Island boy

the long version

This is a book about ancient Hawaiian society. Paolo is an orphan and sole survivor from a burnt village attacked by marauders in ancient Polynesia. A sea-going trader rescues him and takes him to the Hawaiian island of Oahu where he convinces a friend to foster him until a permanent adoption can be made. Paolo deals with the typical problems of a newcomer being accepted in the community but gradually finds friends and support from his foster family. A talisman he wears around his neck attracts the attention of the village chief who seeks more information but is complicated by the suspicions of a stern holy adviser. A near-disaster involving the chief's infant son and Paolo's role in the rescue ultimately leads to a resolution of his birth identity.