How Tonga got its name
A Tongan legend retold by David Riley and translated into Tongan by Julienne Faletau.
Maui threw his line and hook into the ocean. He felt the hook catch onto something huge and heavy. “Wow, it’s beautiful!” Maui said. What amazing sight did Maui see in the ocean that day?
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Night of the Dance – Pō o te ‘Ura
Koromaūariki had a close relationship with his dad, the legendary superhero, Tinirau. But there was one thing that bothered him. Sometimes Tinirau would wake up in the middle of the night, go outside … and disappear for three days.
When he came home he’d dance into the house wearing a fresh, colourful and fragrant pandanus seed necklace. What was going on?
Find out in Night of the Dance – Pō o te ‘Ura, a Cook Islands legend retold by David Riley and translated into Cook Islands Māori by Mareta Tere.
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Tapa of Love – Tapa ō te ‘Inangaro
Ina is a Cook Islands heroine and superhero, famous throughout Oceania for her mighty deeds. In this story, Ina faces the biggest challenge of her life. Is it a human-eating giant? No. A tree-crushing cyclone? Kā‘ore. Then it must be an island-flooding tsunami? Not even close. Ina’s biggest challenge was a lot closer to home … and one that almost all of us can relate to.
Find out in Tapa of Love – a Cook Islands legend retold by David Riley and translated into Cook Islands Māori by Mareta Tere.
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The Artist and the Whale
Mataginifale is a Niue superhero with a difference. She isn’t known for her super powers, but for her super creativity. One day she had an argument with a whale that tested her thinking skills too. Find out what happened in The Artist and the Whale, a Niue legend retold by David Riley and translated into Vagahau Niue by Elviso Togiamua.
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The Gifts of Pai and Vau
Pai and Vau are Nanumea superheroes who created beautiful things in our world. One day a stranger named Tefolaha came to their island. “This is now my island,” he declared and challenged them to a contest. What kind of contest did he dream up? What would Pai and Vau do if they lost? Find out in The Gifts of Pai and Vau, a Nanumea legend retold by David Riley, and translated into Nanumean by Siliga Tala.
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Who stole my taro?
Taro is one of the most popular foods in Samoa. You can bake it and eat it with palusami. You can boil it and eat it with coconut cream. You can even fry it and make taro chips. But how did taro get to Samoa? Find out in Who stole my taro? – a Samoan legend retold by David Riley and translated into Samoan by Rasela Lafaele Uili.
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Dr Donna Rose Addis: Samoan Neuroscientist
Eight year old Donna comes home from school one day with a book so heavy, she can hardly lift it! “This book is so interesting,” she says to her mum and nanna. “It tells how people invented cool things. Maybe I’ll do something cool too one day.”
Donna did grow up to do cool things. She’s the first Samoan neuroscientist in history. This pioneering Pasifikan uses her knowledge, creativity, and bravery to help solve problems in our world.
Find out more
in Dr Donna Rose Addis: Samoan Neuroscientist.
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Dr Tokilupe Taumoepeau: Tongan Trailblazer
Dr Tokilupe Taumoepeau made history when she became New Zealand’s first female vascular surgeon. This trailblazing Tongan is helping bust open doors in health and medicine for young people with Pacific heritage … including her own family!
Find out more in Dr Tokilupe Taumoepeau: Tongan Trailblazer
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Joy Cowley: Kiwi Storyteller
Joy Cowley is one of New Zealand’s most beloved writers. She’s written books for all ages and won lots of awards. But you wouldn’t have thought that could happen if you’d known Joy at primary school. That’s because she struggled with literacy as a child and couldn’t even read back then. A challenging family situation made life even harder for this future Kiwi legend.
What helped Joy overcome these obstacles and become the icon she is today? Stories did.
Find out how in Joy Cowley: Kiwi Storyteller.
“I am amazed at the breadth and depth of the research. David shows a real understanding of the children he teaches. That makes me feel very happy about the book. David has it right. This is my life.” Joy Cowley.
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Kamelia Lino Zarka: History-Making Pilot
Kamelia Lino Zarka tracks Kamelia’s journey from the Kingdom of Tonga, to the skies of Hawaii. You’ll read how she made history by becoming the first Tongan female to captain a commercial airline. And you’ll be inspired to see how her daughters are following in her high achieving footsteps. The sky is no limit for this Tongan family!
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Lisa Carrington: Olympic Champion
Lisa Carrington tells the story of how a girl from Ōhope, Whakatane, became one of the most dominant athletes in the world. You’ll find out how Lisa made history as the first Maori to win an Olympic gold medal. You’ll learn how to use challenges in your own life as motivation. And you’ll discover that no matter where you come from, it’s okay to dream big!
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Pasifika Coastwatchers
On Sunday 7 December 1941, Japanese fighter planes attacked American ships in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii. New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Britain declared war on Japan.
And the Pasifika Coastwatchers leaped into action!
Their job was to report the movements of Japanese aircraft, ships and submarines. If they were caught they were beaten, imprisoned and sometimes executed. But without these brave men, women and children, the Pacific war may have been lost. This is their story.
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Stacey Waaka: World Champion Rugby Player
Stacey Waaka follows Stacey’s journey from Ruatoki to the rugby stadiums of the world. Read about some of the many challenges she’s been through, including a terrifying bus crash, and how she overcame them. Find out how her faith, family, friends, coaches, teachers and culture have guided and powered her to aim high in life.
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Stephen Curry
“Too skinny.”
“Too small.”
“Too weak.”
Basketball experts have said these things about Stephen Curry all his life. And yet he’s an All Star, an MVP and an NBA champion. How did he do it? Find out how in Reading All Stars: Stephen Curry.
Award winning writer and teacher David Riley wrote Stephen Curry to encourage young people to chase their dreams, even when the world tells them not to.
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Pasifika Heroes Collection
Five fantastic Pasifika Heroes books come together in this very special collection:
- Cook Islands Heroes
- Niue Heroes
- Samoan Heroes
- Tokelau Heroes
- Tongan Heroes
That’s more than 150 inspirational stories of Pasifikans from legend, history and today. Award-winning artists Michel Mulipola, Munro Te Whata and Moses Viliamu help bring the stories to life. This is a collection that will bring families together and inspire the next generation of Pasifika heroes!
La’u Penina Tautele
‘I will always remember the last words my parents said to me before I came here: “Don’t forget who you are.” I’m proud of who I am. I’m proud to be Sāmoan.’
‘O le ā ‘ou manatua pea ‘upu mulimuli a oʻu matua iā te aʻu ‘ae ‘ou te leʻi sau i’inei: “Aua neʻi e fa’agaloina oe.” ‘Ou te mitamita lava iā te aʻu. ‘Ou te mitamita ona o a’u o le Sāmoa.’
In La’u Penina Tautele, 11 young people from Tangaroa College in Ōtara, South Auckland, share how they stay connected to their culture, though they’re far from home.
The young writers worked with teacher-writer David Riley to select objects that represent who they are as Pacific young people, and to tell stories about them in English and Sāmoan.
You’ll be inspired to read about how proud these youth are of their identity – it’s a penina tautele to them, a pearl of great price.
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Ngā Tamaiti Rangatira
I love supporting those who support me.
I believe one day I’ll be successful.
I dream about a lot of things.
I say, ‘Live life to the fullest.’ (Rayshianah)
Ngā Tamaiti Rangatira is a collection of writing by young people from the Tipu Whare program at Panama Road School.
Working with teacher-writer David Riley, these rangatahi share their thoughts about life, their dreams and the special people they admire.
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This Special Place
“Happiness fills our street, people breathe it in like sweet air.”
“When I’m with my family, in this special place, I wish I could never leave.”
In This Special Place, children from Flat Bush School share what they love about growing up in Ōtara, South Auckland. Watch out world, these ten young authors are coming … with their aroha, commitment, passion and talent!
Check out an article by Read NZ Te Pou Muramura about the project.
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Where I Live
‘In South Auckland strangers offer warm smiles, talking to one another like they know each other. They say, “Thank you,” “Please,” and “Sorry.” That lets you know they’re being sincere and they mean it. I feel safe and I feel warm where I live, in my home in South Auckland.’
Where I Live celebrates growing up in South Auckland. In this book, 11 students from St Mary MacKillop School in Mangere East describe the things they love about their amazing community. Teacher-author, David Riley, grew up in Mangere too, and helps the students find the words to express their thoughts. Be blessed, encouraged and inspired by these young people as they highlight the beauty of their home … South Auckland.
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Bryan Williams: Pacific Pioneer
Bryan Williams – Pacific Pioneer is the inspirational story of one of the first great Pasifikan All Blacks. Bryan beat his opponents with speed, sidestepping or sometimes just by running over the top of them! He inspired future generations of Pasifikan All Blacks, like Michael Jones and Jonah Lomu. But Bryan and his All Blacks teammates did something even greater off the field. Something more important than rugby. Something that helped change a whole country.
