The Whale Rider - Hardcover

Ihimaera, Witi

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0152050175 ISBN 13: 9780152050177

Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books, 2003

Synopsis

Eight-year-old Kahu, a member of the Maori tribe of Whangara, New Zealand, fights to prove her love, her leadership, and her destiny. Her people claim descent from Kahutia Te Rangi, the legendary "whale rider." In every generation since Kahutia, a male heir has inherited the title of chief. But now there is no male heir, and the aging chief is desperate to find a successor. Kahu is his only great-grandchild--and Maori tradition has no use for a girl. But when hundreds of whales beach themselves and threaten the future of the Maori tribe, it is Kahu who saves the tribe when she reveals that she has the whale rider's ancient gift of communicating with whales.
Now available in simultaneous hardcover and paperback editions.
Feature film in theaters in June 2003!

About this title

Review:

"A poetic blend of reality and myth provides a riveting tale of adventure and passion." (School Library Journal)

"The book behind the award-winning movie opens with the tale of the original whale rider, immersing the listener in the sweep of Maori culture at the heart of this remarkable story. The new young whale rider takes her rightful name, Kahu. The girl-child's story is told by her uncle Rawiri: her breaking of the male chain of descendants, her rejection by her great-grandfather, her role in saving her people, and her extraordinary ride on the old bull whale. New Zealander Jay Laga'aia effortlessly navigates the Maori names, facilitating the listener's entrance into another culture. His pacing is confident, and his inflections, though sometimes a bit comical for the women, allow for easy differentiation among characters. Laga'aia's narration acts as a guide as the story's characters move from traditional beliefs to new awareness. The audio is instrumental in proving that even with such a wonderful movie, the book is better." (AudioFile Magazine)

Book Description:

The classic book that inspired the award-winning film.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0152050175
• ISBN 13: 9780152050177
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 152