Interview with Native Hawaiian Artist Solomon Enos
Native Hawaiian artist Solomon Enos is a modern-day Renaissance man: a sought-after artist, book illustrator, muralist, sculptor, and game designer. His beautiful pieces have been exhibited at multiple public venues, including the Honolulu Museum of Art, the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, and the prestigious Smithsonian Museum Asian Pacific American Center. Google, Pixar, and Disneyʻs Aulani Resort are among his famous clients.
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.
Interview with Native Hawaiian Author Malia Maunakea
Malia Maunkea is Native Hawaiian author of middle grade and non-fiction. Her new novel, LEI AND THE FIRE GODDESS, a rollicking story about an adventurous Native Hawaiian twelve-year-old, is a rarity in childrenʻs literature: a story for middle grade kids written by an ʻōiwi author that features an ʻōiwi character. We are proud to feature Malia in todayʻs talk-story.
Interview with American Library Association President Lessa Pelayo-Lozada
President of the American Library Association, Native Hawaiian Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada is a warrior. With politicized book bans on the rise, the nation’s librarians battle to protect intellectual freedom. Lessa works to strengthen the ALA’s commitment of keeping the nation’s libraries as safe spaces that offer everyone — regardless of their socio-economic status — free and equal access to news, information, and education. The fight is daunting, but Lessa and are all in:
We are resisters at our core. We protect all our patrons, uphold intellectual freedom, and serve our communities…
Interview with Award-Winning Author Rukhsanna Guidroz
Award-winning author and Maui resident Rukhsanna Guidoz has always lived life on her own terms. Born in England and educated at the Sorbonne inParis, Rukhsanna has been a world traveler, journalist, radio producer, and now, teacher. Her books feature plucky female characters in stories that charm and delight young readers…and their adults, too.
Interview with Polynesian Illustrator Shar Tuiʻasoa
Talented Polynesian artist, illustrator and designer, Shar Tuiʻasoa is the creative force behind the hugely popular Punky Aloha Studio. Following graduation from Kailua High School (Go Surfriders!), Shar pursued a degree in fine art in California before returning home to Hawaiʻi. Best known for her beautiful images of Polynesian women, Shar’s graphic illustrations are bold, colorful and always exciting.
