Rutendo's Books

Welcome to the website of Rutendo's Books. Where you get to see updates about upcoming projects or books.

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Rachel and The Enchanted Forest

$15

Blurb

Rachel, Darling and May find a magical forest called The Enchanted Forest. Rachel discovers that her grandma knows about the forest and that she was one of the founders of the Enchanted Forest. Rachel, May and Darling meet 5 elves in the forest. One of the elves was not happy to see Rachel with the necklace.

This book explains Rachel discovers the forest and how the elves helped Rachel during a race.

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Rachel And The Chevene Pirates

$20

Blurb
Rachel and the Enchanted Gang goes on a mission to recover stolen jewels. On the mission, they will face the well-armed, dangerous Chevene Pirates. How hard could the mission possibly be?

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Here are some articles to check out. These are the ones I did, while I was in Dunedin last week.

I participated in the University of Otago Hands-On Programme, a summer programme that selects around 400 Year 12–13 students all over New Zealand and places them in a project out of the students' 5 chosen subjects/careers. Through this programme, I experienced university student life, made new friends, and tried tasters of different career fields. I absolutely enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to others, as it is a great opportunity to make friends, explore the University of Otago as a study option, and gain a clearer idea of what you want to study.

*To view the Otago Daily Times you may need to be subscribed.*

Time magazine ‘girl of the year’ exploring life at Otago | University of Otago https://share.google/huFSUzO065cxCHYWW

Young author recognised for inspiring communities | Otago Daily Times Online News https://share.google/vdCYEPqbTa60RDZ0Q

In honour of the end of 2025, I wanted to share the highlights and overall gratitude I felt for this year. It has been a chaotic year, and I didn’t expect to accomplish as much as I did. I surprised myself greatly; I balanced it all, published two books, received international recognition, grew in followers, and was selected by TIME & Lego for the inaugural Girls of the Year, alongside academic and personal achievements.

Happy New Year's Eve! 2025 had its ups and downs, but always remember to look back on what you accomplished. It highlights growth and progress.

In honour of the end of 2025, I wanted to share the highlights and express my overall gratitude for this year. It has been a chaotic year, and I didn’t expect to accomplish as much as I did. I surprised myself greatly; I balanced it all, published two books, received international recognition, grew in followers, and was selected by TIME & Lego for the inaugural Girls of the Year, alongside academic and personal achievements.

Tags:
#published #authorgram #teenauthor #fyp #2025recap

I am so grateful and honoured to be nominated for two awards at the very first Mbuya VaRaphy Talkshow Presents: NZ Wellbeing Awards Night.

It’s amazing to see my work recognised and nominated.

Tomorrow is the night! If you’re keen, make sure to buy your tickets to reserve your spot.

On Saturday, I was privileged to be one of the panellists and have the opportunity to mentor someone as part of the Seed Waikato @seedwaikato Ngaa Kaakano programme. It is an 8-week program where three wahine are selected and guided to grow as community contributors. I enjoyed mentoring Esther, one of the three girls selected for the programme. It was a great way to pass down knowledge and offer advice. Thank you to @magicalmaori for reaching out, I truly appreciated this opportunity and love doing this type of mahi.

#teenauthor #mahi #panelist #mentorship #nz

The Creative Currents Book Launch Vol.1

The launch of Creative Currents Vol. 1 was a special event that launched the careers of 17 young writers (10 writers and 7 artists) aged 8 to 14 from South Waikato. What started as a goal in my planner has become a reality, allowing me to give back, promote literacy, and show children the joy of being published.

Thanks to Creative New Zealand who funded this entire project. I had selected a time period of seven months to bring this dream into reality. It was challenging but rewarding. Yesterday, we celebrated the launch at the South Waikato Event & Sport Centre. The turnout was amazing, with support from the community for both myself and the 16 other young creatives. It truly made the event joyful!

