Boy of the South Seas

Reach for this book if your child is struggling with a sense of displacement after a move or feels like an outsider in their current environment. It provides a historical perspective on resilience, showing how a young boy turns a frightening accident into an opportunity to rediscover his heritage and personal strengths. Teiki's journey from a stowaway to a skilled artisan is a powerful metaphor for finding one's place in the world. Set in the early 20th-century Marquesas and Society Islands, the story introduces children ages 8 to 12 to Pacific Islander culture through the eyes of a protagonist who must navigate loneliness and uncertainty. As Teiki learns the art of woodcarving and the traditions of his ancestors, he builds the self-confidence necessary to bridge his past with his new reality. It is a gentle yet adventurous tale that celebrates indigenous craftsmanship and the quiet courage of adapting to change.