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Ho'onani: Hula Warrior
An empowering celebration of identity, acceptance and Hawaiian culture based on the true story of a young girl in Hawaiʻi 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.
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.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2019
3 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
March 12, 2020
I was rather disappointed in the artwork. The colors were mute and not vibrant and there was a lot of grey in the pallet making it feel rather sad. The tone was mute as well.
A Hula Warrior is apparently the lead warrior and they do a type of dance to face an opponent and the leader has to be fearless. Anyone can be a hula warrior, but it’s mostly men. In the story Ho’onani is a girl and she is the best at this and she becomes their leader and her sister has issues with it.
The story is a bit confusing. A kane is a boy in a boy’s role and a wahine is a girl in a girls role. It gets confusing because the author named the sister Kana and as these words are not known to me, it made the story confusing. Hawaii is so colorful and bright and this book felt dull like a prison. The subject was very interesting and the execution was disappointing.
The nephew did read this with me and he didn’t like this book. He was confused by what was happening and why he should care. He didn’t care. He gave this 1 star and said they should learn to dance like Michael Jackson. There you have it.
A Hula Warrior is apparently the lead warrior and they do a type of dance to face an opponent and the leader has to be fearless. Anyone can be a hula warrior, but it’s mostly men. In the story Ho’onani is a girl and she is the best at this and she becomes their leader and her sister has issues with it.
The story is a bit confusing. A kane is a boy in a boy’s role and a wahine is a girl in a girls role. It gets confusing because the author named the sister Kana and as these words are not known to me, it made the story confusing. Hawaii is so colorful and bright and this book felt dull like a prison. The subject was very interesting and the execution was disappointing.
The nephew did read this with me and he didn’t like this book. He was confused by what was happening and why he should care. He didn’t care. He gave this 1 star and said they should learn to dance like Michael Jackson. There you have it.
July 5, 2019
This is a simple narrative (based on a true story) about Ho'onani and her quest to perform in the boys' hula troupe.
I like how the issue of gender is addressed here. Ho'onani really wants to be part of the hula troupe. But it's traditionally only for boys. There's an audition, and she tries out and gets in. As she tells her sister, she feels more male than female. So why shouldn't she be part of the boys' troupe? What I really like is that Ho'onani doesn't really care about the traditional gender rules here; she simply wants to dance in the troupe because it's something she enjoys. Even after her teacher takes her aside and tells her that some parents might not want a girl leading their boys in the hula, she sticks to her convictions. Basically, if they don't like it, that's their problem.
The pictures here aren't really in a style that I like, but they're adequate enough to do the job.
This book is apparently based on a documentary. I wouldn't mind having a look at that, since the picture book format has certain limitations.
Overall, this is a fairly solid non-fiction picture book for kids that talks about a cultural practice that's probably unfamiliar to most people outside of Hawaii. For those interested in books about other cultures, it's worth taking a look.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books (NY) for providing a digital ARC.
I like how the issue of gender is addressed here. Ho'onani really wants to be part of the hula troupe. But it's traditionally only for boys. There's an audition, and she tries out and gets in. As she tells her sister, she feels more male than female. So why shouldn't she be part of the boys' troupe? What I really like is that Ho'onani doesn't really care about the traditional gender rules here; she simply wants to dance in the troupe because it's something she enjoys. Even after her teacher takes her aside and tells her that some parents might not want a girl leading their boys in the hula, she sticks to her convictions. Basically, if they don't like it, that's their problem.
The pictures here aren't really in a style that I like, but they're adequate enough to do the job.
This book is apparently based on a documentary. I wouldn't mind having a look at that, since the picture book format has certain limitations.
Overall, this is a fairly solid non-fiction picture book for kids that talks about a cultural practice that's probably unfamiliar to most people outside of Hawaii. For those interested in books about other cultures, it's worth taking a look.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books (NY) for providing a digital ARC.
June 22, 2025
Hawaiian culture has long accepted that there are individuals who do not identify completely as wahine (girl) or kane (boy). The story of Ho’onani trying to join a boys hula troupe at her school looks at the tension that can occur when individual goals and societal expectations clash. A relevant book in todays polarized perspectives on gender.
