picture Book Award 2008: ‘In An Unexpected… Read more “Ruth Paul, author/illustrator of many award-winning books”

Whanganui Library recommends Linda Hansen as an experienced researcher and storyteller

Whanganui Library recommends Linda Hansen as an experienced researcher and storyteller offering a comprehensive presentation on peacemakers in Aotearoa New Zealand in a wide sweep… Read more “Whanganui Library recommends Linda Hansen as an experienced researcher and storyteller”

Fluid interchange between points of view, giving readers the ability to understand the girl’s differing personalities, opinions and experiences.

I loved how at the end, the author includes brief biographies of all the women Gemma and Alice researched for The Game. I learnt an… Read more “Fluid interchange between points of view, giving readers the ability to understand the girl’s differing personalities, opinions and experiences.”

An adventure with hints of humour and romance. Right from the start I was hooked.

15 April 2021, review by Savarna Yang.* “Why is the human female valued so low that many women see themselves and others as not fit… Read more “An adventure with hints of humour and romance. Right from the start I was hooked.”

David Hill, author of ‘My Brother’s War’

David Hill, author of ‘My Brother’s War’, winner of both the Junior Fiction and the Children’s Choice Junior Fiction: NZ Post Awards, 2013 NZ: ‘Linda… Read more “David Hill, author of ‘My Brother’s War’”

Inviting springboard for research – Tui Motu Magazine

Review in Tui Motu Magazine, by Catharina van Bohemen — August 31, 2021 New Zealander L P Hansen writes about “real kids in real adventures”… Read more “Inviting springboard for research – Tui Motu Magazine”