A huge thank you to MP Louise Upston for attending as one of my guests in honour. I would also like to thank the South Waikato Mayor for attending as one of the guests of honour. Hiria Dunning, Hiria Dunning - Author my writing judge, your attendance was greatly appreciated, and nice meeting you in person. Mr. Ford, my principal at Tokoroa High, thank you for joining me for this very special day. Pastor Gary Coffin and Pastor Garikai Tachiwona, your presence was also really meaningful.

A special thank you to Raukawa Vibes Marcus, my media team, and the amazing MC, Herata. I appreciate your involvement in the launch and for conducting the interviews.

To everyone who has been a part of this journey, thank you; you are all important to me.

Lastly, this event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. Creative NZ funded the entire project; I would not be here without them. A big thank you to The Warehouse and McDonald's Tokoroa for providing vouchers and gift cards for the children's prizes, and to New World and Four Square Tokoroa for sponsoring the food.

I hope that I can inspire these tamariki, and hopefully we can see them emerge as the next biggest writers and artists. Watch this space for more volumes!

Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti, aroha o tātou mahi.
Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.

#published #art #writing #authorgram #shortstories #booklaunch

Posing with the fourth book in my collection. Can't wait to launch this project into the world.🥳🥳. 2 sleeps left to go!

Tags:
#blackandwhite #booklaunch
#rutendoshadaya #thecreativecurrents
#teenauthor #FYP #bookrelease

Bacon Avocado
#baconavocado #teenauthor #booklaunch #afrokiwi #fyp #trending #viral

Details:
4th of October
12:30pm-2:00pm
South Waikato Events and Sports Centre
Tokoroa
$25 for the book

Hello everyone, here is a video, explaining my story behind the idea of my Anthology project aka The Creative Currents. #writing #published #authorgram #teenauthor #competition #shortstories #art

Mark this date! 🥳

My Anthology Project is officially completed and ready to launch. I can’t believe it also marks less just one month until the Book Launch!

I encourage you to attend and support the talented young authors and artists of South Waikato. This event celebrates Volume One of The Creative Currents series, showcasing the incredible creativity of children aged 8–13 years old.

Tags: #afrokiwi #published #writing #authorgram #teenauthor #shortstories #art #southwaikato #booklaunch

Hello everyone.

Thank you so much for supporting and following my page. This is a reintroduction post for my new followers.

I am 17 and have self-published three books: Rachel and the Enchanted Forest, Rachel and the Chevene Pirates, and Rachel and the Mischievous Thieves.

I sell my books directly and through the following stores.
*Books for Kids Hamilton
*Paperplus Rotorua
*The Children's Bookshop Wellington
*Paige's Book Gallery
*Women's Bookshop

Prices for buying my books directly from me,
Rachel and The Enchanted Forest: $15
Rachel and The Chevene Pirates: $20
Rachel and The Mischevious Theives: $25
Postage: $10
Postage for international destinations varies.
#afrokiwi #writing #published

Introducing the First Ever TIME X LEGO Girls of the Year.

I am proud to announce that I have been selected as part of the first-ever "Girls of the Year 2025 TIME X LEGO." This is a huge international accolade, in which 10 girls from around the globe are recognised for their global impact. This achievement is a testament to the hard work I have put in throughout my entire career, and it is a message to young girls everywhere that their dreams can be achieved and can lead to greater success.

Feel free to read the article and watch more things to go.

https://time.com/collections/girls-of-the-year-2025/

#afrokiwi #writing #published #TimeMagzine #girlsoftheyear

Africa Day 2025

It was such a vibrant day, watching the performances, seeing the stalls, and witnessing people dressing up to represent their country. Shout out to @blackcreativesaotearoa for hosting my book signing, and my book sales were quite successful.

Will be back for Africa Day 2026

#authorgram #writing #published #teenauthor #afrokiwi #africa #AfricaDay #afrokids

Update

Thank you so much to those who submitted to the General Competition and Cover Art competition. I really appreciate the effort you put into your short stories and pieces of art.