July 15, 2019
A beautiful and empowering story about Ho’onani Kamai and her teacher Kumu Hina and a powerful message of acceptance and belonging. Author Heather Gale and illustrator Mika Song together create a beautiful story about a person who doesn’t always feel like a wahine (girl) or a kāne (boy) and becomes a hula warrior “strong, sure and steady.” Based on a documentary called A Place in the Middle, this book delivers a clear message about acceptance in a way young readers can clearly understand.
Ho’onani just sees herself as Ho’onani, not necessarily wahine and not kāne either. She is creative and independent and young readers can get their first understanding of gender fluidity. She wants to be part of the kāne traditional hula chant and is encouraged to try out by her teacher/coach Kumu Hina, who is a cultural leader and activist and also a transgender woman. Ho’onani‘s family is very supportive of her choice, all but her sister Kana who doesn’t understand why, in her mind, Ho’onani chooses to reject wahine things and embrace kāne things. My favourite line in the story is Ho’onani’s response to her sister:
“Just because I feel more kāne doesn’t mean I’m not wahine. I’m in the middle! Why can’t you let me be me!” It’s such a vital lesson for young readers, a lesson in acceptance. Children now are benefiting from a culture of more acceptance of differences, creative expression and the non-binary. While unfortunately many adults did not live in a world where acceptance of differences was accepted, the next generation is living with the beautiful reality of acceptance and creativity. I’m not naive enough to think it is happening everywhere, the news cycle brings that reality into sharp focus, however if we can allow children to learn through the stories of others and through beautiful picture books like Ho’onani Hula Warrior, perhaps they will feel seen within it’s pages and also be not so quick to judge when a peer chooses to express themselves in a non-binary way.
I’m glad Heather Gale was inspired by the story of Ho’onani Kamai and Kumu Hina and that we have this beautiful book to share with our children however, I encourage you to check out the website aplaceinthemiddle.org to learn more about Kumu Hina and Ho’onani Kamai. If you are planning to use this book in your classroom, please take the time to do the research and learn more and download the resources so you can share this beautiful story fully and completely with your students. It is vitally important for children to learn this story from the people who have lived this experience, to hear them tell it in their own words with their own voices
Ho’onani just sees herself as Ho’onani, not necessarily wahine and not kāne either. She is creative and independent and young readers can get their first understanding of gender fluidity. She wants to be part of the kāne traditional hula chant and is encouraged to try out by her teacher/coach Kumu Hina, who is a cultural leader and activist and also a transgender woman. Ho’onani‘s family is very supportive of her choice, all but her sister Kana who doesn’t understand why, in her mind, Ho’onani chooses to reject wahine things and embrace kāne things. My favourite line in the story is Ho’onani’s response to her sister:
“Just because I feel more kāne doesn’t mean I’m not wahine. I’m in the middle! Why can’t you let me be me!” It’s such a vital lesson for young readers, a lesson in acceptance. Children now are benefiting from a culture of more acceptance of differences, creative expression and the non-binary. While unfortunately many adults did not live in a world where acceptance of differences was accepted, the next generation is living with the beautiful reality of acceptance and creativity. I’m not naive enough to think it is happening everywhere, the news cycle brings that reality into sharp focus, however if we can allow children to learn through the stories of others and through beautiful picture books like Ho’onani Hula Warrior, perhaps they will feel seen within it’s pages and also be not so quick to judge when a peer chooses to express themselves in a non-binary way.
I’m glad Heather Gale was inspired by the story of Ho’onani Kamai and Kumu Hina and that we have this beautiful book to share with our children however, I encourage you to check out the website aplaceinthemiddle.org to learn more about Kumu Hina and Ho’onani Kamai. If you are planning to use this book in your classroom, please take the time to do the research and learn more and download the resources so you can share this beautiful story fully and completely with your students. It is vitally important for children to learn this story from the people who have lived this experience, to hear them tell it in their own words with their own voices
January 2, 2020
Beautiful! I am Māhū.
This book is just amazing, it teaches younger children to comprehend gender identity. And that is okay if some people have feminine traits or male-like hobbies. I adore this book, seeing the protagonists stand up for what she believes in even if it goes against the views of those that surround her even if it's her own family.
