Top Penguin kids books that tie into the new history curriculum

First to the Top

First in a series of illustrated biographies suitable for primary school children, celebrating the life of outstanding New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and how his achievements contributed to Aotearoa New Zealand’s collective identity.

Dinosaur Hunter

Once upon a time in Aotearoa, scientists said this land had never had any dinosaurs. A woman from Hawke’s Bay found the fossils and proved them wrong. Written for primary school children, this illustrated biography tells the inspiring true story of Joan Wiffen and her contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand’s scientific record.

Sky High

In a time when aviation was just taking off and women weren’t expected to have adventures, Jean Batten set world records for solo flight. Written for primary school children, this is the illustrated biography of a trailblazing New Zealander.

Speed King

The legendary Burt Munro set a world land-speed record on his motorcycle! Written for primary school children, this is the illustrated biography of a determined New Zealander character who achieved his dream and found fame late in life.

Hero of the Sea

Written for primary school children, this stunning biographical picture book for young readers tells the story of Sir Peter Blake, the world-renowned New Zealand yachtsman, adventurer and environmentalist.

Aotearoa: The New Zealand Story

For primary through to intermediate students this is a multiple-award-winning book about the ‘big picture’ of this whenua, its history and its people, from earliest formation to the present day. With detailed illustrations throughout, it’s perfect for reluctant readers and a range of learning styles.

Amazing Aotearoa Activity Book

Based on the content of Aotearoa, this standalone book offers a range of fun and educational activities about our land and its people, for early primary to intermediate level students.

Conrad Cooper’s Last Stand

Will a Māori god listen to the prayers of a ten-year-old Pākehā boy? Set in 1978 against the Bastion Point occupation, Conrad Cooper's Last Stand is award-winning fiction for senior primary and intermediate readers about colonisation, and the power of protest to challenge abuse of power.

Finding

For upper primary and intermediate readers, this warm and engrossing novel tells the layered, multigenerational story of Aotearoa’s colonisation. Covers the key historical events since European settlement through to contemporary times, with strong themes of biculturalism and connection to whenua.

Wildlife of Aotearoa

For primary through to intermediate students, an award-winning, fully illustrated guide to our whenua, our amazing wildlife and the history of human impact on our unique environment.

Coastwatcher

For intermediate readers through to junior high school, this action-packed novel is about a New Zealand coastwatcher of WW2 – people stationed on Pacific Islands to report to Allied forces on the Japanese Army’s movements, a voluntary job that came with immense personal risk.

The Calling

For intermediate to high school readers, this vivid novel is about finding your calling, societal expectations of women, the extraordinary nun Mother Mary Joseph Aubert, and the realities of religious bigotry in late-19th century New Zealand. Capturing a past time and place as well as real figures from our history, this novel raises many points for discussion.

The Sparrow

A powerful new historical novel from one of New Zealand’s best-loved YA authors Tessa Duder, exploring the arrival of Pākehā settlers to Auckland. A great read for teen fans of historical and adventure fiction with a strong portrayal of various historical figures.