How My Koro Became a Star

By Brianne Te Paa, Hemi-Morehouse (illustrator),

Book cover of How My Koro Became a Star

Book description

A young boy learns about the customs around celebrating Matariki from his grandfather. They watch the stars from the top of a mountain, prepare their offering of food for the gods, and the boy learns about Te Waka o Rangi and the tradition of calling out the names of loved…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked How My Koro Became a Star as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Matariki, the Māori new year, comes in late June, winter in New Zealand. It begins when the star cluster known as Matariki first appears in the sky. It’s a time of honoring ancestors, being with family, reflecting on the past, and dreaming for the future.

This moving story by Brianne Te Paa is about a boy who takes the lead in honoring his koro (grandfather), who dies shortly before Matariki. The sadness and warmth come through the night-sky color palette and the grown-up-feeling illustrations. To an American still learning about Matariki and Māori culture, this story feels unique, yet the…

From Elissa's list on New Zealand.

Want books like How My Koro Became a Star?

Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 52 books like How My Koro Became a Star.

Browse books like How My Koro Became a Star

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in New Zealand, the Māori people, and presidential biography?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about New Zealand, the Māori people, and presidential biography.

New Zealand Explore 52 books about New Zealand
The MāOri People Explore 16 books about the Māori people
Presidential Biography Explore 18 books about presidential biography