Dragonfruit

Creative Use for a Library Program:

A library program surrounding Dragonfruit  could include inviting a local Pacific Islander artist or storyteller to share traditional myths, art, or personal experiences that reflect the themes of the book. The event could open with a brief book discussion, followed by the guest presentation, and then time to create art that relates to the book and Pacific Islander mythology, like the example here from Norman North High School. This program would allow teens to connect the fantasy elements of Dragonfruit with real world culture and encourages meaningful reflection on identity, legacy, and belonging.

Potential Issues:

A major potential issue with using Dragonfruit in a library program is the risk of unintentionally oversimplifying or misrepresenting Pacific Islander culture, especially if there’s no direct connection to or input from the community. While the book is inspired by mythology and written with care, hosting a program without cultural context or sensitivity could lead to tokenism. To avoid this, it’s important to collaborate with local Pacific Islander voices or organizations when planning activities or discussions around the book.

Reason for Inclusion:

I chose to include Dragonfruit because it offers a refreshing take on YA fantasy, blending emotional storytelling with a beautifully crafted setting inspired by Pacific Islander mythology, a perspective rarely seen in mainstream young adult fiction. It explores themes like grief, identity, and legacy through rich characters and meaningful worldbuilding, making it a strong option for readers looking for something more thoughtful and culturally rooted than typical fantasy novels. Additionally, it has received significant recognition, including the 2025 Oregon Book Award for Young Adult & Middle Grade Literature and the 2024-2025  Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Youth Honor, making it both a diverse and award winning title to highlight in both library programming and book recommendations.