The Debut Book
ALOHA EVERYTHING
In 2020, Kaylin began work on her debut book, Aloha Everything. She dedicated herself to the research and the crafting of the story for three years. With Aloha Everything, Kaylin found a story close to her heart and a special way to celebrate her Native Hawaiian ancestry. In 2024, the book was traditionally published. Aloha Everything has since won many of the most prestigious honors in children's literature.
WINNER
The APALA Award
The Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature honors and recognizes individual works by Asian/Pacific American authors that highlight Asian/Pacific American cultures and experiences.
OFFICIAL SELECTION
The Library of Congress
The 56 affiliated Centers for the Book of the Library of Congress select their favorites titles, called the Great Reads, to be recognized annually at the Library of Congress National Book Festival.
TOP TEN BEST BOOKS
New York Public Library
Building on the Library's century-old tradition of trusted reviews, the New York Public Library’s annual Best Books list highlights the most exceptional and impactful books for children and teens.
A BEST BOOK
Center for the Study of Multicultural Literature
Each year a committee of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) identifies important, distinguished,
or outstanding books.
WINNER
Notable Books for a Global Society Award
The Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group of the International Literacy Association annually selects 25 outstanding trade books for enhancing student understanding of people and cultures throughout the world.
Additional Honors
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an Amazon #1 New Release
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Kickstarter #1 AAPI Children’s Book of All Time
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Association for Library Service to Children Notable Children’s Book
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Ānuenue Hawaiʻi Keiki Book Award
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The Pele Award
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the Kirkus Star
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the Youth Services Star
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The Children's Book Council AAPI Heritage Month Booklist