Lei and the Fire Goddess

A parent should reach for this book when their child feels disconnected from or even embarrassed by their family traditions and heritage. This vibrant adventure follows twelve-year-old Anna Leilani, who prefers her modern life in Colorado over her grandmother's Hawaiian legends until she accidentally triggers a curse that puts her loved ones in danger. It is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers navigating dual identities or struggling to bridge the gap between their everyday reality and their cultural history. Through Anna's journey to save her best friend from the fire goddess Pele, the story explores themes of bravery, self-acceptance, and the power of ancestral roots. The tone is fast-paced and magical, making it a perfect tool for opening conversations about honoring one's background while still being oneself. Parents will appreciate how the book validates the feeling of being an 'outsider' within one's own culture before leading the protagonist toward a place of genuine pride and belonging.