BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Stanley, Fay. 1991. The Last Princess: The Story of Princess Ka’iulani of Hawaii. Ill. by Diane Stanley. New York, NY : Four Winds Press. ISBN: 9780027867855

PLOT SUMMARY:

Princess Ka’iulani was born in Hawaii in 1875. The meaning of her name, Ka’iulani is “the royal scared one”, and she was destined to one day became the queen of Hawaii. Princess Ka’iulani was born into wealth and comfort, but never became spoiled. She had a happy disposition and was pleasant to all. When Ka’iulani was twelve, her mother became gravely ill. Just before her death, her mother spoke quietly to Ka’iulani and predicted that her daughter would travel far from home and family and be away for a long time and that she would also never marry.

Ka’iulani was second in line for the throne after her aunt. When she was fourteen, her father sent her to England to further her education. She was sad to think of leaving her home and family, but quickly adapted to life in London and flourished with the studies and many social activities that she was surrounded with. Letters that arrived from home soon began to tell of troubles in Hawaii. Many foreigners (“haole”) had been taking over the land and estates of the Hawaiians. Most of these “haole” were white Americans, many of them missionaries. The people of Hawaii were losing more and more of their freedoms and property.

The King of Hawaii died, and Ka’iulani’s aunt took the throne, but was soon overpowered by foreigners. Her aunt urged Ka’iulani to leave England and go to the United States and seek help from the president to block the takeover of Hawaii. Ka’iulani felt she must do whatever she could to help her homeland. President Cleveland vowed to block the annexing of Hawaii as long as he was President, but would not send any of his army to help defend the people of Hawaii against the foreigners.

Shortly after President Cleveland left office, congress voted to annex Hawaii to the United States. Ka’iulani fell into despair over not being able to save the land she grew up in and loved from the takeover of foreigners. She grew ill and lay in a feverish state for months before quietly dying. Thousands mourned her death and the chance she never had of becoming queen of the land that she loved so.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

Many reading The Last Princess may not be familiar with the history of how Hawaii became a part of the United States. Or that Hawaii was referred to as a Kingdom with kings, queens and princesses. This biography takes the reader back in time to a Hawaii that had royalty and was a thriving independent set of islands.

The biography outlines the events that took place leading to Hawaii’s annexing to the United States and their eventual loss of independence. The story of Ka’iulani and the brave steps she took to save her country at a very young age will intrigue young readers. The artwork by Diane Stanley is outstanding. Her illustrations are done with vibrant colors of guache watercolor; the details on each page are stunning.

AWARDS:

ALA Notable Book
National Council for the Social Studies
Carter G. Woodson Award
Booklist Editor’s Choice
IRA-CBC Children’s Choices
Parents’ Magazine Best Kids Books
Notable Children’s Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies

REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Starred review in School Library Journal: As with Stanley’s other biographies, readers are transported into another very believable world. The full-page paintings are stunning, reflecting the beauty of the islands and the handsome, racially mixed people who live there.

Children’s Literature: Stanley recounts the story of Hawaii’s last heir to the throne, who was denied her right to rule when the monarchy was abolished. It is a fascinating piece of American history.

CONNECTIONS:

• For further reading on the life of Princess Ka’iulani try:

Linnea, Sharon. Princess Ka’iulani: Hope of a Nation, Heart of a People. ISBN: 9780802850881

Webb, Nancy. Ka’iulani, Crown Princess of Hawaii. ISBN: 9781566472067

• For young adult reading on the history of Hawaii try:

Doak, Robin. Hawaii: The Aloha State. ISBN: 9780836851496

Marsh, Carole. Hawaii Timeline: A Chronology of Hawaii History, Mystery, Trivia, Legend, Lore and More. ISBN: 9780793359080