Colonization of Hawai'i

by Virginia Loh-Hagan

The Racial Justice in AAPI Histories series explores moments and eras in America's history that have been ignored or misrepresented in education due to racial bias. Developed in conjunction with educator, advocate, and author Virginia Loh-Hagan to reach children of all races and encourage them to approach our history with open eyes and minds. Colonization of Hawai‘i explores the events in a comprehensive, honest, and age-appropriate way. Books include 21st Century Skills and Content, activities created by Loh-Hagan, table of contents, glossary, index, author biography, sidebars, educational matter, and activities.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens

32 pages, Library Binding

Published August 1, 2022

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau]

The annexation of Hawai'i is examined in this AAPI Histories series book. It is amazing to me how little people really know about Hawiian culture. On several occasions I have been asked if I know 'any hula girls who like to party' by individuals who think that is all it means to be Hawaiian - partying on a beach with woman who are there to gratify the sexual fantasies of drunk tourists. Sorry if I am being harsh - but it is way past time for America to address this issue of colonization that has destroyed so much of Hawaiian culture.

[Aneesa]

Excellent book to help us "decolonize our minds."

It was a struggle to start this book because it asks the reader to "imagine the place where you live is being invaded." 8yo told me learning about social justice makes her sad, and I imagined children all over America coming to their parents in tears after school. And then the parents ban books. So we discussed why it's important not to hide from this history—or its effects. She ended up enjoying the book, "except for the beginning."

Also learned that the glottal stop in the Hawaiian language is called the 'okina.

There are a ton of other interesting titles in this series. I've put a note in my calendar to check them out when she starts 5th grade.

[Jordyn]

I'll definitely recommend this to any family looking for a book about racial justice or the US's history of colonization. I thought I knew the reasons why I shouldn't visit Hawai'i, but there was so much in this book that I hadn't known. It was super eye-opening and written in a way that's easy for all ages to understand.

[Mona Jones]

'Colonization of Hawai’i' is a good starting for point for anyone in need of specific words, phrases, names, and concepts to guide their personal research. Other than that, though, the way Virginia Loh-Hagan talks about the people of Hawai’i is super passive and Hawai’ian resistance is largely erased. While this book is a good starting point, it definitely shouldn’t be the end-all/be-all of how anyone comes to understand how colonization shaped Hawai’ian history.