3 must-reads for children and teenagers in June

LLocal literature is always on our radar, but this month is extra special as we welcome new and debut books for young readers from three phenomenal Pasifika authors! We are fortunate to be able to stock Kealani Netane's thought-provoking picture book. Tala learns SivaKristiana Kahakauwila's first young adult novel Clairboyance and Malia Maunakea's highly anticipated sequel to her famous debut, Lei and the invisible island.

With the Hawai'i Children's Literature Conference 2024 on the horizon and summer around the corner, Da Shop: Books + Curiosities is proud to celebrate these exciting new voices in children's, middle school, and young adult literature, all of whom make vital contributions to Hawaii's rich and diverse literary landscape.

SEE ALSO: Pacific Islanders in Publishing presents its Pasifika picks for May

by Kealani Netane

Written by native Hawaiian-Samoan author Kealani Netane, Tala learns Siva is a beautiful and thought-provoking story centered around the cherished Samoan dance, the taualuga. Netane brings over 20 years of Polynesian dance experience to her first children's book, which celebrates the inner strength and heart that dance requires. Netane's beautiful and inspiring prose is combined with the wonderful illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Dung Ho to create an unforgettable book celebrating Samoan family, history, community and identity.

SEE ALSO: Pacific Pride: the 13th FestPAC arrives on our shores

by Malia Maunakea

Lei and the invisible island is the exciting sequel to Malia Maunakea's middle school debut Lei and the Fire Goddess, which lit up the middle grade reader scene when it was published in 2023. Maunakea continues Lei's incredible saga with best friend and ancestral guardian Kaipo missing his 'aumakua pendant, threatening his physical and emotional disintegration. Lei and Kaipo embark on a journey of recovery that turns into an unforgettable adventure of friendship, family, culture, and forgiveness. Fans of the first opus will not be disappointed!

by Kristiana Kahakauwila

We are so excited for Clairboyance, the YA debut of Kanaka Maoli author Kristiana Kahakauwila. A Gold Standard selection from the Junior Library Guild, Clairboyance follows Clara, a teenager from O'ahu, who, after wishing on a family heirloom what the boys think, wakes up to learn that her wish has come true. These boy-specific ESP abilities, however, aren't all they're cracked up to be, and Clara must confront old and new friendships, issues of home and belonging, and questions about her future while struggling with his new abilities. A heartfelt coming-of-age story from a local master writer.

Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., open Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (808) 421-9460, dashophnl.com, @dashophnl