Book Reviews
Arotake pukapuka
Be bully free: A hands-on guide to how you can take control
Review by Helen Haine, High School Teacher
Seeking to empower children who are bullied, this book presents a wide range of common bullying scenarios and gives practical suggestions on how the recipient can take control.
Emotionally resilient tweens and teens: Empowering your kids to navigate bullying, teasing, and social exclusion
By Charmaine Denney, high school teacher and mum to two teens
For anyone with teens in their life, to help them experience their own power, find their own voices, learn how to problem-solve, and navigate their way out of challenging situations.
Tama Sāmoa
Review by Shahrane'e Fa'avae, High School Counsellor
A resource for teachers of Pasifika students to gain insight into how the world looks and feels for them.
Mophead Tu: The Queen's Poem
Review by Ari Prakash
From the sinking islands in the South Seas to the smoggy streets of London, this is a hilariously thought-provoking take on colonial histories and one poet's journey to bridge the divide.
Step up! My anti-bullying activity book
Review by Jacoba Glenny, Years 6, 7 and 8 Teacher
This activity book provides a wide-ranging set of activities for a child to unpack their experiences of bullying.
Fish in a tree
Reviewed by Bodhi Hellesoe, Intermediate student
An uplifting novel that will speak to anyone who’s ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn’t fit in.
Gracefully Grayson
Review by Becky Essery, Intermediate school teacher
A novel about identity, self-esteem, and friendship shines with the strength of a young person's spirit and the enduring power of acceptance.
The prettiest
Review by Imogen Crooks, Secondary school student
A novel about about standing up for yourself and those around you.
Rick
Review by Maya Russell, Secondary Student
Award-winning author Alex Gino explores what it means to search for your own place in the world and the importance of having good people around you.
Teine Sāmoa
Reviewed by Kirsten Edie, Secondary School Teacher
This resource aims to develop the cultural confidence of NZ teachers in order to better support our tamaiti in succeeding as proud teine and tama Sāmoa.
The boy at the back of the class
Review by Shahin Najak, recent University graduate
Told with heart and humour, this story is a child's perspective on the refugee crisis, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn't always make sense.
Channel kindness: Stories of kindness and community
Reviewed by Morgan Dysart
Stories collected from Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the world a kinder and braver place.