
Book Review: Lei and the Fire Goddess, by Malia Maunakea
Lei and the Fire Goddess by Malia Maunakea is a rare gem in kid lit: an epic coming-of-age story written by a Native Hawaiian author featuring Native Hawaiian characters. The story introduces twelve year old Lei, who goes by her English first name Anna, with all the snarkiness and insecurity and joy that are part of growing up. But it didn’t take long for me to get into the story. From the very moment she steps off that airplane, Lei is a fully developed, fully likeable character.