THE SHARK PRINCE

Nohea, cursed to someday transform into a shark, tries to save his family home by winning a surf contest while keeping his true identity secret.

Thirteen-year-old Nohea Alapaʻi lives with his mother and grandmother, Tūtū, in Hawaiʻi, where he’s home-schooled. No one must learn that he’s the current shark prince, descendant of the shark king Kāmohoaliʻi, and destined to one day become a shark too. When his mom was still pregnant with Nohea, his father turned into a shark and killed a surfer, and the family retreated into isolation. Struggling to make ends meet, Mom talks about moving to Las Vegas, so when Nohea finds a flyer for a surf contest with a sizeable monetary prize, he believes this is his chance to help his family stay in Hawaiʻi. Unfortunately, he can only compete as part of a team, which means attending the local public school. Facing his fears, Nohea starts seventh grade and joins the surf team. But fitting in is easier said than done when your new friends start going missing, you’re keeping a dangerous secret, and there’s a bully targeting you. With exciting Hawaiian mythology, nail-biting moments, and a mystery to solve, this thrilling fantasy has broad appeal. Kanaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) author Maunakea explores themes of identity, family, friendship, and community, showing how they’re entwined with the culture, land, and language of Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiian people.

A riveting and culturally grounded read to sink your teeth into.