The Princesses Read: Moana

Remember that fantastic list of memes that I listed earlier in the week about which ones I would be participating in? Wasn’t it so cute how I literally forgot to add in my own? XD Oops. But I didn’t fail with remembering to do it. In case, you’re new to the whole Princess Reads scene, let’s rehash what it is:

Each Saturday, I will be showcasing a lovely Disney Princess (or when they run out, some other Disney leading ladies and more) and showcasing what they might be picking up if they were reading YA today. It will be based off their likes, interests, personalities, and their storyline. At the end, I will also feature a book that the Princess would NOT be picking up and a section of books that are based off either the plot or original princess fairytale. Check out more info here on my original post! We’ve done Tiana, Belle, Jasmine, and Rapunzel so far!

I said I was going to put in a clue later in the week, but surprise, surprise, I did not. I was having a hard time coming up with which Princess to do this week – IT WAS SO HARD. There are far too many amazing princesses out there, and I just couldn’t decide which one I wanted to do. But just like the ocean called to this princess, she called out to me, and I couldn’t help but pick her for this week.

Our Princess this week is…

Moana!

That’s right! We’re talking today about the latest addition to the Disney Princess group, and goodness, was she a perfect one. Moana easily went to the very top of my list of favorite princesses within the first few minutes of the movie. She’s independent as hell, she fights for what she wants and believes in, she focuses on the important stuff, and she’s a natural leader. Her people love and adore her as chief, and trust me, I did as well. What is so aspiring her journey and how she finds herself along the way. Oh goodness, I should have picked her for yesterday’s Fierce Fangirl Friday. If you haven’t watched her movie yet, please do, because her story is one of the finest that Disney has ever made.

So, if Moana was around today, how far would she go into the world of YA books?

Oh, look, I actually got the right Princess’s name here instead of copying and pasting the wrong name like last week. Yay me? XD

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

Well, clearly, DOTPK is topping the list. Moana would surely love this book. I think she might even enjoy the whole YA pirate genre. I mean, it’s got everything she loves: the ocean, going on journeys, a little a bit of trouble, and difficult men (I’m looking at you, Maui). This book is no exception, and I think Moana would adore Alosa. Alosa is fierce, strong in a couple of different ways, and she kicks some major butt. She is a total leader, and Moana would totally be rooting for her all the way.

Air and Ash by Alex Liddell

Oh, look, another ocean book. Mandy’s taking the easy way out again. XD But actually, this story is more about the journey aspect than anything else. Nile doesn’t want to sit around and be a landlocked princess – she wants the freedom of the ocean. She wants to be out in the water, being a part of a crew and ship. That’s what brings her the most joy – something that Moana definitely can agree with. Surely, she can feel Nile’s pain of hearing the call of the ocean. While Moana was certainly more okay with her role as being chief than Nile was with being princess, they will definitely bond over the shared love of the sea.

Jackaby by William Ritter

Okay, there is a duck in this story. An assistant-turned-duck that kind of stole the show at some points during the series for me…just like Hayhay did for me. Omigosh, that little ugly rooster brought me so much joy. I would constantly be waiting for another one of his dumb eating habits. Douglas, in Jackaby, would entertain me as well, and he’s my cult favorite from this series. This story is here for another reason as well. Just like Moana, our main heroine, Abigail, has to suffer through the “hero” Jackaby’s ramblings and boastings about his epicness. He’s definitely supernatural-finding Sherlock, and Maui was kind of the same way. But we all know Moana and Abigail were who got things done. 😉

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis

I blame Reading With Rendz for this one. 😉 But how could I not include this? Voyages across seas; captains; going to the end of the world as they know it; magical creatures; magical islands; and I’m sure those slave traders would kind of be like the coconut people for Moana. She would definitely remember her own journey…and totally think how much cooler her own boat is to the one on this cover. She would probably be a little jealous that Reepicheep is totally so much smarter than Hayhay.

Bonus Book: Among the Red Stars by Gwen Katz

I have not read this book, but I think Moana would be intrigued. It’s about a group of fierce women fighters…well, fighting for what they believe in. This story is based on real life fighters in World War II who kicked some major butt. So, I’m assuming from the reviews I’ve read so far and from the description these ladies will kick some major butt as well. So, I have a feeling that Moana would be super intrigued and want to try this one out…just like me. XD

A Book Moana would NOT pick up

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

The moment that Moana would see the hook: Sparks are igniting.
Flames are spreading.
And the Capitol wants revenge.

I’m pretty sure Moana would be out. I mean, she probably has a thing with fire now, seeing as she almost died a few times from it. I mean, it all worked out in the end, but revenge and fire? Probably not so good or appealing to her.

Want to read more about Moana? WELL SO WOULD I:

Um, there is nothing. Moana wasn’t based off any fairytale, but it was created with folklore from the Polynesian culture. There really is a demigod Maui in Polynesian folklore, but there is not a Moana, I believe (super correct me if I’m wrong). Therefore, there haven’t been any retellings based off her story, since it doesn’t quite exist. I was looking around for any other YA based off Polynesian folklore or even about Maui/other Polyneisan figures, but there was barely any that I could find. Wildefire by Karsten Knight was the only one so far about a Polynesian goddess, but it did get pretty dismal reviews. D:

For Next Week…

The hint: Marissa Meyer wrote about her. Hmmmm…if you know your TLC, there could be 3 different ones it could be. Which one are you hoping it will be?

What do you think? Do you think Moana would read these? What other books do you think Moana would be reading? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

Also, I am participating in a lovely blogging meme – event – thing, called Big Blogger, Little Blogger. It’s super cool and being put on by A Well-Thumbed Reader. My blogging partner is A Dance Between Pages, and if you haven’t check out their blog yet, you totally should! There is a super good mix of reviews from adult to YA (they definitely convinced me to check out a few new books while also crossing off a few on my list). Check out these ladies’ blog here, and also check them out on Goodreads!