Aloha Everything

By Kaylin Melia George, Mae Waite (Illustrator)

A young girl discovers the true meaning of aloha through hula and Hawaiian culture.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 715 ratings

40 pages· 606 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

$19.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Join Ano, a spirited girl, on a journey across Hawaii's vibrant landscapes. As she learns hula, a dance rich in history and folklore, Ano uncovers the deep meaning of aloha. Mighty canoes, soaring hawks, and nimble lizards accompany her adventure, revealing the island's secrets. Will Ano embrace her heritage and the love for her home? Dive into a world where culture and nature intertwine, and discover the heart of Hawaii through Ano's eyes. This enchanting tale, with its poetic blend of Hawaiian and English, invites readers to explore the island's beauty and wisdom.

From the publisher

Winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature ★ “A stunning tribute to Hawaiian culture and identity.”-starred review, Kirkus New York Public Library Top Ten Best Kid’s Book of 2024 A Center for the Study of Multicultural Literature Best Book of 2024 A 2025 Notable Book for a Global Society - International Literacy Association Aloha Everything, is a magical story that will take you on a thrilling journey through the breathtaking islands of Hawaiʻi! In this exciting adventure, you’ll encounter mighty canoes crashing over ocean waves, regal hawks soaring high above the clouds, and brilliant lizards jumping nimbly through forest trees! Most importantly, you’ll meet a courageous young girl named Ano who learns, grows, and comes to love her island home with all her heart. Since the day that Ano was born, her heart has been connected to her home. But, this adventurous child has a lot to learn! When Ano begins to dance hula – a storytelling dance form that carries the knowledge, history, and folklore of the Hawaiian people – Ano comes to understand the true meaning of aloha. Aloha Everything is both a captivating read and a fantastic educational resource for learning about Hawaiian history, ecology, and culture. With breathtaking hand-painted illustrations and beautiful rhyming poetry that will lull little ones into brilliant dreams of vibrant adventure, this book is sure to capture the hearts of both children and parents alike. The beautiful poetry–weaving its way through every page–artfully blends 25 Hawaiian words into the English prose and provides a thoughtful exploration of the meaning of aloha in relation to the land, the people, and the lore. There is also a pronunciation guide and glossary providing additional information for those looking to learn more about the rich language and culture of Hawai’i.