Kapaemahu

A Stonewall Honor Book!
A School & Library Journal Best Picture Book of the Year!
A Shelf Awareness Best Children’s & YA of 2022!
A 2023 Bank Street College of Education’s Children’s Book Committee’s Best Children’s Books of the Year!

PRAISE FOR KAPAEMAHU

“...a glorious picture book reclamation." — Shelf Awareness.

* “A poignant monument to the power of hidden Indigenous histories." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review.

* “...a fine read-aloud in conjunction with a history lesson on Hawaii, its people, their language, and the colonization that occurred." — School & Library Journal, starred review.

“Sousa's dreamy illustrations—taken from the film—reflect the text's thoughtful tone.” — Booklist

“Sousa’s illustrations portray the healers as chiseled, monumental forms reminiscent of the stones that house their spirits; the inky shadows and rich red-gold light of the ancient tale contrasts dramatically with the sand-reflected brightness of modern Waikiki.” — BCCB

“A beautiful, important book that not only offers indigenous representation, but also underscores the long history and deep importance of nonbinary people in certain cultures.” — Mombian

“The picture book’s stunning sepia-toned illustrations, which match the film, combined with the simple but powerful text, make this an excellent introduction to Indigenous Hawaiian culture and to the mahu and third gender people.” — Book Riot