Parents' Guide to

Lei and the Invisible Island: Lei and the Legends, Book 2

By Carrie R. Wheadon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Exciting Hawaiian adventure with extra friend drama.

Book Malia Maunakea Fantasy 2024
Lei and the Invisible Island book cover: Lei and friends ride the waves, pulled by a shark, Ilikea flies behin as a bat

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

See all

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

In LEI AND THE INVISIBLE ISLAND: LEI AND THE LEGENDS, BOOK 2, Lei is worried about Kaipo, her ‘aumakua (family protector). Because Io stole his sacred pendant, he is slowly turning into a rotting spirit called a kuewa. Kaipo argues all the time, won't leave the house, and keeps his ears covered. With the help of Ilikea, another ‘amaukua, Lei figures out why Kaipo is covering his ears. His pendant is calling to him, and he refuses to answer. Even worse, Kaipo says it's on another island entirely. Lei needs a plan, and she needs Ilikea's help. But Ilikea won't leave her charge, Kaukahi, a stubborn girl Lei's age who's too busy designing clothes to ever leave the house. How will they get to the pendant before Kaipo remains a kuewa forever?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This follow-up adventure features fantastic creatures and wonderful homages to Hawaiian culture, but is a little heavy on the friendship drama. Lei's negative self-talk dominates too much of the story. She feels guilty about her role in Kaipo losing his pendant, she feels terrible about her difficult friendships back home in Colorado, and she feels conflicted about whether to befriend someone like Kaukahi who just isn't nice for most of the story. Yes, these are all important issues for middle schoolers to work through, and after much squabbling and angst, Lei makes real progress. Kaipo's a big help, there.

But what about this invisible island the title speaks of? It feels like the adventure part is finally getting going, and the journey there doesn't disappoint (look to the cover art for clues). If only author Malia Maunakea spent more time here, describing such an incredible place, finding more creatures in the shadows. Still, the visit sets up a nearly impossible task for the reluctant friends that will require help from their whole community. This aspect is lovely and refreshing. Lei and Kaukani put aside their differences and call on the elders. It's the elders' wisdom combined with Lei and Kaukani's courage that save the day.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about friendship troubles in Lei and the Invisible Island. Why isn't Lei sleeping well? Why is it hard for Lei at first to show empathy for Kaukahi? How is Lei's negative self-talk making things worse? How do you talk to yourself? Can you be as negative as Lei? How do you turn it around?

  • What are you learning about the Hawaiian culture in this series? What do you like most about Hawaiian culture? Do you treat elders with as much respect as Hawaiians do in this story?

  • What do you think is next for Lei? Will her last week in Hawaii be spent at the beach, relaxing, like she thought she wanted in Book 1?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended book lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate