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
Kāinga Pukapuka – Cook Islands
Sponsor a Reading Warrior Home Library pack
Library consists of :
- Cook Island Heros
- Tapa Of Love
- Night Of the Dance
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 Heros
- 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 Heros
Kāinga Pukapuka – Tongan
Sponsor a Reading Warrior Home Library pack
Library consists of :
- Tongan Heros
- Kamelia Lino Zarka – Wahine Toa
- Rise of the To’a
- Reading All Stars Steven Adams
- How Tonga Got its Name
- Dr Tokilupe Taumoepeau – Wahine Toa
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 Heros
- Fanene Peter Maivia – Son Of Samoa
- Reading All Stars – Sonny Bill
- Fanene Peter Maivia o Le Atal’l o Samoa
- Who Stole My Taro
- Dr Donna Rose Addis – Wahine Toa
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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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!
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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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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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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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.
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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.
Take a look inside the book here:
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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