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Tokelau Heroes
Tokelau Heroes tells the inspirational stories of achievers who have Tokelauan ancestry. It includes legends like Hina, Kalokalo-o-te-la and Moa; historical figures such as Foua Toloa, Ihaia Puka and Nua Mamoe; and contemporary heroes like Fuli Pereira-Evans, Iaheto Ah Hi and Opetaia Foa’i. The book is written to inspire young Tokelauans, to encourage reading and promote literacy. The book is illustrated by Tokelauan-Samoan artist, Mose Viliamu. Tokelau Heroes is the fifth book in the Pasifika Heroes series. It follows We Are the Rock (Niuean), Samoan Heroes, Tongan Heroes and Cook Islands Heroes.
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Nathan Nukunuku
Reading All Stars: Nathan Nukunuku tells the incredible story of one of the most successful softballers the world has ever seen. Award winning writer and teacher David Riley wrote Nathan Nukunuku to show young people that the road to achievement has many obstacles. But you will get there with determination and passion.
eBook: $4.95 +GST
Paperback: $14.95 +GST
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Roman Reigns
Reading All Stars: Roman Reigns tells the inspirational story of one man’s struggle to find success in life, while at the same time battling cancer. Award winning writer and teacher David Riley wrote Roman Reigns to inspire young people to believe in themselves … and to keep going, “even when life throws you a curveball.” (Roman Reigns)
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Reading Skills Workbook
“Your Reading Skills Workbook is SO good. My boys are loving it.”
Mel McRandle. Chairperson: Hawke’s Bay English Teachers’ Association. HOD English Hastings Boys’ High School.
Read to Succeed is a workbook designed to help young people improve their reading comprehension skills and confidence … using rugby as the hook! For this one off price you get one copy of the 142 page workbook and may photocopy the activities in it as many times as you like.
It includes:
- pre-reading ideas to warm up before reading
- during-reading strategies that develop comprehension
- post-reading activities to help retain and synthesize information
- differentiated levels
- over 150 ready to use exercises!
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Praise for Read to Succeed
‘Wow! Absolutely amazing.’
Sheena Cameron. The Writing Book
‘An excellent resource!’
Aaron Wilson.
Woolf Fisher Research Centre
‘I have seen many resources made for my subject but this is absolutely fantastic in presenting the necessary skills a young person should have, and interweaving them into the rugby topic. I work primarily with ESOL students, many of whom are rugby mad, and also Maori and Pasifika students who are not experiencing success in their mainstream English classes. This resource will be so beneficial to them, I can’t wait to use it. Very cleverly done, the students will not even realise they are learning the skills that are so important and necessary to them with all the scaffolding and interesting tasks they have to do!’
Shirley Rowe.
New Plymouth Boys’ High School
‘Gob smacking. Brilliant job.’
Robin Holding
Takapuna Grammar School
‘Very engaging resources.’
Neale Pitches.
CSI Literacy and Lift Education
Drifting with Mad Mike
Drifting with Mad Mike is the spectacular story of how a young Kiwi driver achieved his dream of competing in one of the toughest drifting leagues in the world … Formula Drift! Learn how passion and determination helped Mike become one of the best drifters in the world, and how it can help you achieve your dreams too.
“I’ve shown what you can do with a dream if you work for it.” Mad Mike Whiddett.
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Fanene Peter Maivia – O le Atali’i o Samoa
Fānene Peter Maivia – O le Atali’i o Samoa, o se tala ofoofogia e fa’atatau i se ali’i Polenisia na avea ma tama ta’uta’ua i le fa’āgatama o le pi’i fa’apolōfesa. O le olaga o Fānene na amata mai i Samoa, ma na ia fa’alauiloa le igoa o Samoa i le lalolagi e ala i le ta’aloga o le pī’iga. O ia o se ulua’i tagata ta’alo iloga na taula’i iai moemitiga ma fa’anaunauga o isi tagata ta’alo i lea lava ta’aloga o le pi’i, e pei o le atali’i o si ona afafine, o Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
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Fanene Peter Maivia – Son of Samoa
Fanene Peter Maivia – Son of Samoa is the remarkable story of the first Polynesian to become a star of professional wrestling. Fanene’s life began in Samoa and he took Samoa to the world. He was a pioneer who inspired some of the greatest wrestlers the world has known, including his own grandson, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
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Kieran Read
Reading All Stars: Kieran Read tells how a young man from South Auckland became captain of one of the most famous rugby teams in the world… the All Blacks! Award winning writer and teacher David Riley wrote Kieran Read to inspire Kiwis to seek the heights!
