Heather Gale

In this picture book based on a true story, a nonbinary youth finds her place as a hula warrior.

Hoʻonani Kamai doesn’t identify with either wahine (girl) or kāne (boy); “she prefer[s] just Hoʻonani.” (Feminine pronouns refer to Hoʻonani throughout.) One day, her teacher Kumu Hina announces auditions for a traditional hula chant the high school kāne will perform. With Kumu Hina’s encouragement, Hoʻonani auditions despite the shock of the kāne. After passing the test, she show more practices “until Hawai‘i’s history [becomes] a part of her.” Practice pays off, as her chant’s strength and power gain her true acceptance as their leader. Kumu Hina warns that people may get upset that a wahine is leading, but Hoʻonani faces the performance with courage. Through every challenge and doubt, Hoʻonani “[holds] her place. Strong, sure, and steady.” Her strength and bravery lead her to find her place as a hula warrior. Based on the documentary A Place in the Middle, this story brings to light the Hawaiian tradition of valuing those who are māhū, or nonbinary. Teacher and activist Kumu Hina creates a place of safety and acceptance, encouraging her students to treat others with respect. Hoʻonani’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.

Hoʻonani deserves a place on any shelf. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-9)

-Kirkus Review show less

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 show more 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. show less

So few children's picture books are set in Hawaii or feature native Hawaiian characters. Ho'onani: Hula Warrior is the story of Ho'onani Kamai, who "did not see herself as a wahine, 'girl.' Or think she was a kane, 'boy.'" Ho'onani is mahu - she has some masculine and some feminine traits, and is most comfortable in the middle. Her mother says, "She is who she is!" and her father says, "She does what she wants!" But Ho'onani's sister Kana wishes that she would conform and not stand out. show more However, she Ho'onani is chosen to lead a traditional hula chant in front of the school, Kana is the first to rise in a standing ovation.

An Author's Note precedes the text. A pronunciation guide for Hawaiian words (wahine and kane) would have been useful.

A Place in the Middle: aplaceinthemiddle.org (documentary) show less

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 show more "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. show less