Nanea had hoped that going back to school would make life seem normal again. But everything has changed since the war including Miss Smith's wonderful classroom. Nanea's dear friend Donna is gone and now there's a new girl who seems to be getting all of Miss Smith's attention. There are also worries at home as Nanea's big brother talks about joining the Army. Nanea can't bear the thought of him leaving. In the swirl of changes Nanea turns to hula. Dancing always makes her feel better. Then Nanea gets a big idea―could hula help lift the spirits of the soldiers too?