This book is just amazing, it teaches younger children to comprehend gender identity. And that is okay if some people have feminine traits or male-like hobbies. I adore this book, seeing the protagonists stand up for what she believes in even if it goes against the views of those that surround her even if it's her own family.
July 30, 2019
In Hawaiian culture you can be feminine, masculine, or both. This story is about Ho’onani who finds her place in the middle as a Hula Warrior. This story is based on true events that can be seen in the documentary A Place in the Middle. This is a nice true life tale of someone finding themselves, a school’s acceptance, and a look at the family involved.
March 2, 2020
Ho'onani: Hula Warrior by Heather Gale is a picture book for young readers of any age. It could be a read aloud for kindergarten - 1st grade as it has brightly colored illustrations and text that a younger child would be able to follow along with as a read aloud. The book is based on a real person Ho-onani Kamai who was from Honolulu, Hawaii. The story tells her truth as she felt "in between" and didn't see herself as wahine (girl) or kane (boy). She feels content to be in the middle but not everyone is as accepting including her little sister. The book centers around Ho'onani wanting to be part of a school performance of a traditional kane hula chant but it is an all male group. She decides to try out for the performance regardless and not only makes it as part of the group but is so strong in the chant she is considered the leader. Even though she felt doubts and was nervous, she was strong and went out on the stage and became a hula warrior as she powerfully led the chant. The book was empowering to see her stand up and say she was different and it wasn't going to stop her. The book also brought in Hawaiian culture as we learned about the Hawaiian custom of the hula chant. I found this book at my libary as I was searching for lgbtq picture books and found it to have such an inspiring message to young people to stay true to one's self.
June 15, 2019
Most western people are probably more familiar with the hula that has women swaying with grass skirts. But there was another hula practiced, that of the stomping and chanting, usually done by men. If you have seen Maori dances, you get the idea.
Ho'onani is the fictionalized story of a real wahini (girl) who wants to dance the male dance that only the kane (boys) dance. She feels she is just as strong, and can do the chants just as well, if not better.
This is not so much a story about a girl wanting to be a boy, as a story about doing what you want to do no matter what gender you are. She is the strongest, and the loudest, so why shouldn't she lead the chant.
And so she does.
Wonderful story of a strong wahine.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Ho'onani is the fictionalized story of a real wahini (girl) who wants to dance the male dance that only the kane (boys) dance. She feels she is just as strong, and can do the chants just as well, if not better.
This is not so much a story about a girl wanting to be a boy, as a story about doing what you want to do no matter what gender you are. She is the strongest, and the loudest, so why shouldn't she lead the chant.
And so she does.
Wonderful story of a strong wahine.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
March 5, 2020
Ho'onani: Hula Warrior is a great picture book to share with grades K-3 for a read aloud. Ho'onani is just happy as can be the way she is. In Hawaiin culture, people either associate with wahine (girl) OR kane (boy); Ho'onani feels as though she possesses both qualities. She wants to be the Hula Warrior and tries out knowing she will be the only girl. Her family supports her except for her sister who is a little weary about the idea since it is not very wahine like.
In the end, Ho'onani is shine doing what she does best: being a leader, being herself. This book has beautiful illustrations drawn by Mika Song. The story has a theme of acceptance and not fitting into just one category. I would use this text to show how characters change and develop over time. Although, the one thing I did not like was how rushed the ending was. The sister was so quick to change without any background or thoughts behind her finally supporting her sister.
Overall I would recommend this book !
In the end, Ho'onani is shine doing what she does best: being a leader, being herself. This book has beautiful illustrations drawn by Mika Song. The story has a theme of acceptance and not fitting into just one category. I would use this text to show how characters change and develop over time. Although, the one thing I did not like was how rushed the ending was. The sister was so quick to change without any background or thoughts behind her finally supporting her sister.
Overall I would recommend this book !
November 16, 2019
I watched the trailer for the documentary this book is based on. Just the trailer and I got chills. I may have even teared up. This picture book doesn't quite have the power of seeing the real Ho'onani belt out a traditional hula chant. But it's worth reading and sharing. Today in the US there is greater recognition and acceptance of gender fluidity. We should also recognize that different cultures around the world have been accepting of people who are nonbinary. Ho'onani is referred to as "she" throughout the book (and I assume the author would be using her preferred pronouns) but she identifies as "in the middle" between girl and boy.
