The Whale Rider - Softcover

Ihimaera, Witi

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1459640861 ISBN 13: 9781459640863

Publisher: ReadHowYouWant, 2012

Synopsis

Eight - year - old Kahu craves her great - grandfather's love and attention. But he is focused on his duties as chief of a Maori tribe in Whangara, on the East Coast of New Zealand - a tribe that claims descent from the legendary 'whale rider'. In every generation since the whale rider, a male has inherited the title of chief. But now there is no male heir - there's only kahu. She should be the next in line for the title, but her great - grandfather is blinded by tradition and sees no use for a girl. Kahu will not be ignored. And in her struggle she has a unique ally: the whale rider himself, from whom she has inherited the ability to communicate with whales. Once that sacred gift is revealed, Kahu may be able to re - establish her people's ancestral connections, earn her great - grandfather's attention - and lead her tribe to a bold new future.

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: ReadHowYouWant
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1459640861
• ISBN 13: 9781459640863
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 188