Hula for the Home Front

Everything has changed since the war started. Nanea had hoped that going back to school would make life seem normal again. But it hasn't. There are still curfews and blackouts and constant reminders of war. Nanea's dear friend Donna had to leave Hawaii, and Nanea's big brother won't stop talking about joining the Army. She can't bear the thought of him far from home and in danger. In the swirl of changes, Nanea turns to hula. Dancing makes her feel better, and soon she learns how much it lifts the spirits of the soldiers, too. When a surprising hula partner boosts everyone's morale, Nanea gets a big idea.

Kirby Larson is the author of several novels, including the Newbery Honor Book Hattie Big Sky, and Dash, winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. With her friend Mary Nethery, she has written two award-winning picture books. She lives in Kenmore, Washington, with her husband and Winston the wonder dog. In her free time, she hunts for beach glass and tidbits from history that she can turn into stores for young readers.