Witi Ihimaera, 1987
The Whale Rider
Read the novel in your own copy, part by part. Each part follows the paragraphs of the book: stop where the marker tells you, answer the question, then write. Your answers save in this browser, and you can send them to your teacher.
The novel in six parts
The book follows one year. The seasons are part of the story: watch what each season brings.
The big question
Is Whale Rider a renewal of Māori tradition, or a delivery vehicle for a Western programme of changing traditional roles? Who benefits from teaching it in schools now?
You will write a final essay on this question. Keep it in mind as you read. Each part adds evidence for both sides.