"I Am Lupe" a book dedicated to little Pasifika girls

Meet talented author of "I Am Lupe" and proud Tongan... Sela Atiola!

Sela Atiola is a Tongan writer residing in Australia. Her mother is from Nukunuku and her father from Lofanga, Fakakai and Mango in Ha’apai. She’s a mother and author of children’s book “I Am Lupe” that came out this year. Her writing career is inspired by her experiences as a Pacific woman and passion for meaningful representation of Pacific people.  

This Tongan storyteller is a big believer in Pacific people writing their own stories. She sees value in using storytelling to empower our Pacific children, highlighting Pasifika excellence and seeing the power in lived experience. Representation in children’s literature is of great importance to society and Sela is willing to be a positive contributor to this change.

Her book “I am Lupe” explores themes of belonging, heritage and confidence in individuality. "I am Lupe" has moved readers around the world and is now available for purchase from huge literary spaces such as Target, Amazon and more.

We had the chance to talk to Sela Atiola about the powerful book, her passion for storytelling and more. Here’s what she had to say:

How would you describe “I am Lupe”?

I am Lupe is a children’s book, written in English, for children aged two to six years. However, the message is relevant for all age groups regardless of your ethnicity. It is about a young girl named Lupe who was born in the South Pacific and migrates to Australia with her family. The children begin to ask her questions like “What are you?” and unsure of how to answer she turns to her mother for advice.

Instead of giving her one direct response, her mother lists all the wonderful attributes that make up who she is. It is about being proud in your skin and understanding that in addition to your cultural background, your character strengths are an important part of who you are.

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What inspired you to write "I am Lupe"?

I’ve always been an avid reader and I admire and appreciate how stories are beautifully orated and written. I often share my favourite reads and book recommendations on my Instagram @aglassofread, so during lockdown in 2020 I felt inspired to use my love for reading and write a children’s book. 

Literature is a great tool for learning and expanding our knowledge of other people, their cultures and stories. It is a powerful way to understand those who have different belief systems to ourselves and contribute to a society that is harmonious and accepting.

How important is it to you to tell Pacific stories for our little ones to see themselves in?

It is incredibly important to me. I grew up in predominantly White or Anglo communities and stood out like a sore thumb. My differences in appearance and cultural background were obvious which made me the subject of overt and casual racism. Experiencing otherness at a young age is difficult to comprehend and to a certain extent, my experiences were a product of my environment and Australia itself.

There were no genuine and positive representations of our people in the literary and media landscape. It was dominated by other reporters, producers, writers and executives which in turn influenced the perceptions of the wider community. 

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It’s Tongan Language Week, is there a Tongan saying or proverb that particularly speaks to you?

‘Oua lau e kafo kae lau e lava. This is a reminder for me, especially during Covid lockdown, to continue to count my blessings and always be grateful. Happy Tongan Language week.

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You can find "I Am Lupe" HERE