Imagine being able to visit the past!
In Lauren Keenan’s captivating junior fiction novel, “Amorangi and Millie’s Trip Through Time,” this question becomes a thrilling reality for its two young heroes. Aimed at readers aged 8 to 13, this time-travel adventure launches when Amorangi and his younger sister, Millie, discover their mother has vanished, leaving behind a cryptic message etched into a tree: “I’m in the past! Rescue me!” To save her, the siblings must journey through the branches of their family tree, meeting ancestors and collecting significant taonga (treasures) along the way. Their quest is a race against the setting sun, for if they don’t return to their own time, they will be trapped in history forever.
This imaginative journey is deeply rooted in the Māori heritage of Aotearoa (New Zealand), specifically the history of the Taranaki region. As Amorangi and Millie travel, they don’t just witness history; they experience it. They find themselves amidst pivotal and often challenging events, from the Musket Wars and the eruption of Mount Taranaki to the peaceful resistance at Parihaka. The narrative seamlessly weaves in concepts of whakapapa (genealogy) and whānau (family), showing how these are living, breathing connections that shape identity. For young readers of Māori descent, particularly those from Taranaki, the story offers a powerful and affirming reflection of their history and tūpuna (ancestors). For those with a different cultural background, it is a vibrant and accessible window into a rich history and worldview, fostering a deeper understanding of their classmates and the diverse histories that make up our communities.
Author Lauren Keenan, who is of Te Ātiawa ki Taranaki descent and holds a Master of Arts in New Zealand history, writes with an authenticity that is both educational and deeply engaging. Her storytelling prowess has been recognized with honors such as the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Junior Fiction Book in 2023. “Amorangi and Millie’s Trip Through Time” is more than just an exciting adventure; it is a profound exploration of how the past informs the present. This book is an essential addition to any library, offering a perfect curriculum connection to history, social studies, and discussions on cultural identity. It will stay with young readers long after the final page, reminding them that their own family stories are a powerful kind of magic, connecting them to a past that is very much alive.
