My Story (Scholastic New Zealand) facts for kids

My Story is a cool series of historical novels for young people. These books are published by Scholastic New Zealand. Each book is like a fictional diary written by a young person. The stories tell about important events or times in New Zealand history. Around 2010, the series was renamed My New Zealand Story. The covers of the books also got a new look!

Discovering New Zealand's Past

The My Story series helps you learn about New Zealand's history in an exciting way. Instead of just reading facts, you get to experience history through the eyes of someone your age. Each book is written as a diary, making it feel very personal.

What Makes These Books Special?

These books are special because they let you step into the past. You read about daily life, challenges, and big events from a young person's point of view. Imagine living through an earthquake, a big storm, or a major historical protest! The diary format makes history feel real and relatable. It's like finding an old diary and reading someone's secret thoughts and adventures.

Journeys Through Time: Book Examples

The series covers many different times and events in New Zealand. Here are some examples of the exciting stories you can find:

Adventures and Disasters

• Journey to Tangiwai: The Diary of Peter Cotterill, Napier, 1953 by David Hill: This book tells about a terrible train disaster.
• Abandon Ship!: The Diary of Debbie Atherton, Wellington, 1968 by Shirley Corlett: Later called The Wahine Disaster, this story is about a famous shipwreck.
• Earthquake: The Diary of Katie Bourke, Napier, 1930–31 by Janine McVeagh: Experience the huge Napier earthquake through Katie's eyes.
• Fire in the Sky: The Diary of James Collier, Tarawera, 1886 by Shirley Corlett: This diary describes the eruption of Mount Tarawera.
• Cyclone Bola: Gisborne, 1988 by Kath Beattie: Learn about a powerful cyclone that hit New Zealand.
• Canterbury Quake: Christchurch 2010–11 by Desna Wallace: This book covers the recent earthquakes in Christchurch.

Life in Different Eras

• Finding Father: The Journal of Mary Brogan, Otago, 1862 by Pauline Cartwright: Discover what life was like during the gold rush.
• A New Song in the Land: The Writings of Atapo, Paihia, c1840 by Fleur Beale: This story is about a Māori girl living around the time of early European settlement.
• Chinatown Girl: The Diary of Silvey Chan, Auckland, 1942 by Eva Wong Ng: Learn about life for a Chinese family in Auckland during World War II.
• Kauri in My Blood: The Diary of Laura Ann Findlay, The Coromandel, 1921–24 by Joanna Orwin: This book explores the kauri logging industry.
• Lighthouse Family: Coastal New Zealand, 1941–42 by Philippa Werry: Imagine living in a lighthouse during wartime.

Standing Up for Change

• Be Counted!: The Diary of Amy Phelps, Dunedin, 1893 by Janine McVeagh: This book is about the fight for women's right to vote in New Zealand.
• Sitting on the Fence: The Diary of Martin Daly, Christchurch, 1981 by Bill Nagelkerke: This diary covers the controversial Springbok rugby tour.
• Sabotage!: The Diary of Rowan Webb, Auckland, 1985 by Sharon Holt: Later called Rainbow Warrior, this book is about the bombing of the Greenpeace ship.
• Bastion Point: 507 Days on Takaparawha: Auckland, 1977-78 by Tania Roxborogh: Learn about the protest for Māori land rights.
• Dawn Raid by Pauline (Vaeluaga) Smith (2018): This book tells about the dawn raids on Pacific Island families in the 1970s.