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Aiming Up with Kieran Read
Aiming Up with Kieran Read tells the thrilling story of how a humble young man from South Auckland, grew up to become the captain of the one of the most famous sports teams in the world … the All Blacks!
Learn how hard work and determination can help you succeed in life too.
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Powering Up with Joseph Parker
Powering Up with Joseph Parker is published by Reading Warrior. Reading Warrior creates resources that help students learn about their own cultures, strengthen their literacy and inspire them with stories of positive role models and achievers.
Powering Up with Joseph Parker is the inspirational story of how a young man from South Auckland, New Zealand, achieved his dream of winning the most prized title in sports … boxing’s Heavyweight Championship of the World! Learn how you can achieve your dreams through hard work, sacrifice and the support of friends and family. “If you believe in yourself and have the right guidance and the right people around you,” Joseph says, “then anything’s possible.”
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Samoan Heroes
Storylines Notable Book Award winner 2016!
Samoan Heroes is written for Pasifika young people!
- To encourage them to read more by providing reading material they can relate to, in language appealing to them. Many Pasifika young people have lower literacy levels than other youth in NZ, partly due to a shortage of reading material they’re interested in.
- To inspire them with the positive life stories of achievers they know, describing the challenges these figures went through and how they overcame them to become successful e.g. most people know Dwayne Johnson as one of the most recognisable figures on the planet. But did you know that he once had to sleep on mattresses found in a rubbish collection and had only $7 in his pocket?
- To support the preservation of historical knowledge. Our young people are proud of their cultural heritage but often know very little about the historical achievements and figures of significance in their cultural history.
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Yvette Williams – Leaping into History
Yvette Williams represented New Zealand in the discus, hurdles, javelin, shot put and basketball. Some people think she’s the best Kiwi athlete ever. But Yvette is most famous for a 6.24 meter long jump she made in 1952. That’s when she became the first Kiwi woman to win an Olympic gold medal. How did she do it? By aiming high and working hard that’s how. Come on, let’s find out more about Yvette Williams’ leap into history!
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Rise of the To’a
Rise of the To’a! is a book about the most successful Tongan sports team in history – the national rugby league team. Kau To’a. Mate Ma’a Tonga. MMT. It’s about how they beat New Zealand, Great Britain and Australia in a three year period of awesomeness! How the players overcame personal challenges in their lives to achieve things others thought impossible. How they united the worldwide kingdom of Tonga. And how they inspired people of all ages to dream big.
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Rugby League World
Rugby League World tells you all you need to know about the world’s greatest game!
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Go Fiji, Go
“Go Fiji Go!” Go Fiji Go is the inspiring story behind Fiji’s first Olympic gold medal … and the incredible joy it brought to the nation.
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Niue Heroes
Niue Heroes tells the inspirational stories of achievers who have Niuean ancestry. It includes legends like Laufoli, Mataginifale and Maui; historical figures such as Sir Robert Rex and Peniamina; and contemporary heroes like Che Fu and Dr Colin Tukuitoga. The book is written to inspire young Niueans, to encourage reading and promote literacy.
The book is illustrated by Niuean-Maori artist, Munro Te Whata.
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Jammin’ with Steven Adams
Storylines Notable Book Award winner 2016!
Jammin’ with Steven Adams is the award winning amazing story of how a troubled young man from small town New Zealand, achieved his dream of playing in the best basketball competition in the world … the NBA! Learn how you can achieve the impossible through the power of hope.
“I achieved my goals by working hard on the court … and in the classroom.” (Steven Adams)
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Cook Islands Heroes
Cook Islands Heroes is the fourth book in the Pasifika Heroes series. It follows We Are the Rock (Niuean), Samoan Heroes and Tongan Heroes.
Cook Islands Heroes tells the inspirational stories of achievers who have Cook Islands ancestry. It includes legends like Ina, Maui, Ngaru and Ru; historical figures such as Pa Tuterangi Ariki/Sir Thomas Davis, Alistair Te Ariki Campbell, Mautara and Margharet Matenga; and contemporary heroes like Lima Sopoaga, Mīria George, Dr Kiki Maoate, Kevin Iro, and Teremoana Rapley. The book is written to inspire young Cook Islanders, to encourage reading and promote literacy. The book is illustrated by Samoan comic book artist, Michel Mulipola.
