Books for Kids Who Love Moana
Moana isn’t just another Disney princess movie your kid knows all the songs to. It’s a story rooted in Polynesian culture, courage, and the importance of knowing who you are. Its masterful storytelling and stunning animation remind kids that being brave doesn’t always mean being fearless; it means doing the right thing even when the path seems uncertain.
Here’s the good news — you can channel that screen-time enthusiasm into lifelong literacy by introducing books that mirror the high-seas adventure and bravery found in the films.
Younger kids (ages 6–8) will love beautifully illustrated stories filled with ocean adventures, folklore, and fearless characters, while older readers (ages 8–12) can dive into exciting middle grade novels inspired by mythology, island life, and epic quests. We’ve organized our favorite recommendations by age, making it easy to find the right fit for every reader. We know how far you’ll go to keep the adventurer in your life reading!
Picture Books | Story Book Collections | Chapter Books | Middle Grades
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Add to BookshelfI Am Moana (Disney)
by Kamalani Hurley
Celebrate everyone’s favorite wayfinder with this beautifully illustrated Little Golden Book that captures Moana’s courage and optimism. Featuring beloved characters and crew members from both films, it’s a vibrant, feel-good read that honors her adventurous spirit. This timeless keepsake is a wonderful, easy-to-love gift for Moana enthusiasts of all ages. Add more golden spines to your nostalgic collection with I Am Maui and How Far I’ll Go.
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$5.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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2
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Ohana Means Family
by Ilima Loomis
This multi-award-winning picture book uses the familiar rhythm of “The House That Jack Built” to follow a Hawaiian family as they harvest taro and make poi for a traditional community celebration. Ilima Loomis’s poetic verse beautifully highlights core Hawaiian values such as land preservation, honoring elders, and the deep bonds of family, while explaining what taro is and how it grows. Complemented by Kenard Pak’s light and airy illustrations and a helpful cultural glossary, this read-aloud celebrates the harmony between nature and culture. It’s an enriching addition to any child’s bookshelf!
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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3
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Kapaemahu
by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson
If your reader is fascinated by the folklore and cultural heritage in Moana, this bilingual picture book brings another Indigenous Hawaiian legend to life. Based on the Academy Award-contending short film, four extraordinary Mahu (individuals of dual male and female spirit) travel from Tahiti to Waikiki, bringing gifts of science and healing to the islands. Written in both English and the Ni’ihau dialect, the story follows how these revered healers infuse their powers into four massive beach boulders, creating a sacred monument that endures through centuries of colonization and erasure. With its rich cultural backmatter and vibrant tropical illustrations, it’s no wonder this book has been named a picture book of the century by Kirkus Reviews.
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$17.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Birthday Treasure Hunt! (Disney Moana 2)
by Kamalani Hurley
Moana 2 fans ages 4-6 will be charmed by this vibrant story that follows Moana as she plans a birthday treasure hunt for her little sister, Simea. Step Into Reading Level 2 books feature simple vocabulary, short sentences, and colorful illustrations, making them perfect for building a child’s reading confidence while spending time with their favorite Disney characters. Independent readers ages 6-8 can enjoy engaging stories with easy-to-follow plots in Step Into Reading Level 3, such as The Great Voyage.
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$5.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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5
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Disney Moana Storybook Collection
by RH Disney
Whether it’s bedtime or a rainy afternoon, this deluxe hardcover treasury is a winner for Moana lovers. Not only is it beautifully illustrated, but it also packs 320 pages with thirteen sweet and funny stories spanning both hit films. Young readers can dive into everything from sailing lessons with baby sister Simea to the hilarious antics of Heihei the chicken to the depths of Tomatoa’s lair. It’s a beautifully bound, crowd-pleasing addition to any little Disney fan’s bookshelf.
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$17.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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6
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Rebel Girls 5-Minute Stories
by Rebel Girls
Kids ages 5-7 who admired Moana’s bravery and determination on screen will love meeting 10 real-life women who dared to chase big dreams and overcome incredible challenges. Through engaging five-minute mini-biographies and beautiful illustrations, readers will discover inspiring trailblazers like Simone Biles, Wangari Maathai, and Junko Tabei, whose courage, leadership, and perseverance echo Moana’s adventurous spirit.
