Teine Sāmoa

Book Author Mani and Dahlia Malaeulu
Rights Available World

Teine Samoa (Samoan girl) explores the cultural and identity challenges faced by four teine Sāmoa. It includes the fictional story, study questions and the Teine Sāmoa Project, where Samoan female students and teachers share their stories.

This powerful story explores the challenges and triumphs of being a young Samoan girl navigating identity, culture, and expectations in modern Aotearoa. Through the voices of Lani, Masina, and Telesa, the book weaves a heartfelt narrative of self-discovery, resilience, and the strength found in embracing one’s Pasifika heritage. With authenticity and depth, Teine Samoa offers a powerful reflection of the experiences of many Pasifika girls while providing universal lessons about belonging, family, and pride in one’s roots. A must-read for those seeking to understand and celebrate the richness of Samoan culture.

About the Author

Dahlia Malaeulu is an award-winning Pasifika author and publisher, and creator of Mila’s Books—Pasifika children’s stories that help tamaiti (children) feel seen, heard, and valued. A proud Sāmoan New Zealander, Dahlia is passionate about all things Pasifika and founded Mila’s Books, the world’s only all-Pasifika publishing team.

She currently serves on the board of Read NZ Te Pou Muramura, shares Pacific stories with over 10,000 tamaiti across Aotearoa, New Zealand annually, and has received various business, creative, and book industry awards, including New Zealand’s Emerging Publisher of the Year in 2023.

Through Mila’s Books projects, over one hundred first-time Pasifika authors (children, students, educators, parents) have had their stories shared with the world, reflecting Dahlia’s life-long commitment to advancing Pasifika storytelling by and for Pasifika.

Mani Malaeulu is a proud Sāmoan and is the owner of Empower Pacific, a leadership training company. His passion for personal and people development has led to delivering workshops, keynote speaking and presentations in schools, businesses and organisations across New Zealand.