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Niuhi Shark Saga #2
One Shark, No Swim
In Hawaii, things are looking up for adopted fourteen-year-old Zader Kaonakai Westin.
He’s headed to Ridgemont Academy in the fall with his brother Jay and friend Char Siu. The Blalahs have moved onto new targets, Jay’s surfing again, and with Uncle Kahana’s help, they’ve figured out how Zader can join them on the beach and on the reef at Piko Point.
Not bad for the weird kid with the water allergy.
But Zader has questions he can’t let go. Like who his birth parents are, who is The Man with Too Many Teeth, and how did Dream Girl’s imaginary lei end up in his bed? Who are the Niuhi, and if the Uncle Kahana’s Hawaiian legends are true, even out of the water, is anyone ever safe?
It’s going to push Zader, Jay, and Char Siu beyond their limits to solve the Niuhi Shark Saga.
In a world where Pacific myths and legends come to life, fans of Disney’s Moana and Lilo & Stitch , The Karate Kid , and the Percy Jackson series will love the second book in The Niuhi Shark Saga trilogy.
This newly revised second edition contains new content and a discussion guide.
He’s headed to Ridgemont Academy in the fall with his brother Jay and friend Char Siu. The Blalahs have moved onto new targets, Jay’s surfing again, and with Uncle Kahana’s help, they’ve figured out how Zader can join them on the beach and on the reef at Piko Point.
Not bad for the weird kid with the water allergy.
But Zader has questions he can’t let go. Like who his birth parents are, who is The Man with Too Many Teeth, and how did Dream Girl’s imaginary lei end up in his bed? Who are the Niuhi, and if the Uncle Kahana’s Hawaiian legends are true, even out of the water, is anyone ever safe?
It’s going to push Zader, Jay, and Char Siu beyond their limits to solve the Niuhi Shark Saga.
In a world where Pacific myths and legends come to life, fans of Disney’s Moana and Lilo & Stitch , The Karate Kid , and the Percy Jackson series will love the second book in The Niuhi Shark Saga trilogy.
This newly revised second edition contains new content and a discussion guide.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
7 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Lehua Parker
26 books50 followersLEHUA PARKER writes speculative fiction for kids and adults that often explores the intersections of Hawaii's past, present, and future. Her published works include the Niuhi Shark Saga trilogy, Lauele Chicken Skin Stories, and Lauele Fractured Folktales, as well as plays, poetry, short stories, and essays.
As an author, editor, and educator trained in literary criticism and advocate of indigenous cultural narratives, Lehua is a frequent presenter at conferences, symposiums, and schools. Her hands-on workshops and presentations for kids and adults are offered through the Lehua Writing Academy.
Originally from Hawaii and a Kamehameha Schools graduate, Lehua now lives in exile in the Rocky Mountains. During the snowy winters, she dreams of the beach.
Connect with her at www.LehuaParker.com.
As an author, editor, and educator trained in literary criticism and advocate of indigenous cultural narratives, Lehua is a frequent presenter at conferences, symposiums, and schools. Her hands-on workshops and presentations for kids and adults are offered through the Lehua Writing Academy.
Originally from Hawaii and a Kamehameha Schools graduate, Lehua now lives in exile in the Rocky Mountains. During the snowy winters, she dreams of the beach.
Connect with her at www.LehuaParker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 10, 2022
I definitely was not disappointed with this second story. Second books are sometimes a let down but this one was not. The fantasy continued right where the first book ended and was just as well written as the first. Zander and his family and friends were all there and more!
July 24, 2020
Really cool series. This book, like the boy in it, is a powerful bridge between two worlds. Don't expect to just read the first book. This is a must read all three kind of story. Would recommend to my teen son, tween daughter, their grandma, my friends... A series anyone could enjoy. Powerful messages that aren't pushy or overstated. Once you get the pidgin lingo down it makes you feel like less of a haole and part of the ohana.
January 14, 2025
Still interesting and fun, but I liked it less than the first novel. It didn't feel quite as cohesive from chapter to chapter for me. And Zader is changing in ways that I find a bit unnerving. Definitely keeps me intrigued as to what comes next!
