Hawaii State
Public Library System

Posted on: March 5, 2025 | Category: Community

The 2025 Nēnē Award winners have been revealed! This year’s recipients are two incredible books that have captured hearts and sparked imaginations: “Lei and the Fire Goddess” by Malia Maunakea and “Frizzy” by Claribel A. Ortega & Rose Bousamra.

Each year, Hawai‘i’s elementary and middle school children vote for their favorite fiction book and present the author with the prized Nēnē Award. This is an exciting time filled with reading and sharing, and voting for the best.

The award began in 1959 when third graders at the University Elementary Lab School decided to create a book award. The Nēnē Goose, Hawai‘i’s State Bird, was chosen for the award’s motif.

Learn more or view a list of previous book winners at the Nēnē Award website.