There's a refrain in the text: "Strong, sure, and steady." It describes how Ho'onani carries out the hula. It feels like a mantra for any child (or person) who is defying expectations so they can be true to themselves.
There's a refrain in the text: "Strong, sure, and steady." It describes how Ho'onani carries out the hula. It feels like a mantra for any child (or person) who is defying expectations so they can be true to themselves.
January 2, 2020
This book is based on real life and is about a child who does not feel like a girl or boy. The child doesn’t feel as though they need to conform to a gender. They decide to dance in the boy’s group despite what others may feel or say. I really liked that this was a children’s picture book because there isn’t enough literature that represents diversity and children who may have the same thoughts or feelings deserve to see/read that representation.
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November 19, 2019Ho'onani doesn't feel entirely wahine (girl) or kane (boy), but somewhere in the middle. When her community announces that they are going to put on a traditional Hawaiian hula chant for kane, she feels drawn to audition, even though the chanters are traditionally boys. This is an empowering story bringing much needed representation to the page. Ho'onani is such a good chanter that she's chosen to lead the group. When her teachers warns her that some people might object to a wahine leading a group of kane, Ho'onani decides to do the show anyway. With her parents' support and her older sister's eventual coming around to it, this is a supportive story that features a nonbinary child in the starring role.
Hand to fans of Julian is a Mermaid and Not Quite Snow White.
Hand to fans of Julian is a Mermaid and Not Quite Snow White.
January 16, 2020
A simple story a about a girl who views herself a girl who feels more like a boy. She claims she is a waging, an intersexual girl. She chooses to join a boys group for dancing and chanting. Her younger sister has a hard time dealing with it.
June 10, 2019
Good enough story about Hawaiian culture and gender stereotypes. Not the best book I read this week, but I like the message it shares!
September 30, 2019
Strong, determined and unique; that's Ho'onani! She know what she wants, embraces the different and values her culture and history. A wonderful story!
#Netgalley
#Netgalley
February 3, 2020
Tears of pride.
October 23, 2021
Excellent example of honoring an ancient cultural legacy that always made space for people who are non-binary/gender non-conforming/transgender. I love this as a children’s book that gives a rare window into a set of beliefs and cultural practices that are so incredibly common around the world, but are so rarely shown in English language picture books because of their overwhelmingly White/European slant.
February 28, 2020
Ho'onani Kamai did not see herself as a wahine, "girl".
Or think she was a kāne, "boy".
She preferred just Ho'onani.
Author Heather Gale and illustrator Mika Song (Picnic with Oliver) bring readers the children's picture book Ho'onani: Hula Warrior, which is based on a true story and a real person named Ho'onani Kamai. When readers meet young Ho'onani, they learn that she doesn't see herself as boy or girl: she is simply "just Ho'onani". Her mother and her father support Ho'onani's love of singing, playing the ukelele and being her own person, but her sister Kana "wished Ho'onani did not sing songs so loud or play ukulele faster and better than every kāne at school". When it is announced that "a traditional hula chant" will be performed by the "high-school kāne", Ho'onani closes her eyes and immediately imagines herself "stomp-stomp-stomping" and "tap-tap-tapping" and "pitter-pat-patting". Ho'onani, however, is neither kāne nor old enough for high school! But when she hears that there will be auditions to perform (and lead) the hula chant, Ho'onani, with the support of her teacher Kumu Hina, prepares for the audition. During the tests, Ho'onani sees skepticism in the faces of the boys auditioning; she also cannot help but hear and see Kana's confusion and disregard for her choices. Nonetheless, Ho'onani practices and practices; she practices "until Hawai'i's history was part of her...hands dragging across her face, arms reaching for the sky...strong, sure, and steady". During the final test, when the leader of the hula chant group is to be chosen, Ho'onani faces the group of boys leads "her warriors into a tidal wave of voices". Prior to the night of the performance, Kumu Hina makes sure Ho'onani is aware of the push back or hesitation she may face from audience members not expecting (or supporting) a wahine to lead their kāne on stage. While Ho'onani considers Kumu Hina's honesty, as well as her sister's frustrations with Ho'onani being "in the middle", she knows she must perform.
An affecting and sincere story that swells to a gorgeous finale, Ho'onani: Hula Warrior is a memorable and wonderfully assured read. Gale's storytelling is kept incisive and clear, punctuated by powerful moments and the repetition of alliterative and rhythmic phrasing. With an opening 'Author's Note' as well as introduction, the background of Ho'onani's story is laid out for the reader: this beautifully allows for Gale's picture book adaptation to focus on Ho'onani, her strength in knowing who she is, her dreams of performance, and the happy restoration of Kana's support and their bond. Mika Song's watercolour and ink illustrations are lush, tonal, and vivid here: the spare and crisp dialogue and storytelling work perfectly in tandem with the sweeps of colour. Song's illustrative spreads capture the larger scale landscape and setting, as well as Ho'onani's expressive and determined face, her moments of uncertainty and her moments of power and joy. Honouring Hawaiian culture and traditions, and celebrating the power of (self) acceptance and bravely following one's heart, Ho'onani: Hula Warrior is a picture book for reading aloud, sharing, and discussing.
I received a copy of this title courtesy of Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.
May 30, 2020
I found this book through my local library and got it in an e-book format. I located this book on the Rainbow Books list for 2020 and was intrigued by the summary. This book tells the story of Ho'onani Kamai who didn't see herself as either a girl or boy, so she preferred just Ho'onani. She was accepted by her mother and father, but her sister had a hard time with how she sings, plays the ukelele, and would often get in small fights with her. Ho'onani tries out the for the school's performance of a traditional chant which requires a leader. **SPOILER** She ended up being the leader and although her teacher was very accepting she warned her that others may not be as accepting of a wahine (girl) leading the chant as that is not customary. She did not give up and proceeded to lead the chant for her entire school and audience. To her surprise, her sister gave her a standing ovation.
This story is a fantastic short story that depicts how small changes in customary traditions can make some uneasy, however, that should not stop you from achieving your dreams and following through. Ho'onani demonstrated her strength and bravery in the story and it can influence young readers to never give up and accept yourself for who you are. The illustrations in this book are fantastic and truly tell the story and pair well with the text. This is a great book to read with early elementary students to demonstrate the theme of being brave and going against the grain. Additionally, it is a fantastic way to start teaching children that it is okay to be different and go against the grain of tradition and you can still be accepted.
This story is a fantastic short story that depicts how small changes in customary traditions can make some uneasy, however, that should not stop you from achieving your dreams and following through. Ho'onani demonstrated her strength and bravery in the story and it can influence young readers to never give up and accept yourself for who you are. The illustrations in this book are fantastic and truly tell the story and pair well with the text. This is a great book to read with early elementary students to demonstrate the theme of being brave and going against the grain. Additionally, it is a fantastic way to start teaching children that it is okay to be different and go against the grain of tradition and you can still be accepted.
December 28, 2019
Ho'onani: Hula Warrior by Heather Gale is a delightful, empowering picture book for kids based on a true story. Ho'onani is part of a big, loving family who mostly encourage her to be herself. All but her sister, that is. Her sister can't understand why Ho'onani doesn't act like a 'normal' girl. But Ho'onani doesn't feel like a 'girl'. She doesn't feel like a 'boy' either. She feels somewhere in-between. Hawai'ian actually has a word for someone who feels this way, and it was perfectly acceptable before contact with Europeans. (Many indigenous cultures all over the world had or have anywhere from 3-10 gender identities. The concept is not as new and radical as opponents of the idea would have people believe.) When it is announced at her school that a hula will be performed, Ho'onani decides to try out, even though it is supposed to be the boys only. Not only does she succeed in getting a place with the troupe, she ends up the leader of it! This is a great illustration that if a person is capable of something, gender stereotypes shouldn't prevent them from being able to do it. I like the fact that the antagonistic, doubting sister didn't stifle Ho'onani's determination and dedication. I read this with my cubs and we all enjoyed it. Highly recommended!
