I think that there was a really good idea here, but I am a bit confused. This book definitely *seems* like it's written for kids, and I *think* it is, but there are elements that I think will not interest kids and will likely drive them to boredom. One of these elements is the long and factual blurbs on every page spread. While I learned a lot from these bits, I think that kids will dislike them. They're long and pretty dry, so it definitely doesn't appeal to a younger audience. Additionally, there was a lot of vocabulary that young readers won't know, and this may become frustrating for them. The other thing is the topic. The topic is highly unique and interesting to some, but I think that it is so specific that it narrows down the audience too much. In other words, this was a specific book for a specific audience.
However, there were two things that I liked about this book. The first thing is the repetition in terms of organization. This book was formatted nicely because of this repetition, and it creates a nice pattern. The last thing I liked was the art. It's clear that the illustrator has their own unique style, and that style showed in each illustration, and it was highly impressive.

Information in "Kaho'olawe' is accurate and fairly sensitive to Native Hawaiians. It is more poetic than all encompassing which is fine as it is a children's book. So while I do wish it had said more about the Protect Kaho'olawe 'Ohana, I understand why it didn't. I do appreciate the realism presented of the post-bombing era. It is hopeful but not over-romanticized.

The art is nice, serviceable in that it doesn't overwhelm.

Overall, a solid 4 star.

I just cannot say enough positive things about this book. It’s a children’s book but really it is good for all with a beautiful message. The illustrations were so beautiful. I want to frame them and have them in my home. Everything was so well done. Beautiful reminder to work together and be resilient.

What a gorgeous book. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is impactful. This takes the reader on a fascinating journey of history, devastation, restoration and hope. I love that so much Hawaiian ʻŌlelo is included in the book, and even though non-native readers may struggle with pronouncing the words, including them is so important for perpetuating the language. The Author's Note, Timeline, Glossary and additional back matter contain important details for those who want to learn more. I look forward to the enrichment activities and additional resources that will apparently be on the author's website. I feel like this would be a fantastic book to share with upper elementary students about change-making and the power of one. I will definitely be adding this one to my elementary school library. Thank you to Lerner Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. The illustrations were gorgeous! It’s sad it took so long before the military left. The local people still fought to get the island returned to the Hawaiian people and that finally happened. It’s another sad part of history when the local government was overthrown in a coup. I do like that there are resources at the end of the book.

Kahoʻolawe is the middle and smallest of the main Hawaiian Islands and is known to have been inhabited since the Polynesian voyageurs came to stay more than a thousand years ago. It was a beautiful volcanic island, and the people lived in harmony with the land (even through the infestation of goats) until War came in 1941. Then the island began to be used for target practice beginning 40 years of it being the most important military training zone in the pacific. On Jan 4, 1976, nine activists began nonviolent protests, and it was even placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, but the bombing still did not stop. In 1993 the control of the island was passed on to the state of Hawaii. Despite the poor stewardship by the military, volunteers work hard to restore the ecosystem.
There is a glossary of native words used within the text, and a timeline, as well as references and resources listed at the end.
The illustrations by Harinani Orme are simple, colorful, representative, and clearly reflect their heritage.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of ANY age (not only 8 to 9) including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy in Adobe Digital Editions provided by Lerner Publishing Group | Millbrook Press ™ via NetGalley. Thank you! Avail Feb 04, 2025
#Kahoʻolawe by Kamalani Hurley @Kamalani_Hurley illustrations by Harinani Orme #NetGalley
##LernerPublishingGroup #MillbrookPress

Kaho'olawe has a long history, and this beautifully illustrated picture book covers over a thousand years. Unfortunately, this island paradise went from a thriving ecosystem to a damaged land, as it suffered damage by uncaring strangers. There is hope, though, and the people are working to restore their home to its former beauty.
This was a depressing read but it was optimistic. It would make for some interesting and challenging conversations with young readers. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

The problem is, when you conquer a people, you don’t give a dang about their land, and what is sacred to them. The island of Kaho’olawe is one such island. But of course, the US, being who they are, decided that it would be perfect for target practice, and have been bombing the heck out of it since World War II.


This story is how the local people protested and have been trying to get the island back to the way it was before, even though the US Navy didn’t remove all the unexploded bombs that they left behind, though they said they would.


Beautiful illustrations. Sad story, but resilient at the same time.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 4th of February 2025.