Ho'onani: Hula Warrior

Ho'onani, a Hawaiian schoolchild, identifies not as wahine (girl), or ka¯ne (boy), but just as herself (she uses she/her pronouns). Her parents are proud of her strength and independence: "She does what she wants!" her father says. But her sister Kana rolls her eyes when Ho'onani auditions for the traditional hula chant performance given by the high school ka¯ne, and says "How embarrassing!" when she's accepted. After working hard to internalize "the sway and song of story," Ho'onani is chosen as the group's chant leader: "When Ho'onani saw complete awe and true acceptance, she held her place. Strong, / sure, / and steady." Ho'onani confronts the possibility that the audience will resist a wahine leader, but in a triumphant conclusion, they acknowledge her gifts--and so does her sister. Boldly outlined watercolor and ink artwork by Song (A Friend for Henry) conveys visual information with strength that suggests Ho'onani's own. And Gale grounds the child's experience, based on a true story, in Hawaiian traditions, modeling showing "every person the same unconditional acceptance and respect." Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--Readers are introduced to Hawaiian culture and nonbinary identities in this picture book based on the documentary A Place in the Middle. Though the author uses she/her pronouns throughout the book, Ho'onani doesn't think of herself as a girl or boy--she's just Ho'onani, and her refusal to conform frustrates her older sister Kana. When plans to perform a traditional hula chant are announced at Ho'onani's school, she decides to audition, even though historically only boys performed the chant. Not only is she selected to be a part of the chant, she's given the role of leader--with the support of the boys who will perform with her. Though Kana is initially unsupportive, her appearance at the final performance wraps things up with a happy ending. Song's illustrations are boldly drawn, with thick lines and angular features. VERDICT An affirming story of a gender identity little represented in children's literature. This book is an excellent purchase for libraries looking to expand their LGBTQ+ offerings.--Katherine Barr, Cameron Village Regional Library, Raleigh, NC

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

One of the New York Public Library's Best Books for Kids 2019
One of the Ontario Library Association's 2019 Top Ten Titles
Featured on the 2020 Rainbow Book List
Featured on the 2020 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List

PRAISE FOR Ho'onani: Hula Warrior:

"Heather Gale's prose is buttressed by Mika Song's lovely drawings to make this a wonderfully feel-good story about tradition and difference." — New York Times

"Boldly outlined watercolor and ink artwork . . . convey visual information with strength that suggests Ho'onani's own. And Gale grounds the child's experience, based on a true story, in Hawaiian traditions, modeling showing 'every person the same unconditional acceptance and respect'." — STARRED REVIEW, Publishers Weekly

"Ho'onani's courage to be true to herself and her place in the middle is empowering. Hawaiian words are intermixed, and Song's illustrations are full of emotion and determination." — Kirkus Reviews

"An entertaining, illuminating, and empowering read, Ho'onani: Hula Warrior will make a welcome addition to classrooms, libraries, and story times!" — CM Magazine

"This is a book that delicately tackles a difficult but important subject with sensitivity and without fuss at an age-appropriate level." —Resource Links

"Song's watercolor and ink illustrations have a gentle Saturday morning cartoon appeal and give Ho'onani a strong, purposeful appeal." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books