Super Short Summary

The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera tells the story of Kahu, a young Maori girl who challenges her grandfather's belief that only males can inherit the leadership of their tribe. As Kahu secretly masters traditional Maori rituals, she aims to prove herself worthy. Paralleling this, a herd of whales faces survival challenges as they seek to reunite with humanity, ultimately leading to a transformative moment for the community and nature.