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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
While I knew about the Dawn Raids before going into this book, the story reminded me of the details and taught me new things, too. It is such an important read, putting you in the shoes of a teenage Samoan girl living during this period. Definitely an invaluable book for middle-graders, especially Kiwi ones!
The diary format was super effective for two reasons. Firstly, the diary format juxtaposed the run-of-the-mill teenage girl things that Sofia recorded (saving up for shoes, sibling troubles, getting your first job) with the harrowing racism she experienced. This contrast exposed just how disruptive, scary, and nonsensical this discrimination was for Sofia, intruding into her girlhood. It’s important to note that this racism is not a thing of the past, but impacts Pasifika people to this day. Sofia would only be about 60 today! The second reason the diary format was effective was that Sofia’s narration was incredibly engaging in this style. As the reader you are kind of in the role of her diary, and she writes to her diary like it’s a close friend.
Sofia was also a great MC to follow because was super endearing, being silly, passionate, and determined all at once. We follow her on her journey where she learns an incredible amount about herself, her people, and the way they are treated in Aotearoa by Pākehā and racist systems. Over time, she grows so much in both confidence and maturity.
Another thing I liked about this book was the glimpse into the 70s pop culture of Aotearoa. Even though I have mostly grown up in Aotearoa, this wasn’t something I had learnt about before; I found it fascinating.
Rep: biracial Pākehā/Samoan Kiwi MC + SCs, Samoan Kiwi SCs, Māori SCs, Pasifika Kiwi SCs
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Xenophobia
Moderate: Racial slurs, Violence, Police brutality, Deportation
Minor: Ableism, Animal death, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Physical abuse, Sexism, Vomit, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: eye trauma, biracial racism, internalised racism
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
A good book for middle grade readers to be introduced to racial bias in New Zealand and get a basic overview on the topic of the Dawn Raids. Written in diary installments this is an easily digestible book that provides an introduction to these heavy topics without feeling overwhelming or overly doom and gloom.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Police brutality
the main character's family is subject to a dawn police raid and some of the adults are taken into custody by the police.
medium-paced
What a great book!! I loved the format, like we were actually reading Sofia’s diary. The different terms and some of the 70s talk made me laugh because gosh, you really felt like you were there! I have to admit that at first, I wasn’t sure where the book was going or how it was going to end, but when I got there, everything was perfect! It fit exactly! I’ll definitely be getting a copy for my class; I’m so excited to share this with my students. I also loved learning more about a part of history that I had never known- the Polynesian Panthers and dawn raids. It’s a good starting point for my students who also might need an introduction to the topic.
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Overall, very informative in an approachable way. A great middle grade read and really for anyone who wants to know more about the dawn raids. I'm very glad I picked this up from my library for the #ReadForMaui #ReadingForMaui readathon.
I think the journal entries are written authentically to Sofia's age. Did it also make me cringe a little because I got flashbacks to my own diary entries from that age? Yes. Very effective. The little illustrations sprinkled throughout are also a treat. I appreciate that Sofia has other concerns like dealing with some bullying at school, worrying about public speaking, earning money to buy boots, and complaining about how her brothers are just causing trouble. The social awareness comes naturally, and Sofia, in that young, idealistic way, already knows what sounds fair and what doesn't.
I also like how Sofia's father and older brother show the conflict between older and younger generations sometimes when it comes to protesting versus "putting your head down and getting on with life." People don't think things like the dawn raids could happen to them until it does and changes their lives forever.
I think the journal entries are written authentically to Sofia's age. Did it also make me cringe a little because I got flashbacks to my own diary entries from that age? Yes. Very effective. The little illustrations sprinkled throughout are also a treat. I appreciate that Sofia has other concerns like dealing with some bullying at school, worrying about public speaking, earning money to buy boots, and complaining about how her brothers are just causing trouble. The social awareness comes naturally, and Sofia, in that young, idealistic way, already knows what sounds fair and what doesn't.
I also like how Sofia's father and older brother show the conflict between older and younger generations sometimes when it comes to protesting versus "putting your head down and getting on with life." People don't think things like the dawn raids could happen to them until it does and changes their lives forever.
Powerful story that depicts a part of New Zealand’s history that is not usually talked about. From a child’s pov as well.
The speech at the end was my favourite as it had callbacks to previous events in the story. I believe a waiata tautoko is one of the most beautiful things to receive and I started to tear up remembering when I had received one.
The speech at the end was my favourite as it had callbacks to previous events in the story. I believe a waiata tautoko is one of the most beautiful things to receive and I started to tear up remembering when I had received one.
emotional
funny
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
making a review to specify that my rating is 4.5 stars