This is the true story of the author’s mother. The American-born daughter of Japanese parents, she returns to Japan when her immigrant father gets homesick for his homeland. A high school graduate with an American mindset, she faces culture shock as she re-enters Japanese society. She struggles with the expectations that she will be a proper young Japanese lady, and eventually leaves home to try to find her own place in this country. Eventually she discovers a way to blend her American experiences with her life in Japan. While the format of this book is a (beautifully illustrated) children’s picture book, it’s content is more applicable to older children and teens. It would make a fabulous discussion starter for older kids and teens – particularly about re-entry into the U.S.
Reading level: age 5 – high school