Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

[of-the-fireheart]

Published in 2003, this book follows the life of seven year old Rachel Kalama, a child living in Hawaii who is diagnosed with Leprosy during a time where there was little known about the disease as it wreak it's havoc among the people of Hawaii. This book follows not only her, but also the lives of the people around her, exploring each character and how Leprosy has affected their lives. Beautifully written and uses native Hawaiian words and slang to give an authenticity to the characters. I couldn't help but cry throughout this book as each character came to life in my mind and in my heart.

[joanofarc2015]

Me too. I melted to tears a number of times in the book. It also speaks a lot about how rich history and culture can be. Although I can't believe that Rachel isn't one actual person. The fact the author states that she represents many people with the case makes the story even more luscious in nature.