10 Pacific Islander Books to Pre-Order
- Pacific Islanders in Publishing
- May 5
- 3 min read
Updated: 10 minutes ago
We’re excited for all of these Pacific Islander books and more releasing this year. Click on the links to pre-order!
Picture Books
A Guide to Rocks written by Sacha Cotter and illustrated by Josh Morgan (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Rongowhakaata)
“Following on from award-winning The Bomb and the extravaganza that is Dazzlehands, A Guide to Rocks and the Māori edition He Taonga TeToka take you on a journey of emotions and what can happen if you don’t deal with them. Accompanied by stunning illustrations, this heart felt story is sure to be a favourite.”
The Lost Words written by Kimberley Ngareta Kearney (Ngati Maniapoto, Tuhoe) and illustrated by Taylor Terewai Tiave (Ngāpuhi, Tongan)
“Weaving a beautiful narrative of heritage, culture and the enduring strength of family bonds, The Lost Words is a daughter's account of her mother's journey through the rich tapestry of te reo Māori.”
Young Adult
How Far I’ll Go by Keala Kendall (Kanaka Maoli)
“After a devastating battle with Te Kā, Moana’s worst fears are realized: the heart of Te Fiti is in ruins, Maui is frozen in volcanic rock, and darkness threatens to envelop her beloved home. Desperate to fix things, Moana stumbles upon an island already crumbling under the blight. All life is gone, save one sole survivor—a young woman named Noe.”
Moonlight and Dust by Jasmin McGaughey (Torres Strait Islander, African American)
“An intriguing, fast-paced debut YA fantasy novel, featuring sixteen-year-old Torres Strait Islander Zillah who is caught up in the world of exclusive high school parties after her sister has a mysterious accident. For fans of kick-ass girls, enigmatic boys, true friendships, family secrets and illicit magic.”
The Invisible Wild by Nikki Van De Car (Kanaka Maoli)
“An epic adventure steeped in Hawaiian lore, this enchanting novel explores the connection between our world and that of the spirits of the wood, from bestselling author Nikki Van De Car.”
Short Story Collections
Always Never Knowing by Georgiana Quintanilla Tyquiengco (CHamoru)
“Always Never Knowing’s richly textured stories interweave poetry, text messages, secret notes passed between friends, and more, offering a fresh and immersive glimpse into adolescence and a village girl’s coming of age in contemporary Guam.”
Extinction Capital of the World by Mariah Rigg (Samoan)
“Magnetic, haunting, and tender, Extinction Capital of the World is a stunning portrait of Hawai’i—and a powerful meditation on family, queer love, and community amid imperialism and environmental collapse.”
Adult Fiction
The Killing Spell by Shay Kauwe (Kanaka Maoli)
“In this spellbinding fantasy debut set in a future where language magic reigns, a young Hawaiian woman must solve a murder to clear her name.”
Non-Fiction
Oceans Between Us: Pacific Peoples & Racism in Aotearoa edited by Sereana Naepi (Fijian)
“Oceans Between Us is both a testimony and a call to action. It documents the struggles of Pacific peoples and envisions a world beyond now. A rallying cry for justice, a demand for equity and a catalyst for change, this book is not about survival alone – it’s about thriving.”
The Compulsion in Us by Tina Makereti (Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rangatahi-Matakore)
“In her first book of nonfiction, prizewinning author Tina Makereti writes from inside her many intersecting lives as a wahine Māori – teacher, daughter, traveller, parent – and into a past that is as alive and changeful as the present moment.”
