Kāinga Pukapuka – Aotearoa
Sponsor a Reading Warrior Home Library pack
Library consists of :
- Standing In My Own Shoes
- Lisa Carrington – Wahine Toa
- Stacey Waaka – Wahine Toa
- Reading All Stars Winston Reid
- Drifting with Mad Mike
- Aiming Up with Kieran Read
- Our Normal
- On Your Side
- Stand Your Ground
Kāinga Pukapuka – Cook Islands
Kāinga Pukapuka Home Library consists of :
- Cook Islands Heroes
- Tapa of Love
- Night of the Dance
- Our Goal is Savaiki
Kāinga Pukapuka – Fiji
Sponsor a Reading Warrior Home Library pack
Library consists of :
- Go Fiji, Go
Kāinga Pukapuka – Kiribati
Sponsor a Reading Warrior Home Library pack
Library consists of :
- Konererio and the Flag Master
Kāinga Pukapuka – Niue
Sponsor a Reading Warrior Home Library pack
Library consists of :
- Niue Heroes
- Ko Au Ko e Tama Niue
- The Artist and the Whale
Kāinga Pukapuka – Tokelau
Sponsor a Reading Warrior Home Library pack
Library consists of :
- Tokelau Heroes
- Tokelau Toku Tupuaga Fakapelepele
- STEM It Up – Tokelau version (free copy)
Kāinga Pukapuka – Tongan
Sponsor a Reading Warrior Home Library pack
The Tongan library consists of :
- Tongan Heroes
- Kamelia Lino Zarka – History-making Pilot
- Rise of the To’a
- Reading All Stars Steven Adams
- How Tonga Got Its Name
- Dr Tokilupe Taumoepeau – Tongan Trailblazer
- Malie is Ma’alahi
- The Secret Cave
- Ko Hoku Fonuá
Kāinga Pukapuka – Tuvalu
Sponsor a Reading Warrior Home Library pack
Library consists of :
- Tuvalu Toku Atufenua Pele
- The Gifts of Pai and Vau
Kāinga Pukapuka – Samoan
Sponsor a Reading Warrior Home Library pack
Library consists of :
- Samoan Heroes
- Fanene Peter Maivia: Son Of Samoa
- Reading All Stars – Sonny Bill
- Fanene Peter Maivia: O Le Atali’i o Samoa
- Who Stole My Taro?
- Dr Donna Rose Addis – Wahine Toa
- Playing with Fire
- Hooked
Our Goal is Savaiki
“Nailed to the mast are the colours of Io, the Hidden One.
Our goal is Savaiki, so let her be swift, let her prow sing
as it slices the skin of the sea.”
Our Goal is Savaiki is a collection of poems by Cook Islands-Kiwi poet Alistair Te Ariki Campbell. The poems selected celebrate Alistair’s connections to Tongareva (Penrhyn) where his mother, Teu, was born.
Each poem has been illustrated by Heimata Tinipese (Pese) Kietonga, an emerging Cook Islands artist who is family to Alistair, or Papa Teariki, as her family knows him.
Look inside the book by clicking here:
The Reading Tribe
“Reading is as important as feeling the sun on your face,” says award-winning singer Che Fu. In The Reading Tribe, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, rugby legend Sir Richie McCaw, writer Selina Tusitala Marsh and 24 other prominent Kiwis talk about how important reading has been in their lives. They share the books they loved as children, books that helped them succeed in their chosen fields, and books they want you to read … because reading them would be like feeling the sun on your face.
South Auckland-based teacher-writer, David Riley, wrote The Reading Tribe to inspire young readers to pick up a book, to let them know that the coolest Kiwis love a good read – whether it’s a graphic novel, a page-turning thriller, an inspiring biography, or a childhood favourite.
Look inside the book by clicking here:
Hooked
There’s lots of different ways to catch fish. You can use a net, a trap, even your hands. Characters in this story used a magic hook to catch more fish than they’d ever seen. That’s when the trouble began. Find out what happens next in Hooked – a Samoan legend retold by David Riley and translated into Samoan by Rasela Lafaele Uili.
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Malie is Ma’alahi!
Malie was born with deformed feet. Some people might think that’s a disability. Not Malie.
Find out how his deformed feet became his superpower in Malie is Ma’alahi – ‘Oku Ma‘alahi ‘a Malie!.
A Tongan legend retold by David Riley and translated into Tongan by Vasilini Finau Faletau.
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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.
Look inside the book by clicking here:
Playing With Fire
Fire is one of the most precious elements we know. You can cook with it. You can dry things with it. You can even sit around it and tell stories like this one. But how did fire get to Samoa? Find out in Playing With Fire – a Samoan legend retold by David Riley and translated into Samoan by Rasela Lafaele Uili.
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The Secret Cave – Koe ‘Ana Fakapulipulí
Naua was an expert fisherman who found an underwater cave. Naua had a feeling his cave would be helpful one day. And so it did.
Find out what happened in The Secret Cave – Koe ‘Ana Fakapulipulí,
A Tongan legend retold by David Riley and translated into Tongan by Vasilini Finau Faletau.
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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.
Look inside the book by clicking here:
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
Look inside the book by clicking here:
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!
Awakeri
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)
Believe, Become, Inspire
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.
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He Moana Kirikā – Ocean Fever
Nana, why are pāua shells so colourful?’
‘Dad, why do kina have spiky shells?’
‘Uncle, how come starfish can’t walk?’
Have your children ever asked you tricky questions like that? Well don’t worry whānau – Manurewa West School has the answers!
He Moana Kirikā will tell you why kina shells are so spiky, why stingrays fly in the water and where Tangaroa got all his friends from.
It’s a book of origin stories written by children, for children. The book is written in Māori and English and features art by children too.
Read He Moana Kirikā today, be the family expert tomorrow!
In My DNA
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 they’re part of my DNA … I will always remember what my grandma taught me, wherever I go.’ (Christian Faimalo)
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Ko Au Ko e Tama Niue
I can’t wait to go back to Niue and learn more about my culture and my people.’ (Abigail Ikiua)
Fourteen Niue young people worked with teacher-writer David Riley, to bring you this book – Ko Au Ko e Tama Niue. The stories they’ve written demonstrate their immense pride in being Niue. You’ll read about a beloved ancestor, swimming in Niue, fishing with Grandpa, how to make a kahoa, and their love for their language, dance and culture! Come and share the beauty of Niue culture with them. Oue tulou!
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Mighty!
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!
Rongomai on Lockdown
What did you do during the 2021 lockdown? Children from Rongomai School in Ōtara used the time to write a book with the help of teacher-writer, David Riley.
In Rongomai in Lockdown the children share their feelings about the lockdown, things their families did to get through it, and little moments that made them grateful.
‘I got to spend more time with my family, play with them and be there for them.’ (Jahmilah)
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Stand Your Ground
“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.
Star Dreaming
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.
Happy Matariki!
Taku Toi Kahurangi
Taku Toi Kahurangi (my precious jewel) is a book inspired by the stars of Matariki.
In art and writing, young people from St Francis Catholic School in Auckland share stories of family, special places, proud moments, loved ones passed, and their aspirations for the future.
Take a look inside and be inspired too.
Mānawatia a Matariki!
Tokelau Toku Tupuaga Fakapelepele
Tokelau My Treasured Heritage
‘I’m happy I learned these things about pā and now I know my own pā is hikuuli. I can name other people’s pā too. This makes me treasure my pā even more and I always wear it with pride.’ (Puanaualowha Ioane)
Twelve Tokelau young people worked with teacher-writer, David Riley, to bring you this book – Tokelau Toku Tupuaga Fakapelepele. The stories they’ve written demonstrate their immense pride in their Tokelau heritage.
You’ll read about a beloved ancestor, a trip to Tokelau, making panikeke palu ota with Nana, and their love for their language, dance and culture.
Come and share the beauty and excellence of Tokelau with them.
Tuvalu Toku Atufenua Pele
‘I value my Tuvaluan heritage. I want to pass it on to my children in the future so they can do the same.’ (Fiesola Puafolau)
Eight Tuvaluan young people worked with teacher-writer David Riley, to bring you this book – Tuvalu Toku Atufenua Pele. The stories they’ve written demonstrate their immense pride in being Tuvaluan. You’ll read about Grandma’s weaving, kaleve, te ano, how to make a kahoa, their Olympic heroes, and their love for their language, legends, clothing, fatele and culture! Come and share the beauty of Tuvaluan culture with them.
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Ko Hoku Fonua
‘I’ve been to many countries. But there’s nowhere that gives me the same feeling as my fonua, Tonga.’ (Anisi Pulotu)
Ten Tongan young people worked with teacher-writer David Riley, to bring you this book – Ko Hoku Fonuá. The stories they’ve written demonstrate their immense pride in being Tongan. You’ll read about the importance of family and lotu, their favourite Tongan foods and clothing, their love for Tongan arts like dance and drumming, first trips to Tonga, and of course their admiration for Tongan heroes like Jason Taumalolo! Come and share some of the beauty of Tongan culture with them.
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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.
Take a look inside the book here:
Freestyle:The Israel Adesanya Story
Boom! Tick! Boom-tick! Boom! Tick! Boom-tick-tick!
Three men dressed in camo gear emerge through a tunnel into Marvel Arena. They’re dance friends of Israel Adesanya. Israel joins them. They huddle-lock arms-bounce-bounce-split! Boom! Tick! Boom-tick! It’s the biggest moment of Israel’s life …
Freestyle: The Israel Adesanya Story is the inspirational story of Israel Adesanya’s journey from Nigeria to New Zealand to UFC stadiums around the world.
But it’s more than a martial arts fighter story.
It’s about the power of our imaginations. The need to back ourselves. The joy that comes from going for it!
Come and find out how. “Iiiiiiiiiiiit’s … tiiiiiiiiime!”
Take a look inside the book here:
On Your Side – The Ibrahim Omer Story
“Kia ora and salaam alaikum. My name is Ibrahim Omer … I stand here today in front of you bursting with pride as a Kiwi who loves Aotearoa New Zealand.”
As a child Ibrahim Omer dreamed of being a leader and helping people. Many years later his dream came true … but in the most thrilling, emotional and unexpected way … and in a place thousands of kilometers away from where he grew up!
Find out how it happened in On Your Side: The Omer Ibrahim Story.
Take a look inside the book here:
