HIROMI’S HANDS
Written and Illustrated by: Lynne Barasch
Published by: Lee and Low Books Inc
Ages: 6 and up
Theme: determination, cultural diversity, family, belief, hard work, goals, NonFiction
Opening Lines: The day my parents, Akira and Kaoru Suzuki, left for Japan in 1999 was one they would never forget. They were taking their first vacation in thirty-five years. Mama and Papa were going to visit family they hadn’t seen in a long, long time.
Synopsis: While the opening lines are of the present day, the following pages go back in time to tell of Hiromi’s father’s childhood, meeting her mother, his long apprenticeship to become a Sushi chef. A year cleaning floors, a year cooking rice until after ten years he became a full-fledged chef. Eventually moving his family to New York to work in a New York Sushi Restaurant, working from early morning till night. Because Hiromi misses her hardworking father and wanted so much to spend time with him, she accompanies him to the fish markets, and eventually persuaded him, (although she respected and practiced old Japanese customs) to let her work in his restaurant. It is not heard of for Japanese woman to become Sushi chefs, but her father realised that in New York life was different and he also realised she was very keen. After three years of traditional Japanese teaching, by her father, earning her own yangi, Hiromi became the first Japanese woman Sushi Chef, in New York. As it says on the inside front cover flap “..a true story of a young girl’s determination to follow her dream.”
Why I liked this: It is actually when I flicked to the last page and read the Author’s Note we learn the back story which sealed my love for sharing this book with you. Lynne first met Hiromi a five-year old and in the same Kindergarten as her own daughter. Lynne’s daughter and Hiromi became lifelong friends. It was years later that Lynne’s daughter encouraged her to write about her friend, and how she became the first woman Sushi chef, in New York, in 1998. We also learn where Sushi was developed and it’s fish preservation in ancient Southeast Asia by the Japanese. On the very last page is a Glossary and Pronunciation Guide of the Japanese words and names used throughout the story. This book proves to be very educational, not only in old traditional beliefs, methods and language of Japan, but also we are shown the numerous styles and names of Sushi along with names of fish, some of which I had never heard before, either. Great addition for kids learning about Japan.
Resources/Findings: Lynne’s website, and she can be contacted for school visits…. http://www.lynnebarasch.com/hiromi_s_hands_47504.htm
Making sushi with kids. Great big pictures to follow… http://snapguide.com/guides/make-sushi-with-kids/
A lovely Japanese game to play…. http://www.cbc.ca/kids/games/sushisamurai/
A little about Lynne and her books from The New York Library… http://www.nysoclib.org/kids/authors/barasch_lynne.html
For more books with resources please head on over and visit the lovely author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with the books reviewed by many authors.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Sounds intriguing, Diane. Thanks for sharing one we’re not likely to find in our library. Have a great weekend too!
Thanks Catherine, glad you like it. I am now off on a loooooonnnng break….lol.
One of my favorite multicultural picture books. Thanks for featuring it today!
Really! So glad you approve, Jama. Take care and thanks for stopping by.
Diane, this sounds like a unique read…will keep an eye out for it.
Cool, Laura, hope you locate it at your local library. Enjoy!
Unusual picture book opening, starting with a flashback and the focus on parents instead of the MC. Thanks for introducing me to it.
Yes it was unusual, but then I have begun a draft of a YA that is in flashback. So I am pleased to see this. Glad you like it Wendy.
That’s an interesting back story. We’ll have to check this one out.
Yes, it was, Stacy. Hope you locate it.
What a super multi-cultural story of this courageous girl and her family. Excellent choice!
So pleased you liked this one, Joanna. I thought it was very good, for a number of reasons.
Lovely multicultural story. The fact that it is true, makes it even more interesting and intriguing. Love your unusual finds Diane.
Thank you, Pat. Pleased you like it and I agree it’s a great fine.
The back story is fantastic Diane. Thanks for sharing this one!
Glad you like it, CAthy. Enjoy!
Go REAL girl empowerment stories!
Isn’t it! I love it too….lol. Thanks, Julie.
I just saw a documentary called Miss Representation. I think it affected me enough to pay closer attention to how females are represented in the media – esp. in PBs!
This looks like a very interesting story. I like stories about pioneering girls. We’ll have to look for this one. Thanks!
Glad you like this one, rhythm. Hope you locate it at your library.
Wonderful story, Diane! And I LOVE sushi..fantastic activities and resources. You did a great job on the review and list…I will try to get this book.:)
Thank you, Vivian for your lovely words. I love sushi to, as long as I am allowed to take some of the seaweed off….LOL.
I guess you knew I would love this book. Following your dreams, another culture, a strong female character etc. The fact that it is based on a true stroy make sit even better. I love sushi very much and we have an abundance of it here in Vancouver. Thanks for letting me know about this book.
What a great story! I like the message and I LOVE sushi! 😉 Have a nice trip!