Hiromi's Hands

by Lynne Barasch, Lynne Barasch (Illustrator)

Overview

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature - Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)

The true story of Hiromi Suzuki, a Japanese American girl who defied tradition to train at her family's restaurant, and who became one of the first female sushi chefs in New York.

Growing up in New York City, Hiromi Suzuki missed spending time with her father, a sushi chef who worked long hours in the family's Japanese restaurant. So one day when she was eight years old, Hiromi begged her father to take her to the Fulton Fish Market, where he bought fresh fish. Hiromi was fascinated by what she saw and learned; by the time she was thirteen, she was ready to take the next step. She asked her father to teach her to make sushi. Little did Hiromi realize that her request would lead her to the forefront of a minor culinary revolution, as women claimed their place in the once all-male world of sushi chefs.

Lynne Barasch was inspired to write this story by her daughter, who has been friends with Hiromi Suzuki since they both were in kindergarten. Hiromi's Hands is the true story of a young girl's determination to follow her dream, and a tribute to the loving family who supported her. Readers will cheer for Hiromi's success, and maybe decide to taste some sushi, too!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781620142516
Publisher:	Lee & Low Books
Publication date:	03/01/2007
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 10.30(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	AD600L (what's this?)
Age Range:	6 - 10 Years

About the Author

Lynne Barasch has written and illustrated several award-winning books for children, including Knockin' on Wood, Hiromi's Hands, and First Come the Zebra, all three published by Lee & Low Books; and Radio Rescue, an ALA Notable Children’s Book and Texas Bluebonnet Award Masterlist selection. Barasch and her husband live in New York City. To find out more about Lynne Barasch, visit LynneBarasch.com.

Lynne Barasch has written and illustrated several award-winning books for children, including Knockin' on Wood, Hiromi's Hands, and First Come the Zebra, all three published by Lee & Low Books; and Radio Rescue, an ALA Notable Children’s Book and Texas Bluebonnet Award Masterlist selection. Barasch and her husband live in New York City. To find out more about Lynne Barasch, visit LynneBarasch.com.

Editorial Reviews

* "An inspiring story of a young woman crossing a boundary, an informative glimpse into a career, and a study in perseverance." — School Library Journal, starred review

* "Barasch not only warmly portrays her human cast, but also presents mouthwatering galleries of sushi and of the varieties of seafood from which it is made." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"From the lively double-page spread of the fish market to the small, delicious pictures of the many kinds of sushi Hiromi learns to make, this book celebrates the riches of cultural diversity." — Booklist

"Hiromi's narration conveys her enthusiasm, and the text nicely foreshadows (with his love of New York, so different from Tokyo) her dad's willingness to break tradition. The muted ink-and-watercolor illustrations are spare but expressive." — The Horn Book

"[A] jaunty book about continuity and change. . . . Delicate watercolors show family history, personal accomplishment and tiny fish delicacies." — San Francisco Chronicle Book Review

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature - Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)

Amelia Bloomer Book List - American Library Association (ALA)
Best Children's Books of the Year - Bank Street College of Education
Celebrate with Books - Cleveland Public Library

From the Publisher

K-Gr 3 - This picture-book biography presents the lives of two sushi chefs: a father and daughter. Readers meet the adolescent Akira Suzuki as he strives to supplement his family's income by apprenticing in a Tokyo restaurant. They may be amazed by a career that consisted of scrubbing the floor for the first year, cooking rice for the second, and working long days for 10 years to realize a goal. The opportunity to pursue his dream in New York ultimately led to marriage, fatherhood, and the desire to share his heritage. Young Hiromi attended Japanese school on Saturdays and celebrated special days, but she especially wanted to learn her father's trade. Akira welcomed her interest-"Girls can do things here that they cannot do in Japan"-and the pattern of learning began again. Hiromi's achievement is celebrated in a spread of labeled, delicately arranged sushi. The story came full circle when the Tokyo restaurateur paid a visit and enjoyed his meal. Ink-and-watercolor scenes are rendered in salmon and grays; each childhood is captured in black-and-white "snapshots." One odd choice, given the author's access to her subject, is the pseudo-Japanese in the signage, described as merely illustrative. An author's note and photograph of Hiromi Suzuki are followed by a pronunciation guide. An inspiring story of a young woman crossing a boundary, an informative glimpse into a career, and a study in perseverance, this title will appeal to a varied audience.-Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information

School Library Journal