Student Publications

  • Awakeri

    Awakeri

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    Awakeri is a wetland area of boardwalks, green spaces, and waterways in Takaanini, South Auckland.

    Children of Kauri Flats School, right next to Awakeri, have created a book about the wetlands. Working with teacher-writer, David Riley, the young people share stories and art celebrating their very own natural reserve.

    “Put your hand in the water and feel it flow right through your hand.” (Saanvi)

    “Our grandchildren attend the school and one of them, wrote a piece for the book. We have come to visit from the UK and are very impressed by what is taking place at this site. I will pass on the information about the project to others visiting NZ who might like to see it. Biodiversity net gain is now a very big issue for U.K. developers, with 10% net gain about to be made compulsory under the Environment Act 2021. Many thanks, Brian.

    Look inside the book by clicking here: 


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  • Batang Auckland

    Batang Auckland

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    Batang Auckland

    Migrant stories of Filipino young people in Auckland

    “It makes for an inspired reading, and I believe it will greatly benefit Filipino youth who have made New Zealand their second home.” Kira Christianne D. Azucena. Ambassador. Embassy of the Philippines

    In Batang Auckland,  Filipino young people studying at Tangaroa College in Ōtara, worked with teacher-author David Riley to share personal stories of how they came to New Zealand, what they love and miss about the Philippines, some of the challenges they’ve faced in moving to a new country and their hopes and dreams for the future.

    These are batang Auckland – Filipino young people in Auckland – and their voices are important and beautiful.

    ‘No matter what challenges we face, whether it’s natural disasters, economic struggles, or even personal hardships, Filipinos always find a way to rise above and support each other.’ (Akisha)

    Look inside the book here:

    Batang Auckland
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  • Believe, Become, Inspire

    Believe, Become, Inspire

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    Students from Kedgley Intermediate worked with teacher-author David Riley to tell stories of the inspirational alumni who have attended their school. Believe, Become, Inspire features profiles of Auckland’s mayor, Phil Goff, former Black Ferns captain, Fiao’o Fa’amausili, rugby league legend, Jason Taumalolo, as well as business people, artists, activists and lots more achievers who got their start at the famous South Auckland school.

     

    Look inside the book by clicking here: 


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  • Black Magic

    Black Magic

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    Aotearoa New Zealand’s national flag is blue, red and white … but our national colour is black with a silver fern.

    How did this iconic look begin?

    Discover the courageous and inspirational story behind our beloved national colours and sporting traditions in this action-packed adventure. Get ready to be captivated by the wonders of Black Magic!

    Black Magic was shortlisted in the 2025 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young People.

    “David Riley is a great storyteller and, in Black Magic, he tells a great story.” Trevor Agnew QSM

    “David Riley’s Black Magic is a masterpiece of storytelling, weaving together ancient Polynesian voyages and the birth of New Zealand’s iconic sports uniform into a captivating narrative that will make every Kiwi’s heart swell with pride.” Selina Tusitala Marsh ONZM FRSNZ

    Hear an interview about the book here:

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018993204/david-riley-the-reading-warrior

    Look inside the book:

    Black Magic
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  • Hood Heroes <br>Episode 1: Flat Bush School

    Hood Heroes
    Episode 1: Flat Bush School

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    Death Pig is causing havoc at the Toa Samoa Parade. Burnout is smashing up Rainbow’s End. Professor Skull thinks he can ruin a family cricket game.

    Oh no! Is this the end of life as we know it?

    Nah … Ōtara children know what to do!
    Find out how in Hood Heroes Episode 1: Flat Bush School.

    Click to view a sample of this book:

    Hood Heroes Episode 1
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  • In My DNA

    In My DNA

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    Ten young people from Pacific Advance Secondary School worked with teacher-author David Riley to share stories of the people, cultures and places that make them who they are, bring them joy and inspire them to be excellent.

    ‘I appreciate those cultural teachings because theyre part of my DNA … I will always remember what my grandma taught me, wherever I go.’ (Christian Faimalo)

     

     

    Look inside the book by clicking here: 


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  • Joyful

    Joyful

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    Joyful!
    Students of Kedgley Intermediate School share about their cultures

    Written by talented young people from Kedgley Intermediate School, this inspiring collection celebrates cultural pride and the people who guide their dreams. Through stories, and reflections, these young writers share where they come from – and how their heritage gives them strength to grow and shine.

    Look inside the book by clicking here: 

    Joyful
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  • Ko Roimata Te Awa

    Ko Roimata Te Awa

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    Written and illustrated by students from Matua Ngaru School, Ko Roimata Te Awa is a book about Kumeū River. The book celebrates the river’s history and bird, fish, and plant life. It also describes the sadness when floods come that bring loss and change. It’s a story of nature’s gifts and challenges, shared through the eyes of local children.

    Look inside the book by clicking here: 

    Ko Roimata Te Awa
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  • Mighty!

    Mighty!

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    I’m proud of myself because I don’t give up (Loleni).

    I’m proud of Mum because she helps me with my homework (Alisha).

    I’m proud of my school for teaching us cool stuff (Georgia).

     

    What makes you proud?

    Room 22 at Māngere Central School teamed up with David Riley of the Oceania Literacy Trust to make this book inspired by that question.

    We hope their thoughts make you feel proud too!

    Look inside the book by clicking here: 


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  • Never Fallen

    Never Fallen

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    “wildflowers growing where nobody planted them
    and the smell of citrus lemon from my tree
    and my stomach grumbling for Vietnamese mooncakes …”
    Linh Pham

    Never Fallen is a celebration of West Auckland. It’s told by children from Colwill School who have written with love about the streets they grew up in and live on.

    It’s a book about the people, landmarks, and memories that make living here something to be proud of.

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  • Rotuma 'Otou Hanuạ Pumue

    Rotuma ‘Otou Hanuạ Pumue

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    Gou fakmaniȧk gou le’ Rotumet ‘e Niu Sirgi! I’m proud to be a Rotuman in New Zealand!  (Evana Samisoni)

    Nine Rotuman young people worked with teacher-writer David Riley, to bring you this book – Rotuma ‘Otou Hanu Pumue.

    The stories they’ve written demonstrate their immense pride in being Rotuman. You’ll read about a beloved grandmother and her tefui, a first trip to Rotuma, gardening with Dad, how to make fekei, and their love for their language, dance, culture and stories!

    Come and share the beauty of Rotuman culture with them.

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  • Silent Witnesses

    Silent Witnesses

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    Elders at Elmwood Retirement Village share stories of treasured objects with children from The Gardens School in Manurewa in this beautiful intergenerational project. The children respond to the stories with artwork and messages of their own.

    Hear a Radio NZ interview about the project here:

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/people/it-was-beautiful-to-see-the-friendships-growing

    Look inside the book here: 

    Silent Witnesses
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  • Stand Your Ground

    Stand Your Ground

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    “In Iraq we are taught to be brave and always stand your ground.” (Marcella Mousses)

    In Stand Your Ground young writers from Sancta Maria College in Auckland worked with teacher-writer, David Riley, to share what it means to be a young person in Aotearoa today.

    The authors write about family, about culture, and about the special moments in their lives that make them feel proud.

    Look inside the book by clicking here: 


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  • Star Dance

    Star Dance

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    Star Dance is a book inspired by the stars of Matariki.

    In art and writing, young people from Kedgley Intermediate School in Auckland share stories of family, their concern for the environment, loved ones passed, and their aspirations for the future.

    Mānawatia a Matariki!

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  • Star Dreaming

    Star Dreaming

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    Star Dreaming is a book inspired by the stars of Matariki.

    In art and writing, young people from Sylvia Park School in Auckland share stories of family, of special places, of proud moments, of loved ones passed, and dreams for the future.

    Take a look inside and be inspired too.

    Mānawatia a Matariki!

     

    Look inside the book by clicking here: 


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  • The Streets <br>A celebration of Mt Wellington

    The Streets
    A celebration of Mt Wellington

    Price range: $9.95 through $24.95 + GST

    “Thunderous siren jams earthquake a three-story house in the golden-flecked midday.”

     A.J.Tuuaga Rangi

    The Streets is a celebration of Mt Wellington. It’s told by children from Bailey Road School who have written with love about the streets they grew up in and live on.

    It’s a book about the people, landmarks, and memories that make living here something to be proud of.

    Click to view a sample of this book:

    The Streets
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