Dance For The Aina

By Clemence McLaren

Book Overview

Dance for the ' ina tells the story of a twelve-year-old hapahaole girl's move from California to Hawai'i with her family. Encountering prejudice, she learns about herself and others through the study of the ancient Hawaiian tradition of hula. Favorably reviewed by the International Reading Association, Kirkus, Horn Book, and other national review sources.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 157306159X
• ISBN13: 9781573061599
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Bess Pr Inc
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.61 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 0.6" x 0.8"

Customer Reviews

Extremely well written novel that illustrates today' Hawaii

I reside in Hawaii and happened to read this book. My boyfriend and I finished reading this book in one day! It's a page-turner that shows many aspects of today's Hawaii. The story includes not only Kate's struggle to identify her heritage as a half-Hawaiian born and raised in California, but also tells the sovereign history that was overthrown, the multi-ethnicity complex society, the true meaning of Hula dance, and the traditional Hawaiian family value etc. The author reveals the essence of the cultural and political issues in Hawaii in a very sophisticated manner yet simple. This book is a great reading for any youth but I also recommend for adults who are interested in Hawaii. This can be a very informative book for multicultural education as well.

Resonates with the importance of learning about oneself

Dance For The Aina by Clemence McLaren is an engaging novel about Kate Kahele, a 12 year old girl who feels out of place in Hawaii, and longs to be in California again even though her lawyer father and surfer brother are eager to experience their new home state. Kate's personal story of coming to understand and truly experience her Hawaiian heritage is a journey of exploration that resonates with the importance of learning about oneself and one's roots. Dance For The Aina is very highly recommended reading and a welcome addition to school and community library collections.