The 2023 Stonewall Book Award – Children's & Young Adult Literature

Summary: In the 15th century, four Mahu, beings of dual spirit, journey from Tahiti to Hawaii, sharing healing arts with Waikiki's people. Honored with four sacred stones, their legacy fades as time passes. By the 1960s, the stones are forgotten, yet their mystical power still whispers to those who pass by. What secrets do these ancient boulders hold, and who will uncover their true story? Discover the enduring magic of the Mahu and the hidden history of Waikiki Beach.

Summary: Riley feels out of place in fifth grade, missing her best friend and struggling with grades. Her solace is comedian Joy Powers, whose jokes she adores. When tasked with writing to someone she admires, Riley chooses Joy. With help from Cate and new friend Aaron, Riley begins to find her footing. But a rumor from Whitney forces Riley to confront her feelings about Aaron's family and her admiration for Joy. As Riley's journey unfolds, she learns about identity, friendship, and embracing her unique self, all while navigating the ups and downs of being an outsider.

Summary: Lou's summer is tangled with confusion as she works at her family's ice-cream shack alongside her ex-boyfriend and former best friend, King, who has mysteriously returned. When a letter from her imprisoned father arrives, Lou is forced to confront a past she hoped to leave behind. As her family's business faces an uncertain future, Lou must decide whether to face her father or let the past remain buried. Can she find sweetness amidst the bitterness of truth, or will her father's shadow consume her? Discover the strength of young Native heroes in this compelling tale.