A review by simplyparticular
Aloha, Kanani, by Lisa Yee
3.0
I read both the books this weekend. My review is from the viewpoint as mother of a 4.5 DD who isn't ready for the doll, but now I'll know when she's ready for the books. These are the first GOTY books I've read, and I was pleased with them. The illustrations are gorgeous.
Aloha, Kanani - I like that Kanani learns to put herself in the place of her confused, homesick cousin, and not just focus on herself and her plans. And I think the "moral" is handled fairly subtly, and is mixed in with other parts about being kind to the elderly, being good to neighbors.
In some ways Kanani is too perfect (taking care of her pets), in other ways she has room to grow. And her parents are almost entirely absent - the adult figures are all elderly neighbors. Kanani seems to have full run of the island, and both books take place in the summer so no school element.
Overall, a satisfying book with some important lessons about empathy that are handled well.
Aloha, Kanani - I like that Kanani learns to put herself in the place of her confused, homesick cousin, and not just focus on herself and her plans. And I think the "moral" is handled fairly subtly, and is mixed in with other parts about being kind to the elderly, being good to neighbors.
In some ways Kanani is too perfect (taking care of her pets), in other ways she has room to grow. And her parents are almost entirely absent - the adult figures are all elderly neighbors. Kanani seems to have full run of the island, and both books take place in the summer so no school element.
Overall, a satisfying book with some important lessons about empathy that are handled well.