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Kickin’ It with Winston Reid
Kickin’ It with Winston Reid is the thrilling story of how a young Kiwi footballer achieved his dream of playing in one of the toughest football competitions in the world … the English Premier league! Learn how to set your sights high and achieve your dreams too.
“My life shows that you can get to places in the world, wherever you come from.” (Winston Reid)
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Off Loading with SBW
2015 LIANZA Children’s Book Awards longlist !
Off Loading with Sonny Bill Williams is published by Reading Warrior. Reading Warrior creates resources that help students learn about their own cultures, strengthen their literacy and inspire them with stories of positive role models and achievers. Off Loading with Sonny Bill Williams is the incredible story of how a determined and humble young man became a champion in three different sports… and one of the most sought after athletes in the world! Learn how Sonny did it and how you can achieve your dreams through hard work too.
‘If you don’t have goals, aspirations, dreams – you won’t push yourself to your limits. I try to do the best I can in whatever I’m pursuing. Whatever I’m doing, I’m doing it 100%.’ (Sonny Bill Williams)
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Tongan Heroes
Tongan Heroes is the third book in the Pasifika Heroes series. It follows We Are the Rock (Niuean) and Samoan Heroes.
Tongan Heroes tells the inspirational stories of achievers who have Tongan ancestry. It includes legends like Muni and Kavaoanu; historical figures such as Queen Salote Tupou III and Professor Futa Helu; and contemporary heroes like Manu Vatuvei, Jonah Lomu, The Jets, and Dr Konai Helu Thaman. The book is written to inspire young Tongans, to encourage reading and promote literacy. The book is illustrated by Samoan comic book artist, Michel Mulipola.
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Steppin’ with Benji Marshall
Steppin’ with Benji Marshall is published by Reading Warrior. Reading Warrior creates resources that help students learn about their own cultures, strengthen their literacy and inspire them with stories of positive role models and achievers.
Steppin’ with Benji Marshall is the inspirational story of how a young Kiwi boy from a small town, stepped through the many challenges life threw his way to become one of the best rugby league players in the world! The book aims to inspire young people to achieve their dreams no matter what struggles they may face.
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Rugby: The Players, the Skills and the Style
Who are the best kickers in rugby history?
The best tacklers?
The best passers?
Rugby: The Players, the Skills and the Style has the answers to these questions
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Rugby: The History
Who brought the game of rugby to New Zealand?
What’s the inspiring meaning behind the silver fern?
How did the All Blacks get their name?
What are the rules of wheelchair rugby?
Rugby: The History has the answers to these questions.
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Golden Kiwis
Golden Kiwis is a new book by award winning Kiwi author and teacher, David Riley. It tells the inspirational and sometimes unknown stories behind every Olympic gold medal won by New Zealanders.
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Konenerio and the Flag Master – Konenerio ao te Tia Itoman
A Bible, a hymn book, and two white flags. Who would think that such ordinary objects could help save people’s lives? But that’s exactly what happened in Kiribati during World War Two.
And all thanks to a 15-year-old boy named Rob’ati.
Find out how Rob’ati did it in Konenerio and the Flag Master – Konenerio ao te Tia Itoman, an epic bilingual (English and Kiribati) story of bravery, clever thinking and faith.
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Olympic Islands
Who was the first athlete from Oceania to win an Olympic gold medal?
Who is the most successful Olympic athlete from the Pacific?
Olympic Islands has the answers to these questions. Olympic Islands celebrates the history and achievements of Pasifika Olympians.
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Mad Mike
Reading All Stars: Mad Mike tells how a young motor sports fan from Auckland, New Zealand became one of the most famous professional drifters in the world! Award winning writer and teacher David Riley wrote Reading All Stars: Mad Mike to inspire Kiwis to race for the stars!
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Sonny Bill
Reading All Stars: Sonny Bill tells how a young man from Auckland, New Zealand, became a champion in three different sports! Reading All Stars books are written for people who need support with reading, whatever their age. The text is written in short bites, in simple language and with lots of visual support. Award winning writer and teacher David Riley wrote Sonny Bill to inspire Kiwis to be brave when setting goals.
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Winston Reid
Reading All Stars: Winston Reid tells how a young Kiwi from New Zealand became one of the stars of the English Premier League! Reading All Stars books are written for people who need support with reading, whatever their age. The text is written in short bites, in simple language and with lots of visual support. Award winning writer and teacher David Riley wrote Winston Reid to inspire Kiwis to seek the heights!
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