Overview

(Based on true events) The exciting and adventurous story follows Kim Kahana's courageous, life journey. that begins in his childhood in Hawaii. His captivating and gripping life story is a dramatic recreation that combines the elements of coming of age, young adult fiction, action-adventure, historical and literary fiction. It is an exploration of survival, prejudice, first love, prejudice, war, juvenile delinquency, and heroism that spans decades of America's, social and cultural history. It models Hemingway's simple, straightforward style in order to engage teens and young adults, but it also resonates with adults from all walks of life. In 1941, Kim Kahana walks to the Hawaiian ritual area with other island children from his village to learn lessons about their culture, legends and spiritual beliefs. He also trains in their secret, form of martial arts-the Lua. The next day, a calamity of epic proportions occurs. Pearl Harbor's naval base is under attack by Japanese aircraft. This act propels America into World War II. Kim now grows up during the ravages of war. His only escape from his scary existence is his bond with American sailors who tell him incredible, stories about America. Kim is so inspired by their tales that after the war, he stows away to America. After he docks in San Francisco, he soon realizes that he is penniless and an orphaned by his own circumstances. What will Kim do now? He travels on roads around the world with America's Greatest Generation, hoboes, military veterans: Hollywood's actors-producers-stuntmen, Latin musicians, cowboys, juvenile delinquents, martial artists, motorcyclists and fire sword dancers. Some of the settings include the Hawaiian Islands, juvenile justice reformatories, foster homes, San Francisco, Corn Fields of Nebraska, South Pacific Islands, Korean War, Veterans Administration, Las Vegas, Canadian Champion Ice Skating Event, Hollywood's Film sets and ranches used for filming, Orlando, Florida film sets, Chatsworth, California and Groveland, Florida, stunt schools. His story illustrates that if young Kim can grow up to beat all the odds and become a Korean War Hero, Legendary Hollywood Stuntman, a Sensei and Teacher to thousands of students in his stunt school then anyone can become a hero in their own life.. GET INSPIRED by Kim's courageous deeds and unwavering spirit as he triumphs over personal hardships and unforeseen, dangerous events than most of us will never face in our lifetime. Two reviewers from Readers Favorite wrote: When I got to the end, parting was such sweet sorrow. All I could say was Wow! and It's for all teen readers seeking real-life heroes.

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9781087864877

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Reviews

BOOK LIFE REVIEWS Any reader can appreciate beautifully descriptive passages that highlight Hawaiian culture, as well as those that capture the horrors of WWII and the Korean War and show how racism permeated American culture at the time. Kennedy's book portrays Kahana as a model of perseverance and optimism through these difficult circumstances, and his story is inspiring. US REVIEW by Jonah Meyer Kennedy has written an intensely entertaining biography of a kid who once harvested the fields in his native Hawaii and goes on to become a successful actor, stuntman, and film martial-artist. Her colorful stories of Kahana create an action-packed page-turner. Older children, teens, and adults alike will find this to be an original read, full of heroism, true grit, and love interests, all while the protagonist never forgets his pre-WWII Hawaiian-village roots. READERS' FAVORITE REVIEWS Along with all of his adventures is Kim Kahana's relentless refusal to let his disabilities stop him. He is an inspiration of what true courage is all about. Our hero is a daredevil and legendary stuntman for some of the most famous actors in Hollywood. As soon as I began reading this book, it was almost impossible to put down. When I finally got to the end, parting was such sweet sorrow. All I could say was, Wow! It's clear from the start that author Ann Kennedy is incredibly inspired by the life events of Kim Kahana and the sensei-like teachings he imparted later in life based on those experiences. Kennedy puts passion into every page of her work, illustrating each scene beautifully to give the full context and physical experience of what Kim could have been feeling at the time. The narrative and fictionalized nature of the piece suits the intended YA audience very well, bringing the circumstances to life with emotive writing and sharp dialogue that highlights the harsh nature of growing up in the post-war period. The central messages of courage and determination, will-power and self-belief, no matter what, are perfect inspirations to take from a truly incredible tale, and overall, I'd definitely recommend Kahana - The Untold Stories for all teen readers seeking real-life heroes. .Kahana is written in the style of a biography which makes the message of the story sit very firmly right in your heart. You can connect with Kim Kahana, experience his pain, struggle and his determination to make something bigger and better of his life. I knew of Kahana as the stuntman who broke more than 60 bones in his body during his career as a stuntman and after reading this novel, I have a newfound appreciation for all the hard work he put into his career. His story is incredibly inspirational and encouraging. I enjoyed reading how hard-headed and overconfident he had to become to make a name for himself in Hollywood and have the people who laughed at him say his name with pride. I enjoyed reading this book so much that I wish it was longer. Simply inspirational and amazing. THERESA L. ZAINO-THEATRICAL TALENT AGENT From his childhood in Hawaii during the time of Pearl Harbor to be coming a Living Legend as a Hollywood Stuntman, this is an extraordinary story of how one man's journey exceeds more than any one person could accomplish in three lifetimes. DANNY T. ZAINO-ACTOR, TV/RADIO HOST/ FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHER A must read for the entertainment buff who loves the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Author Information

Ann is passionate about education. She always takes an active role in projects that combine education with fun, worthwhile activities. She has shown her expertise in education, writing, producing and directing, theater productions, live fundraising events and television shows. She was a certified Florida teacher for Elementary through High School children. She was thrilled to receive an award from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts for outstanding achievement. She also received an honorary award from Beverly Hills Theater Guild for her writing of an inter generational play entitled, A Forgotten Treasure, which was produced in North Carolina. She produced and wrote sixty episodes of the popular cable TV series, Tampa Bay Connection . The TV series aired on Vision Cable, Time Warner, Paragon Cable, Miami Cable Tap, ASCAN in Atlanta, and PAC 8 in Santa Fe and Los Alamos, New Mexico for four years. She received 9 Best 1st place awards in the categories of Documentary, Public Affairs, Entertainment and Performing Arts. After Tampa Bay Connection, Ann produced and wrote another 1st place cable award winning television series entitled Teens Bay Area Connection. The series aired four years at Time Warner. She received eight 1st place awards in the categories of Youth, Performing Arts and Public Affairs/Current Events. Both of these television series focused on entertainment combined with education. Some of her other writing credits include: Love City for John Glad Entertainment; The Manatee for Robert Graff Productions The Wedding of The Century performed at the Don CeSar and The Christening Caper performed at Ruth Eckerd's Marguerite Great Room. The Christening Caper was runner-up for first place award for the PITCH ME contest sponsored by Microsoft at NATPE in Las Vegas. The PITCH ME contest aired all the Las Vegas Hotels and the in Microsoft press and their national Newsletter. Some of her other credits include: Writing and teaching on camera, a series of short episodes on Expert Village, that began airing in 2008. These lessons provide methods for parents to teach their children how to read with games, reading and thinking aloud. The episodes have 2.4k, 41,000 and 18k views. She was also the Director for City of Portsmouth's City Theater Touring Theater; The City of Largo's Sneaker Theater ; Junior Welfare Grant- Why Do Little Children Sing , A.D. for the TV pilot Kidz Korner and Art-Pepin's World's Most Unusual Party at the Sun Dome. She also was on the entertainment committee for three years for the St. Petersburg Film Commission. She wrote and directed their show's entertainment for their galas. She also was an Explorer Adviser for the first performing arts troupe in the nation for Boy Scouts of America-Explorer Division's successful show fundraisers.

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