The Secret Green (Paperback)

A fast-paced middle grade thriller with magic and environmentalism at its heart.

Winner of the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Junior Fiction Book 2026
Auckland Council Libraries Top 10 for Kids 2025

It's been almost a year since Nissa Marshall was found alive after miraculously surviving a month lost in the vast, dense wilderness of Fiordland.

While she was alone in the ancient forest, strange and magical things happened. But were they real―or had her imagination created them deep within the wilderness?

When the mysterious forest creatures return for Nissa, she discovers that Fiordland is in grave danger. What are the sparks so afraid of? What secret have they protected for thousands of years? And why do they believe a thirteen-year-old girl is the only one who can save them?

This thrilling sequel to Spark Hunter crackles with the magic of the ancient forest, delivering a high-stakes adventure through one of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes. Filled with mystery, friendship, courage, and environmental themes, it invites readers into a breathtaking world where an ancient green secret could change everything.

'First and foremost a rollicking adventure. A remarkable combination of absolute realism and total enchantment, this book will captivate young readers.'
― Aotearoa NZ Review of Books

'A delightfully kid-forward story, where the adults play supporting roles... with some genuinely tense and emotional moments.'
― Kete Books

'Compelling. The description of this real-life wild New Zealand setting is beautifully portrayed, taking readers deep into the bush with Nissa. This rich realism, mixed deftly with fantastical fairy-like characters, effortlessly continues the immersive story of Spark Hunter.'**
― What Book Next?

'A great adventure story of courage, friendship, love, and the power that is inside us all―even, and especially, if you're "just a kid." It's sure to captivate young readers.'
― NZ Booklovers Award judges

Sonya Wilson is an award-winning novelist, journalist, television reporter, presenter and producer. She has a degree in Broadcasting Communications and has worked across a variety of platforms and programs including TVNZ's Breakfast, 1News, 20/20, Sunday and Q+A programs.

She also has a Masters in Creative Writing with First Class Honors from the University of Auckland. Her first novel, Spark Hunter, has made several bestsellers and best-of lists since its release in October 2021. It won the NZSA Best First Book Award at the 2022 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, a Storylines Notable Book Award 2022 and was shortlisted for the Esther Glen Junior Fiction prize. 

Sonya also writes essays, reviews and opinion pieces for a variety of publications including North & South, Newsroom, Canvas and The Spin Off, and produces and presents the Bookland Presents: How to Love podcast series. 

She is the founder and Chief Executive of the charity Kiwi Christmas Books (www.kiwichristmasbooks.org.nz) and is the co-director of a small film and television post-production company with her husband, colorist Pete Ritchie.