All entries are currently being judged, and emails will be sent within the next two weeks of whether the story or piece of art is successful or not.

Once again, I am very grateful and pleased with those who decided to participate. Looking forward to publishing young writers and artists and bringing this dream into reality.

#teenauthor #published #shortstories #competition #art #authorgram #writing #grateful🙏

I am excited to announce that my children's writing and art competition are now open🥳.

Do you know any passionate writers and artists aged between 8-13 years old and lives in the South Waikato. Tell them about this opportunity.

Be in the chance to be published and win a bag of goodies.

Entirees closing date:
10th Cover Art Competition
16th Writing and Art Competition

Link for submissions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DLAXCAzFvb6645fzzq_8l7oruQJQF2jFz8Pk7wULJhg/edit

Please share this around :)

Tags: #teenauthor #southwaikato #shortstories #competition #writing #art #published

Rachel And Mischievous Theives Book Launch (2025)

I am thankful and amused for those who came yesterday and supported my book launch.

It was such a sucess��🥳

@alchemyforauthors

A snippet from my interview on Alchemy for Authors.

Check out the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Check my recent podcast interview with @alchemyforauthors, where I discuss with Jo Buer what it is like being teen author.

Links
Website: https://jobuer.com/episode-99-a-teens-perspective-on-writing-publishing-with-rutendo-shadaya/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YHfzSsQjG9lEv3AwduPvv?si=55aa41d655014c77
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/alchemy-for-authors/id1592002271

A week in my life as a 16 year old girl who happens to have a book launch next week.

Photos explained;
2- Basically, I'm getting ready to school
3- Receiving my book launch dress
4- Printing out my competition posters for my anthology project. Watch this space for more posts relating to this
5- Studying and doing homework
6- Editing and going through my speeches for church and the book launch on the 12th
7- Exercising around Lake Moananui with a friend

3 MORE DAYS TILL RACHEL AND THE MISCHIEVOUS THIEVES IS RELEASED.🥳.

I'm excited for the book launch, and I can't wait to see some of you.

Watch this space for more posts like this and other content.

Tags:
#teenauthor #fypageシ #newzealand
#selfpublishing #booklaunch #authorsofinstagram #rangatahi

I am so excited to launch this book into the world. Only one month away!

Tags:
#teenauthor #rangatahi #fyp #selfpublished #bookthree #authorgram

Introducing The Enchnated Gang Series.
Book 3 will be launching soon 🥳.

Tags:
#teenauthor #rangatahi #authors #authorgram #selfpublished #fyp #instagram

Behind the scenes of the unboxing video 😁.
I am extremely grateful to be able to see my ideas being brought into reality, thanks to the support of my community. Without them, I would have never been in the place I am today.

Please stay tuned for more press-related things and announcements about my third book (Rachel And The Mischievous Thieves).

Tags:
#rangatahi #teenauthor #unboxing #Book3 #authorgram

Happy Sunday! I am proud to share with you the unboxing of my third book.

Thanks to @yourbooksnz for designing and printing out my books.

If you are interested in buying my third book, consider coming along to my book launch, which is on the 12/02/2025 😁 and get a signed copy.

Put this date on your calendars!!!

I can't believe there are 70 days till Rachel And Mischievous Pirates is officially launched into the world 🥳. Stay tuned for more Book Three promo content and more announcements.

Tags:
#authors #authorgram #rangatahi #afrokiwi #teenauthor #BookLaunch

Rachel And Mischievous Thieves is for children aged between 10 to 14 years old. If you have a younger sibling, nephew, niece, child or grandchild and if they are a fan of the listed tropes then this book will be the perfect match😁.

Keep tuned to see more Book Three updates and posts.

#southwaikatonz #teenauthor #writer #rachelandtheenchantedforest #RachelAndTheChevenePirates #selfpublishedauthor #indieauthornz

I am so grateful to announce that I am one of the successful recipients of the Early Career Fund- General Arts funded by Creative New Zealand.

