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The Whale Rider

By: Witi Ihimaera
Narrated by: Jay Laga'aia
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Publisher's Summary

The classic book that inspired the award-winning, internationally released film Whale Rider, winner of Best Film at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival and 2004 Academy Awards Best Actress nomination for Keisha Castle-Hughes. Eight-year-old Kahu craves her great-grandfather's love and attention. But he's focused in his duties as Chief, in a tribe that claims decent from the legendary "whale rider". A male has always inherited the title of Chief, but now there is no male heir. There's only Kahu, and her great-grandfather sees no use for a girl. Kahu will not be ignored. And in her struggle she has a unique ally: the whale rider himself.
©1987 Witi Ihimaera (P)2004 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
  • Unabridged Audiobook
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Critic Reviews

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

What listeners say about The Whale Rider

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He kōrero ātaahua

Such a pertinent listen for us all right now. Witi Ihimaera is my favourite author - he is timeless. He tangata pai, he taonga o Aotearoa 💛

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kua tangi au

Cried so hard, was a very emotionally and spiritually touching adventure. The writing immerses you in vivid and colourful imagery, and is brought to life with talented voice acting. The kuia is voiced nearly exactly like mine and I was a blubbering mess listening to this audiobook each night before bed. Tino ātaahua work, with a deeply important message, will be holding this masterpiece in my kete and in my heart ❤

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KoPaikeaTeTaniwha Ko Kahu-tia te Rangi Te Tangata

Ko Paikea Te Taniwha Ko Kahu-tia te Rangi Te Tangata He Aroha He Aroha

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Ātaahua! Such a beautiful pūrākau!

Wonderfully written. Moving and special. This book connects me to something ancient amd forever. It manages to articulate the inarticulatable.

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loved it,

loved this book but couldn't help but think some of it i te reo Māori. then i found out this was the international version. now i must find the original. loved the writings loved the narrator

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Beautiful

Loved this audio book and Jay Lagaias narration. I read the book when I was small, then saw and loved the movie, and once again relived the beauty of our home, heritage and strength in our wahine

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.