In the pages of this book the young reader will make the acquaintance of a new kind of famous American. Liliuokalani, who was better known to her family and friends as Lydia, was the daughter of an important Hawaiian chief. Adopted as a child by an even greater chief, she grew up to become the last Queen of an independent Hawaii.

Young Lydia and her companions, Victoria and Bernice, were all descended from Kamehameha I, who had founded the Hawaiian kingdom. All three lived in Honolulu and attended the Royal Boarding School, along with Victoria's brothers and Lydia's brother David.

Liliuokalani: Young Hawaiian Queen recounts the colorful, gay adventures of these royal children, especially those of Liliuokalani herself. It presents a vivid picture of life in a land and time that are strange and fascinating and indescribably appealing.

One day the King took the three girls for a ride in his outrigger canoe. Boarding an American ship in the the harbor, he bought each girl a present. Lydia's present, a guitar, proved to be prophetic, for as a grown woman she became a talented musician, widely known as the composer of "Aloha Oe."

Even as a girl, Lydia liked people. She especially liked Mrs. Cooke, the American missionary who ran the Royal Boarding School, and enjoyed helping her. It was Lydia who planned the surprise Christmas party, with a Christmas tree and snow, the winter Mrs. Cooke became homesick.

Lydia also liked Johnny Dominis, the American boy who attended the day school next door. Years later she and John were married and she went to live at Washington Place, the home that John's father had built. It became her favorite residence.

Lydia's love for others was best expressed, however, in her deep interest in her own people. From the day when, as a child, she gave away her shoes so that a poor girl could attend church, this love found expression in acts of charity and kindness. As a grown woman, she worked hard to promote the welfare of her people. After she was deposed, she gave much of her fortune to the poor.

Liliuokalani: Young Hawaiian Queen is Shirlee Petkin Newman's first contribution to the Childhood of Famous Americans Series. It is a welcome contribution, told with all the charm and skill that have characterized her numerous short stories. Its charm and color will appeal strongly to young readers of today.

From the dust jacket