My Thoughts:
I received this book from the Publishers, Levine Querido, but when I saw that this was a book from Aotearoa about a social justice group called the Polynesian Panthers, I quickly knew exactly which classroom and which language arts alumni/teacher I wanted to regift this book to so I did not open it.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to listen to the audiobook narrated by Tameka Sowman Vahatau. I literally took multiple car trips around our island so that I could finish this funny and informative book about the racist Dawn Raids in New Zealand as well as the work by the Polynesian Panthers who were inspired by similar social justice activities done by the Black Panthers in America. Like movies with the gems after the credits, make sure that you stay in the audiobook for the glossary. Like us, you will chuckle and "oh that's what it is" through the glossary.
The narrator is easy to listen to and the New Zealand accent never gets old. This book is written as a journal from the point of view of Sofia, and the narrator captures her innocence, as well as her growing understanding and angst. This is definitely a gift and will be an asset in our classrooms in Hawaii. E makaala - stay alert young ones.
From the Publishers:
Sofia is like most 12-year-old girls in New Zealand. How is she going to earn enough money for those boots? Why does she have to give that speech at school? Who is she going to be friends with this year?
It comes as a surprise to Sofia and her family when her big brother, Lenny, starts talking about protests, overstayers, and injustices against Pacific Islanders by the government. Inspired by the Black Panthers in America, a group has formed called the Polynesian Panthers that encourages immigrant and Indigenous families across New Zealand to stand up for their rights. Soon the whole family becomes involved in the movement.
Told through Sofia's diary entries, Dawn Raid is the story of one ordinary girl living in extraordinary times, learning how to stand up and fight.
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