***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Penguin Random House/ Tundra Books for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Penguin Random House/ Tundra Books for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 7, 2019
3.5 stars
A young girl dreams of taking part in the custom of hula despite the announcement that high school boys will perform it. The desire, perseverance, and determination of Ho'onani is shown, including her confrontation with her sister who questions her participation and a warning from the teacher that some may be opposed to a girl leading the hula. Despite these conversations, Ho'onani knows herself and what she can do, and is not deterred.
Based on a true story and inspired by a documentary, the book seems to skip some info though. After the teacher announces the hula will be done by high school boys, Ho'onani announces at family dinner that her teacher thinks she should try out. Was this true or only her wish? Why was she allowed as a younger student? She mentions three tests, but we only see one before she says she passed.
Lastly, a pronunciation guide would have been helpful. I have vague idea of how to say some Hawaiian words, but not enough to comfortably read this aloud.
A young girl dreams of taking part in the custom of hula despite the announcement that high school boys will perform it. The desire, perseverance, and determination of Ho'onani is shown, including her confrontation with her sister who questions her participation and a warning from the teacher that some may be opposed to a girl leading the hula. Despite these conversations, Ho'onani knows herself and what she can do, and is not deterred.
Based on a true story and inspired by a documentary, the book seems to skip some info though. After the teacher announces the hula will be done by high school boys, Ho'onani announces at family dinner that her teacher thinks she should try out. Was this true or only her wish? Why was she allowed as a younger student? She mentions three tests, but we only see one before she says she passed.
Lastly, a pronunciation guide would have been helpful. I have vague idea of how to say some Hawaiian words, but not enough to comfortably read this aloud.
September 7, 2020
Review copy: Digital ARC via Netgalley
Ho'onani Hula Warrior is a picture book re-telling of a documentary film about a young Hawaiian who feels that girl or boy as a designation doesn't always fit for everyone. There is a middle space and that is where Ho'onani is most comfortable. Ho'onani has people who support this identification and a space is held for people in this middle place in the Hawaiian culture - at least there had been until first contact with non indigenous people. There are people who are trying to make sure this is again something that is honored and accepted. Because both the picture book and the documentary are created by outsiders, I was worried, but for the most part, it seems to keep Ho'onani's perspective centered. It would be a powerful way to enter into discussion with people about what it means to be nonbinary.
Recommendation: Get it and have some excellent discussion. Also, the movie is great.
Ho'onani Hula Warrior is a picture book re-telling of a documentary film about a young Hawaiian who feels that girl or boy as a designation doesn't always fit for everyone. There is a middle space and that is where Ho'onani is most comfortable. Ho'onani has people who support this identification and a space is held for people in this middle place in the Hawaiian culture - at least there had been until first contact with non indigenous people. There are people who are trying to make sure this is again something that is honored and accepted. Because both the picture book and the documentary are created by outsiders, I was worried, but for the most part, it seems to keep Ho'onani's perspective centered. It would be a powerful way to enter into discussion with people about what it means to be nonbinary.
Recommendation: Get it and have some excellent discussion. Also, the movie is great.
December 15, 2019
This story is about a little girl, named Ho’onani, in Hawaii who identifies as being in between a boy and a girl. She refers to herself as a girl, but she wants to join the boys hula troupe at her school. After some convincing, she is allowed to join the boys and even lead them in a performance.
Ho’onani was a strong girl in the story. She wanted to be a hula warrior, so she kept trying to reach her dream. She received some backlash at home, when her sister didn’t approve of what Ho’onani was doing. Even through these harsh comments, she still kept her unique identity.
I really enjoyed this picture book about identity.
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ho’onani was a strong girl in the story. She wanted to be a hula warrior, so she kept trying to reach her dream. She received some backlash at home, when her sister didn’t approve of what Ho’onani was doing. Even through these harsh comments, she still kept her unique identity.
I really enjoyed this picture book about identity.
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2020
Many people will have many different thoughts on this book. It's inspired by a true story--of a girl, who didn't really see herself as either boy or girl--but rather as herself. She felt like she wanted to lead the hula group (a role traditionally reserved for a man) but what would people say?
