Description

From Ilima Todd and Shar Tuiasoa (Punky Aloha) comes a powerful picture book about the battle between the sacred and the scientific happening on Native Hawaiians' beloved space, Mauna Kea. Perfect for fans of We Are Water Protectors.

Mauna Kea stands tall on the island of Hawaii. It is the center of origin, spirituality, and everyday life for those who call the island chain their home. The mountain is also ideal for science, the exploration of space. But when outsiders try to build a telescope so large it threatens the integrity of the natives’ home, people from all over the globe stand tall and peacefully defend that which is sacred.

Inspired by the 2019 protests against the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, O'ahu native Ilima Todd pens a love letter to Mauna Kea and a rallying cry to the world to save it. With empowering and vibrant illustrations by Polynesian illustrator Shar Tuiasoa, Our Sacred Mountain centers young people as the change-makers who can protect the earth we share.

About the Author

Shar Tuiasoa is a Polynesian artist from the island of O’ahu, in the town of Kailua, Hawai’i, where she was born and raised. She is the author-illustrator of Punky Aloha. After studying Fine Art at her local community college, Shar headed to California where she earned her BFA in illustration from Laguna College of Art and Design. When she is not in the ocean, enjoying the vibrant culture of her home, Shar spends her time imagining and creating for her illustration business, Punky Aloha Studio.