Pacific Islanders in Publishing Presents Its Pasifika Picks for May

Founded by Manuia Heinrich, Keala Kendall, and Kealani Netane, Pacific Islanders in Publishing is an organization dedicated to amplifying in publishing the many cultures and peoples across Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia while addressing the dire need for more Pacific Islander stories written by Pasifika authors. Their work includes an online database of Pacific Islander authors, illustrators, influencers, and publishing professionals; a collection of publishing, grants, and mentorship resources; and a Pacific Islander-focused book club called PEAK READS, hosted in collaboration with the Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK).

There’s no better group of readers, writers and creatives to point to what we should be reading this Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month than the Pacific Islanders in Publishing team. Here are the books they’re reading this month to champion Indigenous and Pacific Islander voices.

SEE ALSO: Celebrate National Poetry Month With Pasifika Collections

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

The Pele Stories and The Māui Stories

By Gabrielle Ahuli‘i

The Māui Stories are a compilation of the board books Māui Hooks the Islands, Māui Slows the Sun and Hina. The Pele Stories are a compilation of the board books Pele Finds a Home, Naupaka, and Hi‘iaka Battles the Wind. Both The Māui Stories and The Pele Stories are bilingual books in ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i and English.

Gabrielle Ahuli‘i’s books are treasures in our home. We read at least one story a week, alternating in ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i and English. Ahuli‘i retold these legends in a way that draws children in and keeps them engaged. The illustrations are equally captivating and beautiful. Because of these books, my children now have a strong knowledge of our Hawai‘i stories. As an adult, I also enjoy these books and never tire of reading them over and over. –Kealani Netane

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

Indigenous Pacific Islander Eco-Literatures

Edited by Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner, Craig Santos Perez and Leora Kava

This book awakens both the senses and the mind. With a rich tapestry of poems, essays, short stories, novel excerpts, and creative non-fiction, it brings together a hundred writers and scholars from across Oceania and its diaspora to shed light on the impacts of climate change on Pacific Islanders. The contributors and editors pay homage to the land, trees, and sea that sustain us, while also urging collective action to address the escalating threats that Pacific Islanders face: persistent colonialism, health issues, racism, imperialism, and environmental pollution.

Indigenous Pacific Islander Eco-Literatures explores the deep connections within the Pacific and our peoples’ profound love for our islands. It speaks of our fight to not only survive but also thrive, offering a blend of gorgeous poetry and prose alongside eye-opening discourse. A must-read. –Manuia Heinrich

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

Dragonfruit

By Makiia Lucier

When Hanalei and the princess were poisoned, Hanalei’s dad stole a sea dragon’s egg from the princess to cure his daughter. Hanalei recovered, but the princess never did, and Hanalei and her father were exiled. Dragonfruit begins when Hanalei is seventeen, and after almost ten years in exile, she returns to her island to reconcile her past.

Dragonfruit is a page-turning young adult cozy fantasy with sea dragons, magical tattoos and a sweet romance. Lucier combined Pacific Islander mythology with a strong plot and complex characters. All the nods toward Pacific cultures, specifically CHamoru culture, are so beautiful. Pacific Islanders will recognize many of the objects, names, and belief systems. It’s a story that makes you feel like you’ve come home. –Kealani Netane

Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (808) 421-9460, dashophnl.com, @dashophnl