There are those who say that this is a transgender anthem. Honestly, I don't see it that way at all. I see it as a child who wants to be known for themselves (which don't we all?!) and they have found something that interests them.
I really appreciate that the family shows unconditional love and acceptance. Sure, if there are more messages that this book is trying to convey........that's still a good message. It is a message we need in today's society. Love. That's where it is at.
There are those who say that this is a transgender anthem. Honestly, I don't see it that way at all. I see it as a child who wants to be known for themselves (which don't we all?!) and they have found something that interests them.
I really appreciate that the family shows unconditional love and acceptance. Sure, if there are more messages that this book is trying to convey........that's still a good message. It is a message we need in today's society. Love. That's where it is at.
November 25, 2019
I love books with strong female characters; girls and women willing to follow their dreams, even if that means challenging the status quo. And books that make us examine our beliefs and misconceptions; ones that challenge us to be better people. This book does both. And it shows that everyone deserves unconditional acceptance and respect. This is a wonderfully well-written and illustrated book offering a peek at Hawaiian traditions and language and a call for acceptance of the differences (big and small) that exist in us all. A book that should have a place in every city, school, and personal library.
February 5, 2020
Read for Book Riot's 2020 Read Harder Challenge. Category: Read a picture book with a human main character from a marginalized community
I feel like it's silly to say that this picture book didn't include enough stuff--I get that it is a short story for kids. I guess I was looking for more growth from Ho'onani and her community. Besides Ho'onani's sister being a jerk, she didn't really face a lot of opposition for wanting to break out of traditional gender roles. I also get that a children's book with multiple enemies might be overkill... Either way I didn't feel like this was well-developed but it was very cute.
I feel like it's silly to say that this picture book didn't include enough stuff--I get that it is a short story for kids. I guess I was looking for more growth from Ho'onani and her community. Besides Ho'onani's sister being a jerk, she didn't really face a lot of opposition for wanting to break out of traditional gender roles. I also get that a children's book with multiple enemies might be overkill... Either way I didn't feel like this was well-developed but it was very cute.
July 9, 2019
I love this! The art is beautiful, which is very important to me. The story is exciting, with a great message on two levels: a broadly applicable message of "you can achieve your dreams" as well as the specific message of accepting people for who they are.
The only thing I would want differently is a pronunciation guide to the Hawaiian words so I don't mispronounce them trying to read this out loud to my daughter.
I received a free ebook version in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
The only thing I would want differently is a pronunciation guide to the Hawaiian words so I don't mispronounce them trying to read this out loud to my daughter.
I received a free ebook version in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
November 25, 2019
Ho'onani feels neither completely like a kane, a boy, nor a wahine, a girl. She is somewhere in the middle, but this identity is not always accepted. When she auditions and is selected to lead the school's hula warrior performance, Ho'onani worries about rejection from her sister Kana most of all, but through her own fortitude and belief in her self, Ho'onani succeeds and is celebrated. A really beautiful look at Hawai'ian culture, diversity, and appreciation of our differences.
Themes: Gender diversity/expression; Indigenous culture; Dance
Age range: 4-9
Themes: Gender diversity/expression; Indigenous culture; Dance
Age range: 4-9
December 21, 2022
Important, most especially because it's about true people. But sort of simplistic; I especially didn't like how the sister adjusted her attitude so abruptly, without explanation. But also True in the sense that, a lot of times, things are sort of simple. A lot of times, acceptance will come more readily than one fears, and change is easier to effect.
Rounded up to four stars for the importance, though it's not a perfect treatment of the theme imo.
I recommend either the book, or, maybe, the documentary (I'll watch later), at *aplaceinthemiddle.org.*
Rounded up to four stars for the importance, though it's not a perfect treatment of the theme imo.
I recommend either the book, or, maybe, the documentary (I'll watch later), at *aplaceinthemiddle.org.*
December 1, 2019
I loved this book at first sight. The issue arose when I watched the video “A Place In the Middle” before reading the book, and there was no conflict with a sister in the film, so I am disappointed that they seem to have created one. In the book and in the video, it was good to see how many people respected Ho’onani’s identity, so to see it called into question for the sake of creating conflict really is disappointing.
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