Makena's Shadow - Softcover

Lee, Monica K.K.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0996132805 ISBN 13: 9780996132800

Publisher: Makalii Productions, 2015

Synopsis

"Lee does a commendable job capturing the voice of a disaffected teenage boy. Gabe’s struggles come across as authentic and true to life... vibrant depictions of Hawaiian culture and language—vital to the characters’ lives—are skillfully blended into the story... a worthwhile glimpse into a colorful culture." --Kirkus Reviews
"Lee deftly presents teenage angst and the feelings of being uprooted from home and dropped in a completely new environment. Her portrayal of Hawaiian culture is honest and straightforward... Employing a realistic writing style, Lee authentically describes how many people deal with grief and change. This comedic and fast-paced coming-of-age story is engaging...A great title for those looking to add diverse works to their collection." --School Library Journal
Everything in Gabriel Kane Foster's life is shady: his family's move from California to Hawaii immediately after his sister Makena dies, his parents' strange relationship with the relatives, and the fact that his deranged Mother is constantly carrying his sister around in a bottle.
And then there are the secrets. So many family secrets. Can Gabe stay strong while adjusting to his new life without Makena?
“Makena’s Shadow” is a Young Adult novel that takes place in Pupukea on the famed North Shore of O’ahu. It is a coming of age story written from the point of view of a thirteen (and-a-half) year-old boy who, born and raised in the mainland, is forced to immerse himself in the culture of his ancestors. Without his older sister beside him, or his grieving parents to guide him, he finds himself lost, angry, and alone in a world that doesn’t make sense.
When Gabe's cousins challenge him, he takes them on and discovers the depth and beauty of his heritage, the calm that the ocean brings, and the excitement of the sport of outrigger canoe paddling.

About this title

About the Author:

Multi-ethnic (Kanaka Maoli / Asian / Apache / Caucasian) writer MONICA K.K. LEE is the author of a poetry book, and Fricken Kids, a novel. Her short stories and poetry have been published in several literary journals. She was born and raised on Oahu where she graduated with her BA in English. She lives, breathes, and paddles outrigger canoes in Hawaii with her soulmate and their keiki.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 8 Up—Gabriel Kane Foster's world is turning upside down faster than he can handle. After the death of his sister Makena, he and his parents suddenly move from California to Hawaii. As his mother and father retreat together to mourn, Gabriel must face his mother's unfamiliar family in a territory and language he cannot understand. Will he ever fit in? Lee deftly presents teenage angst and the feelings of being uprooted from home and dropped in a completely new environment. Her portrayal of Hawaiian culture is honest and straightforward. Readers living on Oahu or those who have visited the vibrant island will recognize place names and feel at home in the atmosphere Lee creates. Employing a realistic writing style, Lee authentically describes how many people deal with grief and change. This comedic and fast-paced coming-of-age story is engaging, and though teens not familiar with Hawaiian culture and lingo may find themselves a little disoriented at first, they will eventually feel at home in the narrative, just as the protagonist does in his new home. VERDICT A great title for those looking to add diverse works to their collection.—DeHanza Kwong, Wahiawa Public Library, Hawaii

About this edition

• Publisher: Makalii Productions
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0996132805
• ISBN 13: 9780996132800
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 230