In The Whale Rider, describe how Kahu’s identity is formed when she connects with her family and discovers her special gift

The story is all about strong-willed female characters. The main protagonist of the story—Kahu—as well as many of the other protagonists, including Nanny and Muriwai all are brave, independent female characters. Their stories are meant to empower young women by giving examples of heroines, brave, strong, and dedicated who can do just as much as any male. This is particularly poignant in the setting of Whangara, whose chief Koro refuses to see women as potential leaders in Whangara’s future. As the author explains in his introductory notes, the inspiration of this story came from his two young daughters, who were seeking female role models in a male-dominated literature. This work is meant in part to fulfill that desire by being, in a way, an expression of the "Girl Power" trend of the 90s.