May 24, 2023
This is a really fun series. I'm so glad he's figuring out what's going on with him. I can't wait to read the last book to see how the Shark transformation works out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2014
Synopsis: "There’s something bugging adopted Zader Westin, something more troubling than his water allergies where one drop on his skin burns like hot lava. It’s bigger than his new obsession with knives, designing the new murals for the pavilion with Mr. Halpert, or dealing with Char Siu’s Lauele Girlz scotch tape makeover. Zader can’t stop thinking about a dream, the dream that might not have been a dream where Lē‘ia called him brother then jumped into the ocean and turned into a shark.
Zader’s got a lot of questions, not the least being why he’s hungry all the time, restless at night, and why he feels a constant itch on the back of his neck. It’s making him feel like teri chicken on a pūpū platter, but Zader doesn’t want to think about chicken, not with his growing compulsion to slip it down his throat—raw.
With Jay busy at surf camp and Uncle Kahana pretending nothing’s happening, Zader’s left alone to figure things out, including why someone—something—is stalking him before it’s too late.
Summer in Lauele Town, Hawaii just got a little more interesting."
My Review: Now that I am comfortable with the language and writing style I really am getting into these books. This was a great follow up to the first book, 'One Boy, No Water' and was just as adventure packed, if not even more so. I liked that we got some more of other character's points of view and definitely a lot more back story. This is such a great book to get those young boys into books, and even young girls will enjoy this series. I will warn you the ending will leave you with a Wow and scrambling for a next book (which isn't expected to be published until this year). I will definitely be tracking this series and keeping it in mind for Munchkin as he grows up.
Zader’s got a lot of questions, not the least being why he’s hungry all the time, restless at night, and why he feels a constant itch on the back of his neck. It’s making him feel like teri chicken on a pūpū platter, but Zader doesn’t want to think about chicken, not with his growing compulsion to slip it down his throat—raw.
With Jay busy at surf camp and Uncle Kahana pretending nothing’s happening, Zader’s left alone to figure things out, including why someone—something—is stalking him before it’s too late.
Summer in Lauele Town, Hawaii just got a little more interesting."
My Review: Now that I am comfortable with the language and writing style I really am getting into these books. This was a great follow up to the first book, 'One Boy, No Water' and was just as adventure packed, if not even more so. I liked that we got some more of other character's points of view and definitely a lot more back story. This is such a great book to get those young boys into books, and even young girls will enjoy this series. I will warn you the ending will leave you with a Wow and scrambling for a next book (which isn't expected to be published until this year). I will definitely be tracking this series and keeping it in mind for Munchkin as he grows up.
December 22, 2013
Lehua Parker's books are simply delightful. They take place in the Hawiian islands where a young boy named Zader feels like an outsider because he's an islander who has an intense allergic skin reaction to water. He can't swim or bathe, much less surf, which is what he really wants to do with his brother. The dialect is a form of pidgeon, which sounds like heavily Hawiian-tilted English, but is really fun to read. It may take some getting used to, but it's so much fun to read that you don't even notice.
In this book, Zader has some breakthroughs concerning his allergies. We also see some more of the great Hawaiian shark and god legends come into play. To me, these are some of the best parts of the book. So intriguing and well-written, you can't help but turn pages to see how these legends-come-to-life will affect Zader and his family. Uncle Kahona is, as always, immensely entertaining to read about. He reminds me of Zeddicus Zul Zorander in the adult fantasy series, The Sword of Truth: awesome and wise but also half mad-scientist and immensely funny. Totally love him!
Overall, I loved this sequel just as much--maybe more--than book 1 and would highly recommend it to anyone. I'm totally planning on buying both these books as Christmas presents for my kid brothers. I hope there's a book 3.
In this book, Zader has some breakthroughs concerning his allergies. We also see some more of the great Hawaiian shark and god legends come into play. To me, these are some of the best parts of the book. So intriguing and well-written, you can't help but turn pages to see how these legends-come-to-life will affect Zader and his family. Uncle Kahona is, as always, immensely entertaining to read about. He reminds me of Zeddicus Zul Zorander in the adult fantasy series, The Sword of Truth: awesome and wise but also half mad-scientist and immensely funny. Totally love him!
