Kirby Larson is the author of several novels, including the Newbery Honor Book Hattie Big Sky, and Dash, winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. With her friend Mary Nethery, she has written two award-winning picture books. She lives in Kenmore, Washington, with her husband and Winston the wonder dog. In her free time, she hunts for beach glass and tidbits from history that she can turn into stores for young readers.

"Nanea wants to help! She may be the youngest in her family, but she knows she's grown-up enough to "dip her paddle in" and be useful. Before she can prove she's ready for responsibility, the unthinkable happens. Japan attacks Pearl Harbor--the naval base were her father works--and America is at war! Now Nanea must cope with missing friends and family members, rumors of additional attacks, and lonely nighttime blackouts. As the war wears on, Nanea faces difficult chores and choices. With the spirit of aloha--love, understanding, and compassion--Nanea helps others in ways she never imagined." --