YFE Staff Picks: AAPI Heritage ~ Hawaii & Pacific Islands | Chapel Hill Public Library

Ho'onani

Hula Warrior

by Gale, Heather

Book - 2019

An empowering celebration of identity, acceptance and Hawaiian culture based on the true story of a young girl in Hawai'i who dreams of leading the boys-o...Show more An empowering celebration of identity, acceptance and Hawaiian culture based on the true story of a young girl in Hawai'i who dreams of leading the boys-only hula troupe at her school. Ho'onani feels in-between. She doesn't see herself as wahine (girl) OR kane (boy). She's happy to be in the middle. But not everyone sees it that way. When Ho'onani finds out that there will be a school performance of a traditional kane hula chant, she wants to be part of it. But can a girl really lead the all-male troupe? Ho'onani has to try . . . Based on a true story, Ho'onani: Hula Warrior is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and an empowering story of a girl who learns to lead and learns to accept who she really is--and in doing so, gains the respect of all those around her. Ho'onani's story first appeared in the documentary A Place in the Middle by filmmakers Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson. (PIC Gale) Show less

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'Ohana Means Family

by Loomis, Ilima

Book - 2020

In this cumulative rhyme in the style of "The House That Jack Built," a family celebrates Hawaii and its culture while serving poi at a luau. (PIC Loomis) In this cumulative rhyme in the style of "The House That Jack Built," a family celebrates Hawaii and its culture while serving poi at a luau. (PIC Loomis) Show less

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Punky Aloha

by Tuiasoa, Shar

Book - 2022

Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. She doesn't feel brave enough. So when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter f...Show more Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. She doesn't feel brave enough. So when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother's magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time. (PIC Tuiasoa) Show less

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Snow Angel, Sand Angel

by Yamanaka, Lois-Ann

Book - 2021

Claire sees lava, sandy beaches, and undersea coral reefs] on her island of Hawai'i. Yet she dreams of snow falling from the sky, snowflakes melting on he...Show more Claire sees lava, sandy beaches, and undersea coral reefs] on her island of Hawai'i. Yet she dreams of snow falling from the sky, snowflakes melting on her tongue, and most of all, building a snowman. See how Claire's dreams become 'real' as she learns to appreciate the island she calls home. (PIC Yamanaka) Show less

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Duke Kahanamoku

by Calkhoven, Laurie

Book - 2017

Introduces the life and achievements of the surfer who won international fame in four Olympics and used his surfboard to save eight people from a capsized boat in California. (EJN JB Kahanamoku) Introduces the life and achievements of the surfer who won international fame in four Olympics and used his surfboard to save eight people from a capsized boat in California. (EJN JB Kahanamoku) Show less

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Kapaemahu

by Wong-Kalu, Hinaleimoana

Book - 2022

Four individuals of dual male and female spirit bring their healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, where they are beloved for their gentle ways and miraculous cures and where they imbue four giant boulders with their powers. (J 398.2 Wong) Four individuals of dual male and female spirit bring their healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, where they are beloved for their gentle ways and miraculous cures and where they imbue four giant boulders with their powers. (J 398.2 Wong) Show less

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Sakamoto's Swim Club

How A Teacher Led An Unlikely Team to Victory

by Abery, Julie

Book - 2021

When the children of workers on a 1930's Maui sugar plantation were chased away from playing in the nearby irrigation ditches, local science teacher Soich...Show more When the children of workers on a 1930's Maui sugar plantation were chased away from playing in the nearby irrigation ditches, local science teacher Soichi Sakamoto had an idea. He offered to take responsibility for the children --- and then he began teaching them how to swim. Using his science background, Sakamoto devised his own innovative coaching techniques: he developed a strict practice regime for the kids, building their strength and endurance by using the ditch water's natural current. The children worked hard under the dedicated Sakamoto's guidance, and their skills improved. They formed a swim club and began to dominate in swimming events around the world. And then one day, the proud Sakamoto saw an impossible dream come true --- Olympic gold! (J 797.2106 Aber) Show less

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The Girl Who Heard the Music

by Fogelson, Marni

Book - 2023

Mahani Teave grew up on Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, one of the most remote islands in the world, where moai statues stand and music is everywhe...Show more Mahani Teave grew up on Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, one of the most remote islands in the world, where moai statues stand and music is everywhere. When she began taking lessons on the island's only piano, she proved to be a great talent. She left Rapa Nui when she was just nine to continue her music education, wishing she didn't have to leave such a beautiful place to pursue her dreams. She became an internationally acclaimed classical pianist, playing around the world for all kinds of audiences. But her island home kept calling her back. (JB Teave) Show less

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Dawn Raid

by Smith, Pauline Vaeluaga

Book - 2021

Sophia is like most girls in 1976 New Zealand. How is she going to earn enough money for those boots? Why does she have to give that speech at school? Who...Show more Sophia is like most girls in 1976 New Zealand. How is she going to earn enough money for those boots? Why does she have to give that speech at school? Who is she going to be friends with this year? It comes as a surprise to Sofia and her family when her big brother, Lenny, starts talking about protests, "overstayers," and injustices against Pacific Islanders by the government. Inspired by the Black Panthers in America, a group has formed called the Polynesian Panthers, who encourage immigrant and Indigenous families across New Zealand to stand up for their rights. Soon the whole family becomes involved in the movement. Told through Sofia's diary entries, with illustrations throughout, Dawn Raid is the story of one ordinary girl living in extraordinary times, learning how to speak up and fight. (JF Smith) Show less

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The Night Marchers, and Other Oceanian Stories

Graphic Novel - 2021

An anthology of folktales from the Pacific Islands reimagined with a modern twist. (JGN 398.2 Nigh) An anthology of folktales from the Pacific Islands reimagined with a modern twist. (JGN 398.2 Nigh) Show less

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