Perfect for celebrating Earth Day this weekend, Whale Rider beautifully combines strong girl power and environmental messages. Set within a Maori tribe in New Zealand, the film follows eleven year old heroine, Pai, as she sets off to convince her grandfather, the tribe's chief, that she can be his successor. Throughout the film, the tribe's intimate relationship with the nature world is emphasized. At the film's climax, a group of whales is washed to shore and subsequent events give Pai and her community a new appreciation of her true capacity as a leader. Highly recommended!
For more Earth Day movie picks, visit our special feature on the Top Environmental Movies featuring Mighty Girls.
For our list of recommended books with environmental themes, visit our feature on the Top Children's Books on the Environment.
