Rising From our Roots
Email jeremiah.brown@k12.hi.us for more information on Rising from Our Roots or to invite student authors to share their stories at your school.
Rising from Our Roots is a collection of stories written by multilingual students of Waipahu High School, representing their diverse backgrounds- our students come to Hawai'i from the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, Chuuk, Sāmoa, and Tonga.
This collection explores our students' roots, including childhood memories and adaptations of folktales from their home countries. It follows them as they branch out in their new home, with narratives of the immigration experience, overcoming challenges, and finding their place in Hawai'i. These stories highlight and celebrate the languages and cultures that enrich our Waipahu community.
This project was supported by the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant, Bess Press, and the Leeward District EL team. It was made possible by the hard work and dedication of teachers Yvonne Calvan, Chloe Maeshiro, Lori Murakami, Jiamin Ruan, and Jennifer Sagucio and the multilingual Marauders of Waipahu High School.
Book Launch Event
A celebration of Rising from Our Roots was held in February 2023. Thank you to the special guests who attended, including keynote speaker Lee Cataluna.
Hawaii Public Radio Story
Cassie Ordonio of Hawii Public Radio interviewed some student authors and artists for this story, published in June 2023.
Proceeds from book sales are awarded to multilingual immigrant students through the Rising from Our Roots scholarship.
Updates on Rising from OUr Roots
Check our what we've been up to and the impact of the book so far.