SHARK HOLE

When Nora Burgion writes about children they are live and real, whether in Scandinavia (Sticks Across the Chimney) or in Hawaii. Here she gives a warm and sympathetic picture of Hawaiian life with its mixed population, its privations, its workers and especially its schools. She doesn't soft-pedal the exploitation aspects either. The mystery and adventure that run through are well sustained and the story never lags despite the considerable amount of information about native customs, superstitions and industries. Altogether a top-notch story, entertaining and more than that. One of the best I've seen this spring for this age.