Princess Ka'iulani: Hope of a Nation, Heart of a People

This is one of the few history books that are as easy to read as fiction. You won't have to force yourself to read it - though you may have trouble putting it down! In spite of this, it is not fictionalized. There are also many lovely photographs and illustrations of the princess and her family, others with whom she had contact, and Hawaii. It is a lovely book, and a sad and beautiful story.

I am Native Hawaiian and was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii within minutes of Iolani Palace. Much of my culture was lost and our land taken away. Many books were written some accurate and some not so accurate. This book was wonderfully written and with love, as the author did her many years of research. I say this because the true essence of Princess Kaiulani was depicted, our people, and culture. But most of all, the tragic lost of our monarchy, our queen, and our princess. The pictures and writing is wonderful, it is a easy reader book for children but made for everyone. This book is the most accurate, most informative, and most compassionate book I have read by any author on this subject. To get a condensed version of our history this would be the book to share. I appreciate the authors writing and grace she took to write such a wonderful book on our beloved Princess Kaiulani and our people. The love and tragedies our people went through, however, will never take away our spirit. That is where the word "Aloha" came from. Love, compassion, and spirit. This is something our princess had for her culture and people. This is something shared amongst all Hawaiians today. We may be a culture that had lost a lot but we will never be forgotten. The pictures are wonderful and brings me back as a little girl visiting the palace on a school field trip. I felt lost and sadness as I walk thru the palace, the same way I felt as I read this book. I couldnt help but cry through most of this book, I felt the same sadness and lost. To the author.... Mahalo Nui Loa! Malama Pono!

This book is a joy to read for everyone who has ever fallen in love with Hawaii (and even those who haven't). This poignant story of the last Hawaiian princess will give you a much deeper view of Hawaii than ever before. Hawaii is a lovely vacation spot, but it also has a rich, unique history. I heartily recommend Princess Ka'iulani:Hope of a Nation, Heart of a People for all ages.

This book was written for young readers but adults can enjoy, too. The Princess Kaiulani's life story gave me deeper meaning for life, such as responsibility, role, and love for people and nation. The author succeeded to picture the far away ilands so vivid even though I have never visited. Anyway I strongly recommend this book for every school library to purchase this and also adults to read.