Hidden Stories of Heroism for a Peaceful Planet - Print

Hidden Stories of Heroism for a Peaceful Planet

By Linda Hansen

A powerful collection of true stories about courageous peacemakers who defied violence, inspiring a more just and compassionate world.

Discover the untold stories of peacebuilders through:

• Inspiring true accounts of historical and modern nonviolent heroes.
• Insights into New Zealand’s rich history of peacemaking.
• Examples of courageous resistance to oppression and injustice.
• Practical lessons for modern-day activism and social justice.
• A resource for peace education and community discussion.
• Stories highlighting compassion, resilience, and creativity.
• A celebration of peaceful resistance as a path to change.

Features

• 15 captivating stories of peacemakers from New Zealand and beyond.
• Foreword by David Grant, renowned historian and author.
• Discussion questions for book groups and educational settings.
• Glossary of peace-related terms and concepts.
• List of organisations and resources for further engagement.

Softcover, 112 pages, A5
ISBN: 9780473721527
Onepoto Press, NZ (2025)

[1 in stock 23 Feb 2025
Then allow 2 weeks]

Description

Hidden Stories of Heroism for a Peaceful Planet by Linda Hansen shines a light on the often-overlooked heroes of peace – those who chose nonviolence and compassion in the face of injustice.

From the Moriori people’s ancient covenant of peace to the modern advocacy of New Zealand’s nuclear-free movement, these stories reveal the immense courage, creativity, and discipline required for peacebuilding.

Hansen recounts the legacies of Parihaka’s passive resistance, Archie Baxter’s stand against World War I conscription, and Wangari Maathai’s environmental activism. Readers will encounter Bertha von Suttner’s global peace leadership, Emily Hobhouse’s exposure of early concentration camps, and Irena Sendler’s defiance against Nazi oppression.

These narratives remind us that peace is not passive – it demands action, resilience, and unwavering commitment.

The book highlights the remarkable strength required to oppose violence, often at great personal cost.

It explores how peacemakers like Kevin Clements, Connie Jones, and Elsie Locke navigated societal opposition while advocating for justice.

Each chapter not only recounts historical events but also draws connections to contemporary challenges, urging readers to consider how they, too, can contribute to a more peaceful world.

The book’s accessible style and well-researched content make it ideal for readers of all ages, from students and educators to peace activists and history enthusiasts.

The inclusion of discussion questions, a glossary of peace-related terms, and a list of supporting organisations makes it a valuable resource for classrooms, book clubs, and community groups.

Ultimately, Hidden Stories of Heroism is more than a history book – it’s a call to action.

Hansen’s work reminds us that peace is built through everyday acts of courage, empathy, and resistance.

Whether standing against injustice, protecting the vulnerable, or advocating for systemic change, the peacemakers featured in this book inspire us to believe that a better world is possible – and that each of us has a role to play in creating it.

About the Author

Linda Hansen is a New Zealand author known for her compelling stories that blend historical truth with contemporary relevance. Her previous works, including The Fire Keeper's Girls and An Unexpected Hero, highlight young people empowered by history’s unsung champions to advocate for social and environmental justice. In this latest work, Hansen continues her mission to inspire activism through storytelling, equipping readers with the knowledge and courage to make a difference.

Contents

• Foreword by David Grant
• Introduction: The Courage of Peace
• Moriori: Architects of Nonviolent Resistance
• Parihaka: A Legacy of Pacifist Protest
• Bertha von Suttner: World Leader of the Peace Movement
• Emily Hobhouse: Exposing Early Concentration Camps
• Our Boys Won’t Be Child Soldiers
• Archie Baxter: Peacemaker on the Battlefield
• Samoans Inspired by Parihaka
• Irena Sendler: Outwitting the Nazis
• Harold McAuley and Other ‘Solitary’ Survivors
• Connie Jones: Imprisoned for Her Words
• Elsie Locke: Leader of the Nuclear-Free Movement
• Czechoslovakia’s Nonviolent Resistance to Invasion
• Wangari Maathai: Planting Trees for Peace
• Kevin Clements: Compassionate Activism
• Filling the Kete for Today’s Peacemakers
• Language for Peace Studies
• Questions for Peacemakers
• Peace Days to Celebrate
• War Terms to Recognise
• Kapiti College Recreates a Parihaka Environment
• Organisations for Support and Information
• Peace Education in New Zealand
• Conclusion
• Acknowledgements
• About the Author