I Am a Bon Dancer

A Japanese-American girl at the Obon festival is too shy to dance—until her encouraging grandfather reminds her what's being celebrated.

I thread each arm through my peach sleeves.
Grandpa Jo ties the bright yellow sash around me.
I check to make sure the paper flowers in my hair are on just right.
I am ready for my first Bon dance festival!

It's a young Japanese-American girl's first time at the "Festival of Souls," one of the largest Buddhist festivals. It's just like her grandfather described...