Hawaii is home to one of the most diverse populations in the world, with a rich blend of cultures, languages, and traditions. This unique diversity makes it especially important for our students to see themselves and their communities reflected in the books they read. At Kihei Elementary School, we believe every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and to explore the rich diversity of the world around them. Our goal is to create classroom libraries that provide both 'mirrors'—books where students see their own cultures, abilities, and family structures—and 'windows' into the lives and experiences of others. By prioritizing books from diverse authors and genres, we hope to challenge stereotypes, promote critical thinking, and celebrate the many voices that make up our community. We also recognize that it can be difficult to find books from certain cultures, especially those with strong oral storytelling traditions, making this project even more important for our students.

Providing these books directly in our classrooms supports our educational mission in powerful ways. When students encounter characters who share their backgrounds, it validates their existence, boosts self-esteem, and increases engagement, ensuring every child feels included and valued. At the same time, authentic stories—especially those portraying Native Hawaiian, Filipino, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander life—offer our students safe opportunities to step into different perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding. These books will spark richer classroom discussions, provide a neutral context for exploring complex social issues, and help our keiki (children) develop the critical thinking skills they need to thrive in a diverse world. Sourcing books from cultures with strong oral traditions is especially meaningful, as these stories are often underrepresented in print.

Looking ahead, our vision is to expand this book list beyond K-5, so students of all ages can benefit from diverse and culturally significant literature. We also hope to create an official website to share our curated book list and resources with educators, families, and communities everywhere.

Your donation is a direct investment in the identity and future of our Kihei Elementary students. Every dollar raised will go toward filling our shelves with authentic stories from Native Hawaiian, Filipino, Hispanic, Pacific Islander authors and more, ensuring our keiki see their local culture and language valued. By supporting this project, you are helping us create a culturally responsive learning environment where every K-5 student feels seen, included, and inspired to become a lifelong, critical reader. Your support will also help us expand our book list to reach students of all ages and share these resources widely through an official website.