Based on a true story, this picture book celebrates Hawaiian culture and the courage it takes to be fully yourself. Ho'onani doesn't see herself as wahine (girl) or kane (boy) ‚ she's happy to be somewhere in the middle. But not everyone sees it that way.

When a traditional kane hula chant is announced for the school performance, Ho'onani knows she needs to be part of it ‚ even if no girl has led the all-male troupe before. What follows is a story about identity, belonging, and earning respect by staying true to who you are.

Ho'onani's story first appeared in the documentary A Place in the Middle by filmmakers Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson.