Dawn Raid
1970s New Zealand. Similar to many places around the world, there is a lot of tension between the government and its people. Most especially, Pasifika folks in New Zealand (those from Pacific Island countries and the native Maori) are heavily discriminated against and many forced to leave. In diary format, one girl tells the story of a very eventful year for her and her family. The book runs the full gamut of life, from silly and hilarious family and school stuff to serious topics like the "dawn raids" that the police led on Pasifika homes.
"Imagine this: You're having an amazing family holiday, one where everyone is there and all 18 of you are squeezed into one house. All of sudden it's 4 o'clock in the morning and there's banging and yelling and screaming. The police are in the house pulling people out of bed …"
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, who encourage 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, with illustrations throughout, Dawn Raid is the story of one ordinary girl living in extraordinary times, learning how to stand up and fight.
| SKU | 131218 |
|---|---|
| ISBN | 9781646140411 |
| Language | English |
| Lexile ® Measure | 860L |
| Page Count | 224 |
| Product Type | Hardcover Books |
| Book Type | Middle Grade Novels |
| Additional Contributor | Mat Hunkin |
| Primary Contributor | Pauline Vaeluaga Smith |
| Age Groups | Ages 7 to 9, Ages 10 to 12 |
| Publisher | Levine Querido |