Hawai'I

Children's Literature

Hawaii is a land of beautiful beaches and much more according to this volume in the "This Land is Your Land" series. This book is organized into easy to use sections. The introduction explains the state's best know features. One map shows the several islands the make up the state, and another map shows where Hawaii is in relation to the rest of the United States. The state's terrain—its dramatic volcanoes, mountains, and beaches—are described. There is a brief history of the original Polynesians inhabitants and the early British explorers. The state's local governments are also highlighted. A section about the people of Hawaii, a mélange of ethnic groups, explains common occupations on sugarcane and pineapple plantations, on cattle ranches, and in fishing and tourism. The section on "Getting to Know Hawaii's People" describes luaus and other festivals. Another section on exploring Hawaii encourages young travelers to visit beaches, cultural centers, the pineapple maze, and Pearl Harbor. The back of the book provides important dates, a glossary, interesting facts, state symbols, recipes, the state song, brief biographies of famous people of Hawaii, and lists of books, websites, and addresses for more information. This is a must have for any school library. 2004, Compass Point Books, Ages 8 to 12.
—Marcie Flinchum Atkins