Overall, I loved this sequel just as much--maybe more--than book 1 and would highly recommend it to anyone. I'm totally planning on buying both these books as Christmas presents for my kid brothers. I hope there's a book 3.
September 26, 2013
The weather turned a little colder this week and I needed a vacation, so I decided to spend the weekend in Hawaii...in my mind at least. Lehua Parker's second book, One Shark, No Swim, in The Niuhi Shark Saga just came out, and I thought it was a good excuse to curl up on the couch with my son and a warm blanket to see what Zader, Jay, and Uncle Kahana are up to.
Let me tell you why I love this series. For me, the greatest part is Lehua’s connection to not only the Hawaii culture, but the twelve-year-old boy experience. Sure, Zader’s a Niuhi god, but he still has to deal with the same growing pains as all boys, like impressing his art teacher, always being hungry, deciding if he likes make-up on girls, and how to be a bully blocker without becoming too aggressive himself.
I have a son who is close to Zader’s age, and I find it difficult to find good literature both appealing to this middle-grade boy market and a mom’s sensibilities. This book does! My son loves the sharks and the supernatural element. I love the cultural diversity and Lehua’s witty, wry humor. If you like to read with your kids, it’s a win for everyone.
Let me tell you why I love this series. For me, the greatest part is Lehua’s connection to not only the Hawaii culture, but the twelve-year-old boy experience. Sure, Zader’s a Niuhi god, but he still has to deal with the same growing pains as all boys, like impressing his art teacher, always being hungry, deciding if he likes make-up on girls, and how to be a bully blocker without becoming too aggressive himself.
I have a son who is close to Zader’s age, and I find it difficult to find good literature both appealing to this middle-grade boy market and a mom’s sensibilities. This book does! My son loves the sharks and the supernatural element. I love the cultural diversity and Lehua’s witty, wry humor. If you like to read with your kids, it’s a win for everyone.
July 30, 2014
Zader’s odyssey continues.
Zadar is a Hawaiian boy allergic to water. Living on an island, menaced by strangers from the sea he is surrounded by danger on all sides. He has to face not only adolescent challenges, but also a secret and threatening legendary heritage.
Like ONE BOY, NO WATER, in ONE SHARK, NO SWIM Lehua Parker transports you to the beach with vivid descriptions and sounds, lush foliage and breaking waves. Her prose paints an intimate and authentic landscape with her use of Hawaiian dialect.
A compelling story of secrets and love, education with a purpose, gifts of weight, family for a lifetime.
Zadar is a Hawaiian boy allergic to water. Living on an island, menaced by strangers from the sea he is surrounded by danger on all sides. He has to face not only adolescent challenges, but also a secret and threatening legendary heritage.
Like ONE BOY, NO WATER, in ONE SHARK, NO SWIM Lehua Parker transports you to the beach with vivid descriptions and sounds, lush foliage and breaking waves. Her prose paints an intimate and authentic landscape with her use of Hawaiian dialect.
A compelling story of secrets and love, education with a purpose, gifts of weight, family for a lifetime.
April 15, 2014
The story of Zader continues where he is brought closer to finding out who he really is and where he comes from. I really enjoyed getting to learn more about the island and culture. I enjoyed this book in the series even better than the first. Getting to know Zader and his family and friends were a big plus for me. I enjoyed the history and stories that make this book so much fun. Great read and highly recommended.
September 17, 2013
I loved book 2 in this fabulous middle grade series. Zader is a great character and the mystery surrounding who he is and what he can do deepens. Author Lehua Parker answers just enough questions, while raising more that left me eager for book three. There's also a new bad guy and I love a good bad guy :)
March 15, 2014
Fantastic read on the beach in Hawaii. Great read everywhere else. Hawaiian culture is fascinating. Fun story
August 20, 2019
Book 2 in the series, very good. Set in a Hawaii, would be a great beach read. Teen fiction.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews