Matatuhi

A parent might reach for this book when their child, particularly one who is adopted, begins to ask questions about their origins or express feelings of being different. This gentle story follows Mata, a Māori girl adopted into a Pākehā (New Zealand European) family. On a school trip to the museum, she discovers a portrait of an ancestress, which unlocks a connection to her birth culture and whānau (family). For ages 6 to 9, Matatuhi sensitively explores themes of identity, belonging, and the beautiful complexity of family. It's an excellent choice for normalizing the feelings of adopted children and for starting conversations about cultural heritage in a hopeful and affirming way.