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A little boy experiences family violence and physical abuse, and he turns inwards and is unable to express his feelings and sadness. Gradually, through the help of his nan, his cousin, uncle and a child psychologist he rebuilds his self-esteem and begins to find happiness again and regains a sense of who he is and where he belongs. As he feels people's love and their belief in him, his inner light warms and grows. He finds he can do things, feel joy again and connect with people.
About the author
Dr Linda Tuhiwai Smith (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou, Tūhourangi) is Distinguished Professor at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. She is a leading indigenous studies scholar, educationalist and kaupapa Māori researcher and has given many addresses and written many publications in these areas. She was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013 for her services to Māori and education and received a Prime Minister's Lifetime Achievement Award for Education in 2017. She was awarded the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Puawaitanga Award for Research Excellence in Te Ao Māori and Indigenous Knowledge in 2018, and she received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Winnipeg Canada in the same year.
