
When your child is facing a major family change, like meeting a relative for the first time or blending families, this book provides an adventurous and relatable story. It follows siblings Jack and Ashley on vacation in Hawaii where they befriend Danny, a Vietnamese boy meeting his American grandfather. Their adventure is intertwined with the thrilling Hawaiian legend of the volcano goddess Pele, who they believe is angry with them. This fast-paced mystery explores themes of fear, bravery, loneliness, and belonging, making it perfect for 8 to 12-year-olds who love nature and mythology. It masterfully wraps complex emotions about family and identity into an exciting, accessible adventure.
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Sign in to write a reviewA main character is lonely and separated from his family while meeting a new relative.
Published in 1999; portrayals of Hawaiian and Vietnamese culture may lack modern nuance.
The book touches on the legacy of the Vietnam War and the resulting family separation and reunification. This is handled directly but in an age-appropriate way, focusing on Danny's feelings of displacement and his grandfather's difficulty in connecting. The resolution is hopeful, with Danny and his grandfather beginning to form a bond. The story also features significant peril related to natural disasters (volcanic eruption).
A 9 to 11-year-old who loves adventure stories like the Magic Tree House series but is ready for more complex emotional stakes. Also, a child who has recently met or is about to meet a long-lost or new family member (like a step-parent, adopted sibling, or grandparent) and is feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety.
Parents might want to preview the descriptions of the volcano's power and the danger the kids face, particularly during the climax at the volcano. It could be scary for more sensitive readers. A brief conversation about the difference between myths and reality might be helpful, as well as providing context about the Vietnam War if the child is curious about Danny's backstory. The parent notices their child is anxious about a big family change, perhaps a move or meeting a new relative. The child expresses feeling like an outsider or is struggling to make friends in a new situation, saying something like, "What if they don't like me?" or "I'm scared to meet them."
An 8-year-old will likely focus on the exciting adventure: the erupting volcano, the curse of Pele, and the mystery. A 10 to 12-year-old will better grasp the nuanced themes: Danny's feelings of being an outsider, his struggle with a dual heritage, and the complex emotions of his grandfather trying to connect with family he never knew.
This book grounds its high-stakes plot in a specific and realistic emotional situation (family reunification across cultures). The integration of authentic Hawaiian mythology and the historical context of the Vietnam War gives it a depth that sets it apart from more straightforward mystery or survival stories. Its connection to National Geographic ensures the sense of place and scientific detail is strong.
Siblings Jack and Ashley Landon are on vacation in Hawaii with their parents. They meet Danny, a Vietnamese boy arriving to live with his American grandfather, a Vietnam War veteran whom he has never met. The kids find a piece of lava rock, which according to legend, is a cursed item belonging to the volcano goddess Pele. A series of dangerous events follows, leading them to believe Pele is angry and pursuing them. The story blends a fast-paced mystery, the family drama of Danny's arrival, and Hawaiian mythology, culminating in a dangerous climax near an active volcano.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.