This funding has now opened the opportunity to fulfil a dream and vision I had back in early January 2023.

Stay tuned and watch this space to hear more news about this anthology project and my why behind this.

Link: https://creativenz.govt.nz/funding-and-support/results/funding-rounds/early-career-fund---general-arts-2024---round-3

#indieauthor #selfpublished #writer #southwaikato #southwaikatonz #teenauthors

Ladies and Gentleman, I present you my book cover for Rachel And The Mischievous Thieves 🎊.

Credits to @evelynhollows @yourbooksnz for illustrating and designing my ideas into reality.

Feel free to share it around😁.
Keep tuned for more book announcements of Rachel And The Mischievous Thieves

#teenauthor #indieauthor #selfpublished #authors #coverreveal

Yes! You have it right my third book is going to be released THIS YEAR 🎊. I am super excited to share this book with the world because I have poured my heart into it and really believe it is worth the read.

Watch this space for more news and posts regarding the third book of The Enchanted Gang Series😁😁.

#indieauthor #teenauthor #writer #rachelandtheenchantedforest #RachelAndTheChevenePirates #selfpublished #selfpublishedauthor #authors #authorgram

It's been a week since the Y25 2024 launch, and so much has happened since. I feel so honoured to be in the Y25 Cohort and to be around these amazing Wāhine and Tāhine. My mahi has paid off and has been recognised.

Thank you so much YWCA Aotearoa and the sponsors for organising this event and Wānanga. You guys truly made the launch and Wānanga eventful and remarkable.

The Wānanga Weekend, allowed me to connect with lovely people and learn many new things. At first, I was anxious but after some reassurance I knew would be right. The activities were very enjoyable, especially the collaging workshop. The panelists were great and what I needed. Their advice was reassuring and motivating. My favourite panel was Burnout, Boundaries and Self-care, as this hit home as ranagtahi who is a slight workaholic and aims to achieve the impossible. That panel reminded me I shouldn't feel guilty taking a break and need to embrace more conversations regarding burnout and boundaries.

The Cohort was full of kind and impactful wahine. Everyone's mahi and personality demonstrated why they deserved to be on the list. I connected with them over common interests, karaoke, and games. Being surrounded by these Wāhine and Tāhine sparked motivation and a sense of relief. There were no bad vibes and everyone was supportive.

Lastly, I would like to thank Y25 Kaimahi and the Wānanga facilitators for making this weekend memorable. I understand the mahi you put into this and tried your absolute best to make the Wānanga enjoyable for everyone. I believe that you achieved it.

Looking forward to what's next to come during my time in the 2024 Y25 Cohort.

(Sorry in advance if I forgot to tag you)

#teenauthor #indieauthor #rangatahi #ywcaaotearoanz

So excited to announce that I am apart of the 2024 Y25 Cohort 🥳.
It was a lovely event, and got meet fellow members. Looking forward for what is to come next 😁😁.

#ywcaaotearoanz #teenauthor #rangatahi #indieauthor

Back from my hiatus.

Please check out my interview with Dr Memory Chirere of the University Zimbabwe.

https://memorychirere.blogspot.com/2024/07/talking-to-rutendo-shadaya-teen-author.html

This is a video of me sharing my speech about Unity at the 2024 Rotorua Ubuntu Africa day.

Feel free to share around it 😁.

#teenauthor #afrokiwi #writer #Ubuntu #AfricaDay #rangatahi #africa #fypシ #publicspeaking #speeches

Today, I attended the Ubuntu Africa day down in Rotorua and gave a speech on Unity. The event showcased many lovely performances, items, and speeches.
Thank you, Faustinah Ndlovu and her team, for organising this event.

#teenauthor #youngauthor #writer #rangatahi #afrokiwi #Ubuntu #bayofplentynz #rotorua #africa #AfricaDay #africaday2024

25th of May save the date. Please share this around to family and friends. It's great event to go and celebrate Africa day. I will be sharing a speech there too.

