Earthwaves

Akela is excited to embark on his first sailing canoe voyage with his wise Grandfather so they can trade with faraway neighboring islands. But their long journey across the open Pacific Ocean is risky, facing storms and sharks and fearing hunger or getting lost. Grandfather teaches young Akela how to pilot a trackless sea by using ancient methods of navigation based on observing natural signs—the stars, the sun, the ocean swells, and the birds.
Set in the 1500s, Earthwaves reveals the fascinating and little-known culture of the Pacific Islander seafarers, whose wayfinding techniques began thousands of years ago. It takes more than bravery to stay alive without compasses and charts. It takes knowledge and wisdom passed down from generation to generation.
“An amazing story of the wisdom and courage of our forefathers. Children will be fortunate to read an adventure that is real, from the preparation, the departure, and the first wind, to the swells, the sunset, the stars, the storm, the calm, the sea animals, and the birds, to the sighting of land, the rest period, and arrival.” —Tua Pittman, Traditional Master Navigator