I Don't Like Wednesdays

LINDA TUHIWAI SMITH:

I Don’t Like Wednesdays is about a young boy learning to cope with his grief after his older brother, Apa, dies on a Wednesday. The boy was very close with Apa, and his death leaves the boy with a mix of feelings and lots of questions. With the help of his community, family and school, the boy begins to understand his brother’s suicide, and his own emotions. The story gently explores the challenging situation in an understated manner, with simple language and from the boy’s perspective in a way that children will understand. It shows how relationships and connections to those around us support us and can help us find ways to manage difficult times.

Linda (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou) is Distinguished Professor at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. She is a leading scholar and researcher in indigenous studies, indigenous education and kaupapa Māori research and has written many publications in this area. She was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013 for her services to Māori and education.