#ubuntu #african #africaday #teenauthor

I'm super grateful that my short story got published in the latest @mosaiclitjournal Issue 7. Mosaic Lit Journal is an online literary magazine that publishes poems, short stories, and essays all over the world. It's run by teenagers across the world and accepts pieces from people aged 12+

Please check out my short stories and others through this link: https://sites.google.com/view/mosaiclitjournal/select-works/issue-7-april-2024?authuser=0

#literary #online #teenauthor #fyp #shortstories

Great day at the Ages of Pages event. It was nice meeting fellow authors and the outcome was great.

#teenauthor #ageofpages #SelfPublished #newzealand

Promo post

Where can you find my books? (South Waikato edition)

South Waikato Library
Tokoroa High School
Starthmore School
Tainui Full Primary School
Tokoroa North School
Bishop Edward Gaines School
David Henry School
Amisfield School
Putaruru College
Tokoroa Intermediate School

#writer #rachelandtheenchantedforest #RachelAndTheChevenePirates #youngauthor #teenauthor

I am super grateful for the ZTN live TV interview experience. It's a huge achievement to be broadcasted and inspire the youth of Zimbabwe. I hope to get more opportunities like this in the future.

#youngauthor #teenauthor #zimbabwe #rachelandtheenchantedforest #RachelAndTheChevenePirates #tv #selfpublished #

Yesterday, I visited the University of Zimbabwe, where I finally got to meet my editor, Memory Chirere. We discussed about my journey and future projects. He kindly did a brief tour to show us the university.
After the tour, I donated my books to the University Library.

#RachelAndTheChevenePirates #rachelandtheenchantedforest #writer #afrokiwi #youngauthor #zimbabwe #universityofzimbabwe

8 months ago, I was 14 years old and just joined the Young Enterprise scheme course, expecting nothing big but experience.

When I joined, I was already behind, I needed to submit my first challenge before I could work on my pitch, which was two weeks away. I couldn't imagine myself getting far but I continued to work on it for the sake of experience.

After I pitched my books, I felt like this wasn't bad after all and maybe I could do this.

From then, I started to follow the long course, completed the challenges, and went out of my comfort zone to sell and promote my books.

My high marks led me to the regional finals. Which meant I had to miss some of my classes for me to prepare myself for the regional finals. All that hard work and commitment paid off and as I presented.
The judges were wowed by my story and I was announced that I was the regional winner of the Rotorua/Taupo region. I was shocked and so happy.

I stepped up my game for nationals to prepare for the final pitch, such as adding more dramatization and memorizing my speech.

A day before the Nationals my flight was cancelled. I panicked and felt like it was over for me. Luckily, Mum and my teacher found a flight in another city, Hamilton. After my final pitch, all the stress was gone and I was so proud of how far I progressed.

I may have not been placed, but I have achieved a lot, especially as a 15-year-old. I competed with Yr12's & Yr13's and managed to win regionals and became a finalist.

I would like to thank the following people from my YES journey.

Thank you Mrs Chandra encouraging me to take this opportunity and for taking your time off to work with me.

Shout out to Jesse and Jane, for being great, amazing regional advisors, and giving me advice to improve my assessments.

Lastly, thank you, @youngentnz and the sponsors, for making this possible.

Advice: Take every available opportunity. It's better to take risks than have regrets. Fear is temporary and regrets are FOREVER.

#teenauthor #indieauthor #indieauthornz #RachelAndTheChevenePirates #youngentrepreneur #rachelandtheenchantedforest

There are 161 days till The Age of Pages Book fair. Be sure to visit to me and great authors. There will be a bunch of different books for you, adults, and kids to purchase.

#youngauthor #afrokiwi #teenauthor #RachelAndTheChevenePirates #markets #nzwriters #agesofpages

Yesterday, I attended the Ubuntu Cultural Heritage event, down in Rotorua. There was a massive turnout from the African B.O.P community. I shared a speech about Ubuntu. I enjoyed the entertainment and food . Thank you Ubuntu African Society B.O.P for organising this lovely event.

