What’s new in our Pacific collections

Woman reading to child

The world of Pacific literature is diverse, full of surprises and powerful!

Our latest Pacific titles cover an ocean of subjects including feminism, beautiful Pacific poetry, and myths and legends.

Explore these curated lists of adult and kids books put together by Senior Pacific Content Specialist Veronica, and celebrate Pacific literature by checking them out at your local library or via our catalogue.


New Pacific adult books

Coconut Colonialism coverMata Oti Eyes of Death cover

Vā: Stories by Women of the Moana edited by Sisilia Eteuati & Lani Young

An anthology of female-driven narratives from 38 writers drawn from across the Pacific. The stories touch on themes such as family, history, culture and feminism.

Tackle Your Success: 7 Truths of a Professional Athlete: A Step-by-step Guide to a New Life After Sports by Filipo Levi

From playing for the Highlanders to captaining Manu Samoa against the All Blacks, Filipo Levi has faced more than his fair share of challenges throughout his illustrious career. In this inspirational autobiography, Filipo shares what he has learnt throughout his career and reveals how tackling change can help you be successful in your own work.

Earth's Embrace by Lani Wendt Young

Leila and Daniel are a young couple tormented by a brooding, simmering fire god in this thrilling novel that draws from Samoan folklore. As they battle with the mysterious threat, the couple seeks hope and healing in the ancient ways of the Taulasea.

Beats of the Pa‘u by Maria Samuela

An assortment of stories portraying the lives of first and second-generation Cook Islanders who have emigrated to New Zealand. The stories are woven together with the motif of the pa’u drum that sounds throughout the Cook Islands, a rhythm that binds the nation.

Mata Oti = Eyes of Death by Lani Wendt Young

A deadly virus that turns people into bloodthirsty, savage creatures ravages Samoa. A reclusive librarian fights to save the life of herself and her two nieces, all the while battling the virus as it courses through her veins.

Coconut Colonialism: Workers and the Globalisation of Samoa by Holger Droessler

After missionaries and traders arrived, Samoa eventually came to be divided between the colonial empires of Germany and the USA. This book examines the Samoan response to globalisation through the ordinary people who worked tapping the rubber trees, farming the plantations and building the roads and ports.

Check out more new Pacific books for adults on our website.


New Pacific children’s books

First Samoan Words coverTapa of Love cover

Tapa of Love by David Riley

Ina is one of the greatest heroes from the Cook Islands, her deeds renowned throughout the Pacific. Tsunamis, cyclones and human-eating giants don’t faze her, but her greatest challenge is yet to come.

Tapa of love is also available as an eBook on Libby.

More than 100 Words in Samoan by Usha Cervantes; illustrated by Naira Tangamyan

This beautifully illustrated Samoan/English word book is the perfect way for kids to start learning Samoan. Colourful, detailed scenarios from everyday life make it fun and easy to build a basic vocabulary.

Hooked: Sa Mātau by David Riley

How many ways are there to catch a fish? Legendary author and self-described reading warrior David Riley brings a Samoan myth to life in this curious tale about a magic hook.

Playing with Fire: Ta'alo i le Afi by David Riley

Playing with fire is another Samoan myth that has been memorably retold by David Riley. This book explores the story of how fire got to Samoa, and its many different uses by the locals.

Malie is Ma'alahi!: 'Oku Ma'alahi 'a Malie! by David Riley

Malie never let his deformed feet be a disability. Instead, in this inspiring Tongan myth, he shows that a birth defect that some might see as a disability can be a superpower.

The Secret Cave: Koe 'ana Fakapulipuli by David Riley

The secret cave tells the story of Naua, an expert fisherman from the myths and legends of Tonga. Naua finds a cave beneath the waves that turns out to be unexpectedly helpful.

Check out more new Pacific children’s books on our website.


Books and Beyond: Pasifika

Listen to our recent Books and Beyond podcast where hosts Ineka and Alison explore the wide world of Pacific literature, examining some of the art, books and music released for Pasifika month with support from Senior Pacific Content Specialist Veronica.

Visit SoundCloud or Spotify to listen to our Pasifika podcast episode.

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