Stop the Tour!

My New Zealand Story

by Bill Nagelkerke

The Springbok Tour held in New Zealand over 3 months in 1981 remains one of the most divisive periods in New Zealand’s recent history. Through his (fictional) diary entries, we learn about 13-year-old Martin Daly’s experiences during the tour and his thoughts and feelings about the escalating conflict. His sister, Sarah, is out to stop the tour in protest against South Africa’s racist apartheid system. His rugbymad dad is equally determined that the tour should go ahead. Martin wishes the whole thing would simply go away But a growing understanding of the issues helps him to stop sitting on the fence and choose a side.

Genres: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Diary

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Bill Nagelkerke is a children’s writer and former librarian. Nagelkerke has also translated many books from Dutch into English, chiefly for Wellington’s Gecko Press, including several picture books by Leo Timmers.

Reviews

[Jen]

I was 11 when this happened the lasting memory I had of this was being forbidden to play in our front section by mum. It ran along part of the Mt Wellington Highway. Still not sure if it was necessary however I can now understand a bit of how violent New Zealand became then for a time.

Also made me have a good long think about my attitude towards protest marchers. Its amazing how ingrained ones parents attitudes can shape our own beliefs. Ive been politically minded however I hope I can now admire people now when they stand up for what they believe in (within reason)

[Molly]

This entire series is a wonderful way to learn history or teach it to adolescents. I find today's generations seem to recall more when they learn through other people (pop songs, celebrity gossip, etc.), so what better way to teach history than through someone else's perspective? Yes, "authentic" diaries would be "better", but would the language really hold the modern student's attention? Did the diary writer know what WOULD be important in the context of history? Probably not.

[Stefan Silva]

this fantastic non-fictional book way back in the 80s about somegood old protesting for the Rugby.

[Dulcie D]

I would have been a few years younger and my father as a rugby fan would have been a tour supporter I guess. Pipped my interest to find out more.
Great way to share with my kids NZ history.
The historical notes and photos at the back are an important tool to bringing the story to life.

[Aimee Findon]

A brilliant recount of the South African rugby tour of 1981. This encapsulates differing viewpoints of New Zealander's of the time and shows how divided our country was over a game.
Told through the eyes of a young boy it portrays a complicated issue in a simplistic way.
An enjoyable novel that grows your understanding of a piece of history.

[Melissa Sowden]

Great, easy read. Good intro to what happened in 1981.
The My New Zealand Story novels are a great way to learn a little bit about aspects of NZ history. A good introduction.