Koa's energy hadn't diminished like Mahina's, and he was looking forward to the climate change presentations, but his optimism didn't last after hearing how people were destroying Mother Earth. But who was responsible? Was it individuals or large corporations? Could individuals make a difference, and was healing the planet profitable? Mahina had brilliant ideas and dreams. With the help of Koa and his father, her input helped rebuild her school after the devastating hurricane that had caused so much damage. She was hard-working and lived on the ranch with Tutu, who was becoming increasingly paranoid about Mahina's dreams. She told Mahina to ignore the dreams because they could be dangerous. Can dreams and reality merge, and why was Tutu so worried? To find out, get a copy of Mahina Rises by John Blossom.

I could not have read Mahina Rises by John Blossom at a better time. The cleverly woven story captures the prevailing dialogue on the thorny issue of climate change and our responsibility to care for the environment. I loved other themes encapsulated in the book, primarily through the character of Tutu, such as morals and values. The vivid description of places and characters kept me intrigued and entertained. I also loved the plot twists concerning Mahina's flying ability and dreams. They created suspense and held my attention throughout the book. The characters were also well-developed and easy to relate to. The author used them effectively to pass on the intended message. The reader will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes the book accessible to all. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.

John Blossom's Mahina Rises follows the coming-of-age story of a young girl and her journey of self-discovery. Mahina Moemoea is a thirteen-year-old teenager who lives with her grandmother Tutu on their sprawling ranch in Hawaii. After her parents' untimely deaths, Tutu raised Mahina and taught her to feel the healing energy of her garden. The women from the Moemoea family have powers passed down to their daughters, and Mahina is no exception. She has vivid dreams of flying through lava tubes and hears the voice of her mother's spirit, who tells her to visit a sacred cavern. But Tutu forbids Mahina from going to the cave. After helping raise funds for a new school building, Mahina and her friend Koa work together to offer people a transformative experience and help make the world a better place to live.

A coming-of-age tale with a lot of heart and a healthy dose of fantastical elements, Mahina Rises touches upon the issue of environmental conservation in a way young adult readers can engage with. John Blossom weaves a captivating character-driven drama about a young teenage protagonist who learns to embrace her heritage and family legacy while bringing closure to her grandmother's fears and doubts. The relationship between Mahina and Tutu is at the center of the narrative, and it is complex, layered, and relatable. I also enjoyed Mahina's friendship and romance with Koa -- my favorite secondary character alongside Ms. Reynolds. Blossom's descriptions of the surrounding scenery are very evocative and certainly do justice to the picturesque locales of Hawaii. For fans of coming-of-age tales, this will be right up your alley!

The family name Moemoea entailed a barrage of responsibilities, at least that was Mahina's impression. The ranch in Hawaii where the family lived was special, with underground lava tubes and caverns crisscrossing the property. The ground itself was magical, providing strength to Moemoea women of each generation. Mahina’s frequent dreams and messages from her deceased mother conveyed an urgent need for her to realize her unique powers. Yet, Tutu was adamant that the powers had led to her parents’ deaths and she would do well to ignore her dreams. Should Mahina heed her Tutu’s advice or give way to the strangely realistic dreams? Find out in Mahina Rises, a YA magical realism novel by John Blossom.

I love how John Blossom portrays the indestructible connection between humankind and nature in this book. The Moemoea way of living reflects this age-old tie, where each cherishes their bonds with nature and learns to grow by giving more than taking for themselves. Blossom highlights the commendable lifestyle of Hawaiian families, where everyone tries their utmost to help their neighbors in times of need. Mahina, showing incredible strength of character, did not shirk her responsibilities to the earth, even when it threatened her life. She recognized climate change as a devastating calamity fueled by human greed and corruption and did her best to counteract it. I loved the selfless way Koa, her friend, and Ms. Reynolds, her teacher, joined forces to help Mahina with her quest. Her Tutu’s redemptive character arc made the story even more impactful. I strongly recommend Mahina Rises as a powerful novel that can make YA readers more aware of their duties to this world.

Mahina Rises is a young adult novel by John Blossom filled with magic and adventure. Set in Hawaii and framed by the effects of climate change, it features a courageous thirteen-year-old girl named Mahina who lives on a ranch with her tutu (grandmother). Mahina lost her parents as a baby, and the tragedy of that event colored her tutu’s outlook on life, filling her with the fear that she may lose Mahina to the same powers that their family has held for generations. Torn between her tutu’s warnings and the dreams in which her mother urges her forward, Mahina confides in Koa, her best friend and classmate. With the help of a dedicated teacher, they chart a path forward. Will it lead to danger and death or to love, understanding, and healing?

If you enjoy magical realism, Mahina Rises is for you. The well-paced narrative skillfully conveys Mahina’s emotional struggle with understanding her place in the world. The relationship between Mahina and Koa is utterly sweet and tinged with the beginnings of a teen romance. I vote for a sequel! The support of their teacher and other adults as Mahina and Koa face one challenge after another is a positive aspect. John Blossom has woven a wonderful tale that blends indigenous Hawaiian lore and respect for the environment with the harsh reality of climate change and the greed that fuels it. This is a story of adventure, family love, friendship, and a greater love for our earth and each other. Highly recommended.

Mahina Rises by John Blossom revolves around Mahina Moemoea, a girl orphaned and raised by her grandmother Tutu. Mahina has intense dreams, which she believes connect her to her deceased mother and a family legacy. As Hurricane Byron approaches Hawaii, Mahina’s dreams grow more vivid. However, her relationship with Tutu becomes strained due to Tutu's concerns about the influence of Mahina’s dreams and external distractions, including a campaign to fundraise. Mahina explores a lava tube linked to her family’s past, but as her health deteriorates due to an acceleration of Mahina's power, media attention, and stress, Tutu must come to terms with what has to be done in the time she has left so Mahina can continue her environmental efforts and preserve her family's legacy.

I love a book with an empowered female protagonist, and John Blossom delivers with Mahina in Mahina Rises. First of all, the landscape of Hawaii not just being a backdrop, but almost serving as another character, is spectacular. It's difficult to imagine any other place with the potency of the islands to serve as ground zero in Mahina's coming of age. The characters are all well-developed, especially Koa, and it's very easy to understand where Tutu is coming from with her fears. The crux of the story is the combination of Mahina's power, which is multifaceted but the 'rising' in the title does lean into its physical manifestation and the environmental assault on Earth. The writing is clean and accessible, the pacing is pitch-perfect, and the message couldn't be more timely or important. Very highly recommended.