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Author and storyteller LP Hansen is a New Zealand based author of young adult and youth fiction. These are her most recent books:


The Argonaut Queen (2024)

The Argonaut Queen, a captivating story for young naturalists, weaves together the marine science of these fascinating creatures and the woman we have to thank for it. Madame Jeanne Villepreux-Power was one of the earliest students of the little argonaut octopus and the many features that make it so unique. Bill Shortt, shell enthusiast with one of the larger collections of argonaut or paper nautilus shells in New Zealand writes,’ Linda has created an excellent story that I recommend. Anyone wanting to instill a love of shells and other marine marvels in young readers aged up to 12 years will appreciate the engaging and accurate story, while the illustrations are both detailed and colourful. There’s natural history plus an introduction to an early marine biologist as well.’ 


The Dark Quest of Countess X

Calling herself Countess X, one of Europe’s richest billionaires invites the world’s youth to take up a modern-day Quest. Will they help her to challenge a colossal abuse of human rights? Teenagers submitting the most effective suggestions will be welcomed at her European residence to present their plans. But these submissions must be their own work.

More than forty young people converge on the château to share their plans and meet with wealthy philanthropists and others prepared to put the plans into practice. Tensions accelerate as cheats are expelled, hostilities revealed and romances bloom. Then the pace of the Quest quickens – changing the participants forever.


The Fire Keeper’s Girls (2018)

Two rebel teenage cousins uncover their true talents and outwit oppressors in this fast-moving real time story. Sent to spend summer at a lonely beach in the care of an eccentric mentor, they’re introduced to a mysterious women’s network through a game. Gradually the girls gain clarity and insight into their own troubled histories. They learn from other women’s lives and acquire new, practical skills. But when they return home and dangers threaten once more, will this be enough to keep them safe? The Fire Keeper’s Girls is called ‘the book every woman wishes she had read as a teenager’ by Alexia Hilbertidou, Founder and CEO of GirlBoss NZ and Winner of Westpac Women of Influence (2016). Twenty-five brief biographies of influential women from twenty-five countries are included.


Bad Oil and the Animals (2016)

Relevant at this time of Greta Thunberg and climate protests, this fast-moving and exhilarating tale involves teenagers’ exploits to expose the threat to orangutan habitat from factory farming’s use of palm kernel extract. There’s daring, disguise and quite a lot of mischief as the multi-cultural group aims a spotlight at animal welfare in New Zealand and elsewhere. Their stunts attract public attention but with scholarships at stake, maintaining their anonymity is critical. So when the police come calling at their school, has there been one prank too many? Sources for further study included.


BookCoverUnexpectedHeroAn Unexpected Hero (2014)

Matt, a city boy plunged into the unfamiliar world of a small rural New Zealand school, encounters his worst nightmare; he has to speak in public. Under pressure Matt stammers, and the pressure intensifies as he decides to speak about World War 1 pacifist Archie Baxter, father of poet James K. Baxter. In a district where almost every family has lost someone to war, it’s not the smartest choice. There’s tension, trouble and triumph as Matt, described by David Hill as ‘a very likeable, very credible and genuinely unlikely hero’ startles everyone, including himself, by what he’s able to do. An Unexpected Hero has twice been chosen by teachers for Year 7-8 in NZ ReadAloud, the national reading programme, in 2017 and 2019.


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”

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”

The argonaut or paper nautilus is surely one of the most mysterious creatures that travels our oceans

The argonaut or paper nautilus is surely one of the most mysterious creatures that travels our oceans. In her picture book, The Argonaut Queen, Linda has… Read more “The argonaut or paper nautilus is surely one of the most mysterious creatures that travels our oceans”

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”

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 hooked!

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”

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”

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.”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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.”

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.”

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! “

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’”

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”

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”