[kids-lib] Hawaiian Author Visit for AAPI Month

[MAURER Jennifer L * SLO]

Please pardon the cross-posting. Hi, folks. I’m sharing this information at the request of the author, Malia Maunakea. I’m breaking my rule about not sharing vendor information because recently I was asked about author visits and because of the potential OBOB connection. Please direct any questions to Ms. Maunakea; her email address is included in the message below. – Cheers, Jen  (Jen Maurer, School Library Consultant, State Library of Oregon, jennifer.maurer at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:jennifer.maurer at slo.oregon.gov>)

From: Malia Maunakea <maliamaunakeawrites at gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, February 9, 2024 11:36 AM
To: MAURER Jennifer L
Subject: Hawaiian Author Visit for AAPI month

Aloha e Librarians of Oregon!

TL;DR: I'm a local Kanaka (Native Hawaiian) author of the Lei and the Legends series. The first book, LEI AND THE FIRE GODDESS<https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/710089/lei-and-the-fire-goddess-by-malia-maunakea/> (published by Penguin Random House, 2023) is a nominee for Oregon's 3-5 Division for the '24-'25 year!

I would love to schedule a virtual author visit with your 3-5th graders for Asian American Pacific Islander month this May to share more about Hawai'i.

THE DETAILS:
ABOUT LEI AND THE FIRE GODDESS:
LEI AND THE FIRE GODDESS is the first book of a duology adventure for 8-12 year old readers, set in Hawaiʻi featuring a twelve-year-old part-Hawaiian girl who lives in Colorado and struggles to fit in. When she ignores her grandma's legends and insults a fire goddess, she's thrust onto an adventure to save her best friend from Pele. It is ideal for fans of Rick Riordian's Percy Jackson and Disney's Moana.

“Lei and the Fire Goddess blends preteen angst and beloved Hawaiian moʻolelo in a way that hasn’t been done before.” —Auliʻi Cravalho, actress and voice of Disney’s Princess Moana

“This exciting, fast-paced adventure is full of humor and action. Hawaiian cultural elements are seamlessly woven into the story, giving just enough context for those unfamiliar with them without taking away from the narrative. An exhilarating, adventure-filled celebration of Hawaiian culture.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

MY PRESENTATION:

My presentation shares my writing process, what growing up in Hawaiʻi is like and how your students and I are similar although we grow up differently, and the importance of staying true to who we are and learning to embrace our own identities. Children will come away feeling a pride of self and the awareness that what they are learning right now in school matters and can shape their future.

TESTIMONIALS:

"Thank YOU so much for meeting with us! The kids were so inspired and continued to talk about what you shared yesterday. Some of my girls also started their own planning template for an upcoming book they would like to write. It was amazing and we are so appreciative of you and the time you took to speak with us and answer our questions.
We are always looking for great books for our kids to read so that, like you mentioned, our novel studies are relevant and timely, rather than boring and disconnected. You are an inspiration!"
—4th grade teacher, Waiākeawaena Elementary

"Thank you SO much for Zooming with our class today! I really appreciate you spending extra time with us at the end. I have a girl in my class who also has ADHD and she wants to be a writer. Please know you are inspiring our students and representing Hawaii in ways that make our students' eyes sparkle! My colleagues and I were saying how stoked we are for your book. Researching endemic animals and including Hawaiian mythology are perfect for our 4th grade curriculum. We've never had stories to share with our students that weave together our content and storytelling so beautifully."
—4th grade teacher, Waikīki Elementary School

PRESENTATION DETAILS:

LENGTH:  ~45 min including Q&A (flexible to work with your schedule).

APPROPRIATE GRADES:  3rd-5th

AVAILABLE DATE & TIME:  I have time slots around 8:30 am, 10:30 am or 1:30pm (or sometime around then that works with your bells). We can coordinate a day in May that would work for your teachers and students. I'm located in Colorado, so virtual visits are easy! We can discuss in-person if you prefer.

CONTACT:  I will be your direct contact and can answer any questions MaliaMaunakeaWrites at gmail.com<mailto:MaliaMaunakeaWrites at gmail.com> 808-465-6784

EDUCATORS' DISCUSSION GUIDE: https://www.maliamaunakea.com/educators/

MORE INFO:  https://maliamaunakea.com/

Thank you for forwarding this to teachers and librarians you think may be interested. Thanks so much for your time and for all you do for kids. I hope we can partner in helping them fall in love with reading!

Malia Maunakea (she/her)

Lei and the Invisible Island<https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/710090/lei-and-the-invisible-island-by-malia-maunakea/> (Penguin Random House, 6/4/24)
Lei and the Fire Goddess <https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/710089/lei-and-the-fire-goddess-by-malia-maunakea/> (A School Library Journal Best Book<https://www.slj.com/story/best-middle-grade-2023-slj-best-books> pick)
Backpacking with Children <https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/backpacking-with-children-how-to-go-lightweight-have-fun-and-stay-safe-on-the-trail>
www.MaliaMaunakea.com<http://www.MaliaMaunakea.com>
Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/maliamaunakea/> — TikTok<https://www.tiktok.com/@maliamaunakea> — Twitter<https://twitter.com/MaliaMaunakea>
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