More About Kealani Netane (She/Her)
Languages: English
Kealani Netane is a Native Hawaiian and Samoan author who was raised on the leeward side of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi where she currently resides. She writes children's books and is the author of Tala Learns to Siva, illustrated by Dung Ho (Scholastic, May 7, 2024). She is represented by Ellen Goff at HG Literary.
Kealani is a co-founder of Pacific Islanders in Publishing, which amplifies current Pacific Islander authors and books and she runs the bookstagram, Little Pasifika Readers, where she shares current Pacific Islander children’s books.
Outside of children’s books, Kealani loves to read historical non-fiction, romance, and fantasy. When she’s not reading or writing, Kealani enjoys spending time with her family, listening to R&B music, and laughing.
You can find her online at:
Kealani’s Book Preview: Tala Learns to Siva by Kealani Netane
Kealani’s strengths are…
Looking at the big picture, getting to the heart of the story, and ensuring the plot flows. She is adept at supporting those looking to navigate the publishing industry as an Indigenous creator.
What Kealani is looking for…
Kealani is looking for a mentee who is passionate about the art of storytelling and prioritizes honing their craft.
She is also looking for someone who is receptive to feedback and wants to learn more about the traditional publishing industry.
Though she does have a preference for books by and about marginalized groups of people, she is open to any manuscript in which she feels a connection.
A Note from Kealani:
“While it is stressful to put yourself out there, please know that you belong. Whether or not you are accepted into this mentorship, your voice is needed in this world. Keep writing, honing your craft, and researching more about the publishing industry. Some of the best advice I’ve received is to read widely and abundantly, be receptive to feedback, and know your voice. I hope to help my mentee sharpen all of those skills and more. I wish the best to all of you and I am excited to meet you through your work.”
Kealani’s Upcoming Picture Books
TALA LEARNS TO SIVA, written by Kealani Netane and illustrated by Dung Ho
If Kealani created a Visual Wish List, it would be made up of…
The following is a list of books that Kealani can’t stop thinking about. She has used many of these books as mentor texts and hopes to find similar stories. She is open to being surprised by a manuscript so if you feel you would be a good fit, please apply.
Stories that Help Children Make Sense of their World:
Zonia's Rain Forest, by Juana Martinez-Neal
My Powerful Hair, by Carole Lindstrom and Steph Littlebird
We Are Water Protectors, by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade
Milo Imagines the World, by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson
Intergenerational Stories:
Where Three Oceans Meet, by Rajani LaRocca and Archana Sreenivasan
My Hands Tell a Story, by Kelley Starling Lyons and Tonya Engel
Punky Aloha, by Shar Tuiasoa
Grandpa Grumps, by Katrina Moore and Xindi Yan
Stories Centering Community:
Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood, by Tony Hillery and Jessie Hartland
My Papi Has a Motorcycle, by Isabel Quintero and Zeke Peña
Thank You, Omu!, by Oge Mora
Forever Cousins, by Laurel Goodluck and Jonathan Nelson
Kealani is a good fit for…
fiction
nonfiction
lyrical
Indigenous stories
culture-based stories
multigenerational/family stories
Kealani is not a good fit for…
Rhyme
Humor
Spooky stories
Animal characters
Who can apply to Kealani? Unagented authors only.
*You will need a gmail account to access the google form. After clicking the button above, you will be able to sign in or create a new account.