  | Dawn raid Author: Smith, Pauline Vaeluaga | |
| Price: $6.50 | ||
Summary:
After the police raid their house, Lenny starts talking about protests and injustices against Pacific Islanders by the government, which inspires the whole family to become involved in the movement.
| Illustrator: | Hunkin, Mathew Tanielu |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (01/15/21)
Booklist (02/01/21)
The Hornbook (00/05/21)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 02/01/2021 Thirteen-year-old Sofia lives with her family in a small New Zealand town. In diary entries, she chronicles her day-to-day experiences: her younger brothers' multiple trips to the emergency room, the result of “stupid” accidents; her development as a writer and participation in a public-speaking contest; and her older brother's growing involvement with the Polynesian Panthers. Set in 1976, Smith spotlights an era characterized by both a resurgence of Maori culture and early morning sweeps of Pacific Islander residents suspected of “overstaying” their visas. The raid on Sofia's extended family (her father is from Samoa) results in violence, incarceration, and much fear, despite the fact that all those arrested are New Zealand citizens. The Panthers (like their U.S. namesakes) provide legal assistance, school tutoring, and hot meals, and aid in Sofia's growing understanding of human rights. Lighter moments are also noted, especially Sofia's love of go-go boots and the job she gets in order to afford them. An illuminating look at racism down under; Kiwi expressions and history are explained in the generous back matter. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.
