​Shortlisted for the 2023 NZ Book Awards for Children & Young Adults - Junior Fiction, Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award category

Tim Tipene was adopted into the Waitai-Tipene whanau as a toddler. He was raised in two cultures, NZ Maori and NZ European. Tim's immediate family were abusive and violent. His biological father was a convicted predator and violent offender who spent much of life behind bars. It was only with the extended whanau that he felt loved. Expelled from high school Tim went through a number of jobs, homes and relationships before he managed to find help to address his past. For 25 years, Tim has been changing lives through his acclaimed Warrior Kids programme, his award-winning books and his inspirational talks. Tim has appeared on television and radio, and in various magazines and newspapers. He overcame his abusive and violent childhood, broke the cycle, and has spent his life transforming the lives of others.

About the Illustrator: Izzy Joy is a young but experienced illustrator. "My personal artwork is definitely about connecting people with each other and with nature ... uplifting people, especially young women, and raising understanding and compassion toward people that are struggling in life" Izzy remarks. Izzy's works include The Story of Rangi and Papa (Zine) and Io Wahine (Zine).