Hidden stories of heroism for a peaceful planet
Highly Recommended
Reviewed by Michele Ayres, Librarian, Motueka High School, Tasman
| Publisher: | Ōnepoto Press |
| ISBN: | 9780473721527 |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Publication: | January 2025 |
| Ages: | Young Adult |
| Themes: | Courage, non-violence, peacemaking, resistance, social justice |
Highly Recommended
Reviewed by Michele Ayres, Librarian, Motueka High School, Tasman
Opening sentence
Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you - Hurihia tō aroaro ki te rā, tukuna tō ātārangi kia taka muri i a koe
'Hidden stories of heroism for a peaceful planet' by Linda Hansen raises the question, what does make a hero? Courage, resilience, compassion or what other attributes? Hansen defines a list of modern peacemaker qualities that underpin her selection of hidden heroes and heroines for a peaceful planet. Many have connections to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Fourteen short chapters capture the lives of fourteen significant peacemakers. Each chapter outlines their contributions, awards and significant influential dates in their lives. Each person is well aligned to world events.
In the introduction Gandhi and Martin Luther King are referenced, setting the tone for peaceful heroism. Hansen then establishes that Moriori practiced peaceful means for over six hundred years as ‘architects of non violent resistance’ - long before Gandhi and King. Following Nunuku’s law, Moriori were nearly annihilated by colonisers but resistance won out and was followed by an eventual 2017 crown apology.
Factual, but often little known accounts of peacemakers make 'Heroism' a fascinating, disturbing, uplifting read. Did New Zealand really imprison 12 year old boys who refused to be conscripted in World War 1? Connecting chapters like conscription and conscientious objectors, Hansen provides additional depth and context to each hero. The final chapter offers a useful kete for peacemakers: peace days, language, war definitions, peace support organisations and more.
An excellent accessible educational resource for students and families.
Fourteen short chapters capture the lives of fourteen significant peacemakers. Each chapter outlines their contributions, awards and significant influential dates in their lives. Each person is well aligned to world events.
In the introduction Gandhi and Martin Luther King are referenced, setting the tone for peaceful heroism. Hansen then establishes that Moriori practiced peaceful means for over six hundred years as ‘architects of non violent resistance’ - long before Gandhi and King. Following Nunuku’s law, Moriori were nearly annihilated by colonisers but resistance won out and was followed by an eventual 2017 crown apology.
Factual, but often little known accounts of peacemakers make 'Heroism' a fascinating, disturbing, uplifting read. Did New Zealand really imprison 12 year old boys who refused to be conscripted in World War 1? Connecting chapters like conscription and conscientious objectors, Hansen provides additional depth and context to each hero. The final chapter offers a useful kete for peacemakers: peace days, language, war definitions, peace support organisations and more.
An excellent accessible educational resource for students and families.
| Publisher: | Ōnepoto Press |
| ISBN: | 9780473721527 |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Publication: | January 2025 |
| Ages: | Young Adult |
| Themes: | Courage, non-violence, peacemaking, resistance, social justice |
Recommended
