Lois-Ann Yamanaka
- Born:
- November 4, 1961, Hoʻolehua, Molokaʻi, Hawaii
- Died:
- August 8, 2019, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Author, Novelist, Poet
Early Life and Education
- Born and raised on Molokaʻi, Hawaii.
- Graduated from Molokaʻi High School.
- Earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her career as an elementary school teacher.
- Rose to prominence as a novelist focusing on the lives of local Hawaiian people, often using Hawaiian Pidgin English.
- Received critical acclaim for her debut novel, Saturday Night at the Pahala Theatre.
- Authored several other acclaimed novels and poetry collections.
- Won the Elliot Cades Award for Literature in 1993.
Notable Works
- Saturday Night at the Pahala Theatre (1993)
- Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers (1996)
- Blu's Hanging (1997)
- Name Me Nobody (1999)
- He'e (2004)
Legacy and Impact
Lois-Ann Yamanaka's work is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of Hawaiian culture and its use of Hawaiian Pidgin English, giving voice to underrepresented communities and contributing significantly to contemporary Hawaiian literature. This 'lois ann yamanaka biography sampler' provides a glimpse into her life and accomplishments.