The interspersing of Maori world values and tikanga such as the importance of the extended whanau and hura kohatu add to its authenticity as a relevant text for young Maori.

One of the most captivating features is how the language  is used to develop the characters and their interactions. “Hei Keriana, pehea ana?” ta Kahu. Paku nei te hiki o ona tukemata, paku nei tana menemene. Ko te titiro korotaha noa a Kereana ki a Kahu me te paku nei o te hiki o ōna tukemata.  Ka tatari a Kahu ka tatari engari auware ake a Kereana i kōrero.

You can just picture the coolness and aloofness of Kereana in this interaction and the subconscious messages being given to Kahu. This is an exceptional novel for its descriptive, engaging narrative.  Schools can still order this from the Ministry if they have an immersion unit or are a  bilingual kura.