Overview

What happens when life doesn't just break-it begins in pieces? Dark humor, tough truths, and the audacity to keep going. From a childhood that overlapped Barack Obama's in Hawai'i-both shaped by the island's rhythms, and the spirit of 'ohana-Sheryl Hauk takes readers through fragments of her story. Secrets, medical storms, broken LEGO models, missing pets, suspicious train rides, and classroom chaos. As she turns from the podium to the page, she shares a layered story of survival, resilience, and the power of creativity. With honesty, dark humor, and hope, she reflects on her journey through courtrooms, choir rooms, hospital rooms, and state capitols. Even in the darkest places, her wit refuses to be silent, making room for resilience and healing through teaching, advocacy, creativity and music. This story is for survivors, parents, teachers, dreamers-and for anyone who has ever tried to understand silence, rebuild their own story, or stand by someone piecing their life back together. It offers hope, meaning, and proves how the most mismatched pieces can be snapped together into something meaningful. Not perfect, but beautiful.

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9781957343310

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Sheryl Hauk grew up in Hawai'i, a haole shaped by a culture that taught her resilience, belonging, and the power of music and ʻohana (family). Her life unfolded in parallel with Barack Obama's in Honolulu-both shaped by the island's rhythms, its unspoken expectations, and the ocean that grounds and humbles. Those early lessons in balance, identity, and empathy became the foundation for a lifetime spent building connection through music and storytelling.Sheryl dedicated more than forty years to music education, serving as a conductor, clinician, and Fine Arts Coordinator while mentoring thousands of students who found their voice under her direction. Many have gone on to national stages and professional careers in music, theater, and the arts, including actress and singer Ryan Destiny, composer and conductor Christian Kolo, vocalist Chelsea Helm, and Broadway actor Danny Kornfeld.Her choirs have performed across the United States-from concert halls and jazz festivals to national ceremonies and state events-and her work as a music educator has been honored for its innovation and excellence. Sheryl has received the MSVMA Lifetime Achievement Award, been named a Grammy Teacher of the Year Quarterfinalist, and was recognized as a Life Changer of the Year nominee. She has also served as an adjudicator and guest conductor for state and national music organizations, helping shape the next generation of music educators and performers.Beyond the podium, Sheryl is a survivor and an advocate for justice. She produced the podcast No Child Should Hurt and has testified before legislators to help change statutes of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Her commitment to using her voice for change-whether in the classroom, the courtroom, or the community-has made her an enduring advocate for those learning to speak their truth.In Piece by Piece, her debut memoir, Sheryl brings that same honesty, dark humor, and hard-won resilience to the page, revealing how music, creativity, and courage can rebuild even the most fractured lives.Sheryl lives with her husband and, together, they raised four children. Today, she treasures time with her four grandchildren, who live just a short drive away, reminding her daily that joy, purpose, and love can always be rebuilt-sometimes from the very pieces we once thought were broken. sherylhauk.com

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