Dahlia Malaeulu – författare

Teine Samoa means Samoan girl. It's a label that carries with it an unspoken duty to obey, serve and respect your family and Samoan culture. But who can be teine Samoa? When should you be teine Samoa? And how can you be teine Samoa outside of Samoa?Lani is an afakasi, and is unsure of her Samoan heritage and what being Samoan even means. But one thing she knows for sure is that she's afraid of Vai and the 'Real Samoans'. Masina, the free-spirited daughter of a Church Minister, is bound by parental expectations and struggling to fulfill the destiny set by her parents. Teuila is the good Islander girl and proud teine Samoa who realises she doesn't want to be a 'switcher' anymore.How will these junior high school students learn to be, understand and fulfill their obligations as Teine Samoa, living in New Zealand?Teine Samoa is a journey of cultural identity and discovery for four junior high school students, their families, their teachers and, most importantly, anyone who has ever faced the challenges of being a teine Samoa.

Dual Samoan and English language book - two stories in one! Develops cultural understandings and knowledge around important elements of Samoan culture. Stunning quality and playful illustrations help to visually engage readers. Ideal for all junior, middle and senior primary aged students, families and educators. Provides safe access to Samoan Come join Tomasi and his friends as they take a magical ride to learn more about Fale Samoa, and why they are so important in Samoan culture. Fale Samoa is part of Mila's My Aganu'u Series - a set of Pasifika children's picture books that help to develop Samoan cultural knowledge and understanding. Mila's My Aganu'u Series is also the first series of Pasifika children's books to be written, edited, illustrated, designed and published by an all Pasifika team.

Teuila is the only girl competing in her first ever Siva Afi competition. Mika is the current Siva afi champion, who is not afraid of anyone. In this story of courage, Teuila and Mika learn about the importance of their feagaiga as brother and sister, while discovering their true inner toa warrior spirits.Siva Afi Teine Toa is part of Mila's My Aganu'u Series - a set of Pasifika children's picture books that help to develop the knowledge and understanding of Samoan culture. Mila's My Aganu'u Series is also the first series of Pasifika children's books to be written, edited, illustrated, designed and published by an all Pasifika team.

Sione, Lima, Tavita and Filipo are high school friends, uso or brothers. They are part of a special letter-writing project that helps to start a brave new conversation, an open and honest talanoa with themselves starting with the words, Dear Uso ... Here they share the cultural challenges they face, and without realising it, their need to belong, to be accepted and the impact this has on their wellbeing overall.Tama Samoa is not just a story of friendship, brotherhood and healing. Tama Samoa helps us all to reflect, reconnect and reunite in better supporting each other as who we are. It is also a story of self-discovery and hope for a new tama Samoa code to be created based on real talanoa and understanding.Includes:- Study Questions For Students- The Tama Samoa Project:A space created for fourteen Samoan male students and educators to share their own boys-to-men stories, lessons and journeys to help today's tama Samoa, our tama Pasifika, to be better understood and supported in succeeding as themselves.

Grandpa and Luka share the same birthday and today they get to celebrate it with the whole 'aiga. Grandpa is also a storyteller and surprises his grandchildren with a Samoan Siapo that tells a very special story about Samoa's journey to independence.Grandpa's Siapo is the only picture story book in the world that introduces readers to historical events in Sāmoa and key Samoan figures who helped Sāmoa to become the first Pacific island nation to gain independence in 1962. This story develops cultural understandings and knowledge around colonisation as well as New Zealand's historical ties with Sāmoa in a safe and accessible way. The book also received the blessing from Fialaui‘afualeafi Tamasese – daughter of Sāmoa’s first Co-Head of State, Tupua Tamasese Mea‘ole, and the oldest grandchild of Ta‘isi Olaf Frederick Nelson.

A New Dawn is a non-fiction title by Emeli Sione, published by Mila’s Books. This non-fiction title explores Pasifika stories, histories, and perspectives for young readers and schools.

Points of interest:Cultural Connection and Representation: Includes characters from Sāmoa, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, and Tokelau, representing diverse Pacific perspectives, traditional practices, values, and ancestral wisdom. Highlights the beauty and strength of Pacific cultures while addressing universal issues.Environmental Focus: Explores themes of climate change, deforestation, rising sea levels, and coral bleaching. Encourages active participation in environmental preservation.Call to Action: Direct engagement with the reader to reflect on their role in caring for the planet.Educational Value: Offers a platform for discussing environmental issues and cultural identity in classrooms and homes. Promotes critical thinking and empathy for global and local challenges.Suitable for: Classroom discussions on climate change and sustainability, storytime in libraries and homes to foster cultural appreciation, Pacific heritage and environmental awareness events.Empowerment Through Storytelling: Inspires children to be active protectors of their environment and heritage.Rich Illustrations: Vibrant depictions of the islands, ocean life, and cultural elements to captivate young readers.Authentically Pasifika: Created by the only all Pasifika publishing team in the world.

Alofa tele atu, sending all my love, conveys a Pasifika parent's dreams, hopes, and cultural wishes for their Pasifika child as they embark on life's journey.The book unfolds as a personal letter expressing deep love and pride, incorporating cultural wisdom and cherished traditions. Vibrant Pasifika symbols adorn each page, celebrating the beauty of the Pacific islands. Throughout the letter, the parent imparts essential values, encouraging resilience, kindness, and a strong connection to cultural roots. Universal themes such as community, respect for nature, and embracing one's identity resonate for every Pasifika child. The narrative seamlessly blends Pasifika experiences with the universal language of parental love, making it a touching and relatable read for all.

Mataalii is a picture book by Dahlia Malaeulu, published by Mila’s Books. It is a Pasifika-inspired picture book created to help tamaiti feel seen, heard, and valued.

Reconnect: Tokelau Tā Tatau is a non-fiction by Jack Karifi, published by Mila’s Books. This non-fiction title explores Pasifika stories, histories, and perspectives for young readers and schools.

The Teine Pasifika Wellbeing Journal is designed to help Pasifika girls feel SEEN, HEARD and VALUED. The Teine Pasifika Wellbeing Journal is a culturally safe space for our teine Pasifika to reflect, explore and strengthen their wellbeing through engaging and interactive activities and writing tasks.Culture, identity and wellbeing are interconnected, and is why the Mila's My Pasifika Wellbeing Journal Series are an essential guide for Pasifika tamaiti on their journey of becoming the best version of themselves. Other titles in the Mila's My Pasifika Wellbeing Series include the Tama Pasifika Wellbeing Journal and the I am Pasifika Wellbeing Journal.

The I am Pasifika Wellbeing Journal is designed to be a space for Pasifika to explore and record information to support cultural identity journeys. Our dream is to have a generation of tamaiti and families who understand the power of being Pasifika and to continue our proud navigator legacy into the future.Culture, identity and wellbeing are interconnected, and is why the Mila's My Pasifika Wellbeing Journal Series are an essential guide for Pasifika tamaiti on their journey of becoming the best version of themselves. Other titles in the Mila's My Pasifika Wellbeing Journal Series include the Tama Pasifika Wellbeing Journal and the Teine Pasifika Wellbeing Journal.