2023 American Library Association Annual Conference Extras–Click Here!
Hawaiian islanders at the center of their authentic stories.
Every island keiki deserves to be the hero
and to see themselves and ʻohana
at the center of the story.
#RealRep
– Lehua Parker
One Boy, No Water
Book 1 of the Niuhi Shark Saga trilogy
When you’re allegic to water, growing up in Hawaiʻi isn’t always paradise.
Set in comtemporary Hawaiʻi, this coming of age series explores belonging, destiny, adoption, being different, turning weaknesses into strengths, defining yourself, and creating family. There’s a secret about Zader that challenges everything you thought you knew about growing up Hawaiian.
For readers 10 and up.
Kanaka Maoli Author
Lehua Parker
LEHUA PARKER writes speculative fiction for kids and adults, often set in her native Hawai‘i. Her award-winning and best-selling series include the Niuhi Shark Saga trilogy, Lauele Fractured Folktales, and Chicken Skin Stories. Her short stories have appeared in Va: Stories by Women of the Moana, Dialogue, and Bamboo Ridge, and are collected in Sharks in an Inland Sea. Her plays have been performed by The Honolulu Theatre for Youth.
A Kamehameha Schools graduate, Lehua is a passionate advocate of indigenous voices and authentic representation in media. She is a frequent speaker at conferences, schools, and symposiums, and mentors through the Lehua Writing Academy and PEAU Lit. When the right project wanders by, she’s also a freelance editor and story consultant.
Now living in exile in the high Rocky Mountains, during the snowy winters she dreams of the beach.
Published Books
Short Stories
Happy Readers
Featured Books
Pua & Justin’s Story
When you’re dating a Niuhi shark in human form, there’s no such thing as a casual vacation fling.
Collected Short Works
Stories for adults that explore sideways worlds where things aren’t always what they seem.
Sweet YA Romance
Rell never imagined an 18th birthday like this. Inspired by Cinderella with a Hawaiian twist and set in the Lauele Universe.
Upcoming Events
April 11, 2024
Canvas Rebel Interview
April 15 – June 15, 2024
Joint Ethnic Studies Literacy Project
April 30, 2024
Oceans of Wonder
Worldwide Publication Date
University of Hawai’i Press
May 9 – 11, 2024
Storymakers Conference
Presentation: Writing Through Different Lenses
Book Reviews & Musings
Talking Story Blog
Things You’ve Forgotten Until You Step Off the Plane
The caress of humidity and the weight of bushy, bushy hair. The way the elderly security guard’s curt aloha changes when you catch his eye and say, “Oh, ovah dere? Eh, mahalo, Uncle. I get ‘em now.” How his smile now reaches his eyes. Breathing after saltwater goes up...
Lauele Short: Jon’s Slippah
Ten year-old Jon Nainoa walked along the edge of the sea, his slippahs flip, flip, flipping sand up the backs of his legs and sticking to the ‘okole of his swim trunks. Jon didn’t care. The sun was shining. His belly was full, stuffed with a bamboocha spam musubi...
Coming to Oahu
Aloha, Gang! I'm heading home to Oahu for an extended stay, April through May 2021. While I'm planning on research, writing, and relaxing, I'd love to talk story with students, writing groups, bookstores, libraries, or community organizations. Contact me at...
