Ho'onani: Hula Warrior

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the feeling of being in the middle, or when they express that traditional gender roles do not quite fit who they are inside. Based on a true story, it follows Ho'onani, a child in Hawaii who feels she is both wahine (girl) and kane (boy). When a high school hula troupe comes to her school, she finds her place not in the girls' dance, but leading the boys' powerful chant. This story is an essential choice for families looking to normalize nonbinary identities through the lens of cultural heritage and strength. It provides a beautiful bridge for discussing how different cultures honor those who live in the middle. The narrative is empowering and supportive, making it an excellent tool for building self-confidence in children ages 4 to 8 who are discovering their own unique voice.