Ho'onani charms readers through her percussive hula chanting and the visible determination on her expressive face as she leads a group of older boys. This story captures the adrenaline of a high stakes audition and the pride of finding a place where one truly belongs. Books in this family share a focus on rhythmic performance, gender expansive protagonists, and courageous vocal leadership.
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the feeling of being in the middle, or when they express that traditional gender roles do not quite fit who they are inside. Based on a true story, it follows Ho'onani, a child in Hawaii who feels she is both wahine (girl) and kane (boy). When a high school hula troupe comes to her school, she finds her place not in the girls' dance, but leading the boys' powerful chant. This story is an essential choice for families looking to normalize nonbinary identities through the lens of cultural heritage and strength. It provides a beautiful bridge for discussing how different cultures honor those who live in the middle. The narrative is empowering and supportive, making it an excellent tool for building self-confidence in children ages 4 to 8 who are discovering their own unique voice.