#bayofplentynz #africa #rotorua #teenauthor #afrokiwi #Ubuntu #youngauthor

Come and attend Africa Cultural Heritage Celebrations in Rotorua today. There will be lots of entertainment, free food and activities for children.
I will be doing a speech along with another people. Tag along a friend with you.

Shout out to Faustinah Ndlovu for organising this event.

#african #teenauthors #Ubuntu #culturalevent #Rotoru

Yesterday, I attended the local author book fair. I listened to other Kiwi authors' speeches. I felt inspired by their stories. I enjoyed talking to them and I hope to attend this event next year.

Credit to @hamiltonbookmonth for their amazing photos.
I didn’t take any photos. 😭

#teenauthor #bookfair #selfpublished #hamiltonbookmonth #rachelandthechevenepirates #rachelandtheenchantedforest

I am at the Saturday Kuirau Park Market. Come and get a bookmark and signed copy.

#markets #rotorua #teenauthor #rachelandthechevenepirates

Hi, I am making an update post for my new followers.
I am teen author, with two self-published books named Rachel and The Enchanted Forest & Rachel and The Chevene Pirates. I am a Kiwi Zimbabwean. When, I'm not writing I am listening to music or reading.
Where to buy my books
Book for Kids (Hamilton)
Rachel and The Enchanted Forest: https://www.booksforkids.co.nz/.../rachel-and-the...
Rachel And The Chevene Pirates: https://www.booksforkids.co.nz/.../rachel-and-the-chevene...
Matamata Paperplus
Amazon:
Rachel and The Enchanted Forest (Kindle edition): https://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Enchanted.../dp/B0BRQXFS9M/
Or send email on rutendoshadaya.books@gmail.com for a signed copy.
Follow me on other platforms
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/.../Rutendo.../author/B0BRRCJN1K...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/.../show/41955701.Rutendo_Shadaya
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rutendos_books/
Make sure you leave a review on Goodreads once you have read the books. 😀

Today, I pitched my books to the judges and received good feedback. I enjoyed listening to other students' pitches.

#teenauthor #RachelAndTheChevenePirates #youngauthor #yesnz #youngenterprise #pitches

I had a blast at Africa Day. Heaps of people were there. We sold a lot of books and Biltong. Definitely worth the hype.

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About the author

Rutendo Shadaya is a teen author based in New Zealand. She was born to Zimbabwean parents and is proud of her both cultures. Rutendo started writing at the age of 9 and since then she hasn’t looked back. She has accomplished many achievements such as self-publishing two books at the ages of 12 & 14, being published by ToiToi, being a part of the Y25 2024 cohort and many more. When Rutendo isn’t busy writing she is reading fantasy books or binge-watching shows on Netflix.

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Upcoming Events

12th February 2025

Come and attend the Book Launch of my third book Rachel And The Mischievous Thieves

FAQ

Check out our list of frequently asked questions below for some quick answers. If you can’t find the desired answer, get in touch.

Home: FAQ

What inspired you to start writing

Rutendo was inspired to write this book as a birthday present for my best friend. Since she enjoyed reading and writing.

When did she start writing the book?

When she was 9 years old, about 2 months before her 10th birthday in 2018. It took her around 2 months to finish writing the first draft.

What is her future plans in writing?

To improve her writing by going workshops or doing more courses. She also plans to submit to magazines, journals and online literary. Rutendo plans to complete her series and write more books.

How do the payments work

For postage information please contact via my email for further details.

Please note: I do domestic and international shipping.

What is the Rachel and the Mischievous Thieves about?

There has been a spike in crimes reported in The Enchanted City. The Enchanted Gang teams up with fellow forces to tackle the surge of crimes and search for the reason behind this. Will the Enchanted Gang be able to stop heists before it's too late?