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$14.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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7
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Unfathomable: 20 Wild (But True) Stories About the Ocean
by Mary Boone
Moana already knows the sea holds secrets, but do you? Curious readers ages 10 and up who love nonfiction can dive into these 20 unbelievable yet true stories of ocean adventures, mysteries, and discoveries. Packed with colorful illustrations, science, history, and fun facts, each chapter explores everything from sunken cities to immortal jellyfish and octopus wrestling. It’s a fun, educational gift for kids who, like Moana, feel that the ocean calls to them.
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$19.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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8
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Moana’s Big Leap (Disney Princess)
by Suzanne Francis
Ever wonder what Moana was like as a young kid? Readers ages 6-9 can find out in this illustrated chapter book that bridges the gap between early readers and middle grade novels. As eight-year-old Moana prepares for her first Tiale festival and a daring cliff-diving competition, readers see how courage, perseverance, and family help her face new challenges. With full-color illustrations and approachable chapters, it’s an excellent choice for growing readers who are ready for longer stories yet still appreciate plenty of visual support.
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$6.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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9
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Disney Moana 2: The Junior Novelization
by Elizabeth Rudnick
The Junior Novelization series helps readers relive their favorite Disney movies while building their reading stamina. Experience every exciting moment of Moana 2 as the familiar characters sail across Oceania on a new quest filled with courage, teamwork, and discovery. Longer chapters and full-color movie images, presented in an easy-to-read format, make this a great choice for fans ages 6-9 who are ready to transition from picture books and leveled readers to longer chapter books. You can also start at the beginning of Moana’s story with Moana: The Junior Novelization (Disney Moana).
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$7.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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10
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Calvin Coconut: Trouble Magnet
by Graham Salisbury
If your child loves Moana‘s island setting, the Calvin Coconut series offers a modern-day adventure set in Hawaii. Humor, friendship, and everyday mishaps fill this illustrated chapter book, introducing readers to an unforgettable fourth grader named Calvin, whose big heart often lands him in trouble. As the first installment in a nine-book series, it’s perfect for kids ready to dive into longer stories and keep the island life going.
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$7.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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11
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How Far I’ll Go
by Keala Kendall
In the Twisted Tale series, a simple question changes the familiar happily-ever-after of our favorite Disney movies into a darker and deeper what-if? What if Moana broke the heart of Te Fiti instead of restoring it? After failing to restore the heart of Te Fiti, Moana awakens to disaster: Maui is trapped in volcanic rock, the heart is ruined, and a dark curse begins creeping up her arm, threatening to consume her before the next full moon. Rich in Polynesian cultural elements, this adventure offers fans ages 12 and up an exciting, introspective return to Moana’s world.
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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12
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Kaya of the Ocean
by Gloria L. Huang
Thirteen-year-old Kaya has a serious case of anxiety and a lifelong fear of the ocean, but she can’t avoid the water forever while living on the beautiful beaches of Maui. When strange things start happening around the surf, she discovers she is a descendant of the Chinese water goddess Mazu and must learn to master her volatile emotions before her newfound powers endanger the people she loves. This story is a heartfelt blend of middle-grade fantasy with honest discussions about mental health, the immigrant experience, and family expectations. It’s an empathetic addition to the bookshelves of upper middle-grade readers (ages 10-13).
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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13
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Lei and the Fire Goddess
by Malia Maunakea
Twelve-year-old Anna is determined to ignore her grandmother’s Hawaiian folktales and just have a normal, touristy vacation until she accidentally insults the fire goddess Pele, triggering a magical catastrophe. To save her best friend from a giant mythical hawk, this Colorado girl will have to “team up with demigods and talking bats” on a fast-paced, humorous adventure against the very legends she tried to deny. This first book in the series weaves authentic Hawaiian culture with relatable themes of identity and belonging into an action-packed novel.
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$9.99Buy from Other Retailers:
