Share a NZ book for children or teens you wish you'd read earlier. Pōtiki. Written by Patricia Grace. First published Penguin, 1986.
Maybe I'm mis-remembering, but I *think* Pōtiki was an assigned book at high school. (In which case, it counts as for teens.)
If it wasn't, it represents what NZ literature came to mean for me: books I was supposed to read - the 'good for you' books - which were forced on me, at a time when I wasn't ready for them.
To be honest, it could have been Witi Ihimaera's Pounamu, pounamu.
But, to teenaged me, they all had the flavour of good-for-you vegetable reading.
Now, reading them, I appreciate them so much more. I am older, and my world view has grown.
Share a NZ book for children or teens: that is a seasonal read (any season). Remember that November. Written by Jennifer Beck. Illustrated by Lindy Fisher. Huia 2012. ISBN 9781775500100.
There are so many topics I could have covered, but I thought this selection represented some of my recent reading, and showed a range of topics.
A cat called Waverley by Debi Gliori.
A story of homeless and love. And, saddest of all, it is inspired by the story of Darren Greenfield, a homeless war veteran, who lived in Edinburgh.
A child like you by Na'ima B. Robert & Nadine Kaadan.
Inspired by real life, young activists, this book shows how children can still make a difference.
It's a no-money day by Kate Milner.
Told from the point of view of the child, you can see that the mother is doing a really good job of protecting her child from the harshness of their situation. But, it also doesn't show that it's all sunshine and rainbows.
The old man by Sarah V, Claude Dubois, & Daniel Hahn.
A tale of connection and homelessness - and of actually seeing someone so many people ignore.
I am a little voice by Linda Tuhiwai Smith & Isobel Joy Te Aho-White.
Part of a series of realistic, somber, but - ultimately hopeful - books by Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith. This title looks at family violence, and being unable to express your feelings - looking yourself away, within your being.
For some people, these books push the boundaries and need banning.
I think they need highlighting and celebrating.
And, this is only a tiny selection of the books I *could* have recommended.
Rere atu taku poi! Let my poi fly! By Tangaroa Paul & Rebecca Gibbs.
Another moment for me to share my pride in my work organisation. For those who don't know, poi are a female accessory. But, if you are a boy - or AMAB (assigned male at birth) - who loves the poi, what do you do? Based on the author's own experiences. You can see Tangaroa in action, in this video - filmed in one of the local libraries.
This book has faced negative review bombing online. It is a sequel to Grandad's Caravan, and both are beautiful, and deserve support.
Jenny lives with Eric and Martin by Susanne Bösche, Andreas Hansen, & L. Mackay.
Old school review! How many people have ever heard of this one? It is from 1981, and has faced controversy since its first publication.
You need to chill by Juno Dawson & Laura Hughes.
I want the confidence of this main character, if I ever need to defend my relatives - politely.
Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, & Daniel Sousa.
A retelling of a traditional Hawai'ian moolelo (a story which bridges legend and history) about a group of mahu (beings who carry both male and female mind, spirit, and heart).
A book from the Middle East:
Loujain dreams of sunflowers
Written by Lina AlHathloul & Uma Mishra-Newbery; illustrated by Rebecca Green.
Based on the true story of Loujain AlHathloul, Saudi women's rights activist. Written by her sister.
By Yara Kono, Henriqueta Cristina; translated by
Lyn Miller-Lachmann.
Exiled from their homeland, a young girl and her
entire family are unhappy about the monochrome sweaters all children wear until
Mom decides to make a change. Includes facts about Portugal's history and
government, about Amnesty International, and the text of The Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.
