I just finished reading Lei and the Invisible Island by Malia Maunakea, and I’m so excited to share my thoughts with you!

This book is an exhilarating adventure that takes you on a journey through Hawaiian legends and modern-day challenges. Maunakea’s storytelling is both captivating and heartfelt, making it a perfect read for young adventurers.

One of my favorite moments is when Lei and her friends set off on their quest to find Kaipo’s stolen pendant. The scene where they jump off the edge of their world and dive into the ocean, surrounded by sharks, is so thrilling and vividly described. You can almost feel the adrenaline and the tension as they navigate through the dangerous waters. This moment perfectly captures the excitement and danger of their mission.

What I love most about Lei and the Invisible Island is how it beautifully blends traditional Hawaiian culture with a contemporary story. The characters are wonderfully developed, and their relationships and struggles feel real and relatable. Lei’s journey of self-discovery and bravery is truly inspiring, and the way Maunakea weaves in Hawaiian mythology and language adds a unique and enriching layer to the story.

If you’re looking for a book that will take you on a wild ride and teach you about the rich culture of Hawaii, Lei and the Invisible Island is a must-read. Trust me, you’ll be hooked from the very first page!

The story is full of adventure and friendship. I absolutely love learning so much about Hawaiian culture and so many Hawaiian words through this book. The strong message of found family is beautiful.

I feel like this book gave way too much of the middle grader sass - everyone kept complaining about everything and I understand what the author was trying to do, but it made it very hard and frustrating to read for the first quarter. Once we got back into the adventure and the mythology, it felt a lot better.

I really do think this book is important due to how it builds relationships - we don't know what other people are going through, we never know what will hurt others, and we never know what others will need from us to help support them if we don't ask. It was a strong testament to their friendships and relationships in the way they supported each other (even when everyone protested way too much).

Seeing everything come together in the end was nice and the overall story had the same energy as book one, which was fun and challenging in the best way. This is another great book, just wasn't as much for me as book one.

TW: bullying, injury detail, violence; mentions parent neglect

eARC gifted via NetGalley by Penguin Teen Canada

Another great journey through Hawaii. Lei must work with her friends to save the day again! I want to join them so I can eat all the yummy food. I learned so much about Hawaiian culture. I hope we get many more stories from Malia Maunakea!