
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.
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Sign in to write a reviewA large hawk kidnaps a child, and the fire goddess Pele is a formidable, intimidating antagonist.
The book handles identity and cultural shame through a metaphorical lens, personifying cultural disconnect as a literal curse. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, showing that embracing heritage is a source of strength rather than a burden.
A 10-year-old child who rolls their eyes at family stories or feels like they don't 'fit in' with their cultural community because they grew up in a different environment.
Read cold. The book includes a helpful glossary of Hawaiian terms and mythological figures, though the narrative explains most context through Anna's own learning process. A child expresses shame about their name, their family's food, or traditional stories, perhaps calling them 'weird' or 'fake' to fit in with peers.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the fast-paced fantasy action and the 'cool' mythical creatures. Older readers (11-12) will resonate more deeply with Anna's internal struggle to reconcile her Colorado 'science-and-sports' self with her Hawaiian lineage.
Unlike many 'chosen one' narratives, Anna’s power comes specifically from de-centering her skepticism and re-centering her indigenous identity, blending contemporary humor with authentic Hawaiian spirituality.
Anna Leilani Kamaehu is a 'haole-fied' twelve-year-old from Colorado who views her Hawaiian heritage as a collection of embarrassing superstitions. During a visit to her Tutu, Anna dismissively destroys a lehua blossom, unintentionally insulting the fire goddess Pele. This act triggers a curse, leading to her best friend being kidnapped by a giant hawk. Anna must navigate a world of Hawaiian mo'olelo (legends), teaming up with demigods and talking bats to fix her mistake and save her family.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.