Out of the Box
Accessibility: Currently available in hardcover. Additional accessible formats are planned.
View a sample:
Out of The Box
‘Deaf or disabled people get put in a box. It’s frustrating, it’s tiring and it’s boring. I want that box to be broken open!’
—Mojo Mathers
In Out of the Box, an illustrated book for readers aged 12+, author Trish Harris shares the stories of 25 Deaf and disabled New Zealanders – artists, activists and adventurers – who have broken open the box and claimed their space. ‘They’ve put a flag in the ground, as in the drawing on the cover,’ writes Harris. ‘They’ve said, “I’m doing life my way” and “this is what I need, in order to be who I am”.’
The second half of the book provides a detailed timeline of significant Deaf and disability milestones in Aotearoa New Zealand, from the 1840s to the present day. This little-known history anchors the stories in the events and attitudes of their time, and enables readers to see how political decisions and social progress have a real impact on people’s lives.
The 25 New Zealanders profiled include people who swim, cycle, act, protest, make films and music, write books, perform live comedy, ski, dance, make laws, teach, travel, invent things and more. Out of the Box celebrates both big achievements and everyday life. It shows that many of the mountains disabled people face are created by society – and that those mountains can be moved.
Featuring the stories of: Cheryl Anton • Rodney Bell • Juliana Carvalho • Ernest Chitty • Paul Curry • Jared Flitcroft • Adam Hall • Geneva Hakaraia-Tino • Libby Hunsdale • Julie Leibrich • Sir Robert Martin • Mojo Mathers • Don McKenzie • Chanelle Moriah • Tupou Neiufi • Dame Sophie Pascoe • Pip Patston • Alison Riseborough • Eve Rimmer • Sir Charles Skerrett • Patrick Wikiriwhi Thompson • Maia Marshall-Amai • Fonotī Pati Umaga • Gary Williams • Brando Yelavich.
Reviews
‘Trish Harris and her book … taught me, and the young girl I once was, of the rich disabled history of Aotearoa, and the many incredible role models, past and present, who don’t show us the way, but show us how to pave our own path … This is a book that should be in schools all around the country, offering something to disabled and non-disabled children alike.’
Alice Mander, Taha Hotu Deaf and Disabled Artists Initiative
‘Out of the Box is an insightful and informative book that celebrates achievement, resilience, and “audacious plans” – and the power that individuals and groups have to influence change.’
Anne Kerslake Hendricks, NZ Booklovers
‘Out of the Box is a must for bookshelves in schools and homes.’
What Book Next
‘Their stories of courage, determination and advocacy will encourage readers to challenge assumptions, appreciate diversity and recognise the many ways individuals can make a lasting difference.’
Maria Gill, KidsBooksNZ
‘It’s a remarkable book and best of all, it’s designed for ages 12+ so is a text to be enjoyed and shared with young readers, too.’
Claire Mabey, The Spinoff
Interviews and features
‘Let’s kind of be a whole person, you know, not just something that has to be categorised.’
Trish talks with Kathryn Ryan RNZ Nine to Noon
‘I’d especially love it if it connected with young Deaf and disabled people; if they found gems – a reflection, a quote, a line – that made them feel it’s great to be who they are.’
Trish interviewed by Arts Access Aotearoa
‘I also want to represent our community, and our community is diverse. It’s diversity upon diversity.’
Trish talks with Bee Trudgeon about the inspiration behind and production of Out of the Box. The Sapling
‘There are some great books for young people … and some of those books might have one or two Deaf or disabled people in them. But we know there’s so many more than that.’
Trish joins Olivia and Soph at The D*List’s Crip Café to kōrero about Out of the Box. The D*List
Watch highlights from the Out of the Box launch on Instagram
Trish Harris
Trish Harris is a writer and creative writing tutor. She is the author of my wide white bed and The Walking Stick Tree, and has worked across publishing, radio and disability media. She co-founded Crip the Lit and is passionate about sharing Deaf and disabled stories with readers.
More About Trish Harris