CLICK ON THE
BOOK’S TITLE TO LINK TO amazon.com TO PURCHASE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS.
Note: RECENTLY ADDED TITLES
APPEAR IN RED.
Realistic Fiction:
|
Buck,
P.S. (1986). The
big wave. |
|
|
|
His family and village swept away, Jiya learns to live
with the ever-present dangers from the sea and volcano. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
Bunting, E. (1998). So
far from the sea. Illustrated by C. K. Soentpiet. |
|
|
|
Laura Iwasaki’s father was interned along with thousands
of other American citizens of Japanese heritage during World War II. When her
grandfather died he was buried in the internment camp and now that the family
is moving this will probably be their last visit to Grandfather’s grave. (amazon.com) |
|
|
|
Friedman, |
|
|
|
An American sailor courts a Japanese girl and each
tries, in secret, to learn the other’s way of eating. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
Johnston, T. (1996). Fishing
Sunday. Illustrated by B. Root. |
|
|
|
A young boy, originally embarrassed by the traditions of
his Japanese grandfather, comes to an understanding one day as he observes
him during a fishing trip and notes that the old man and his ways are not
silly at all but are actually rather magical. (amazon.com) |
|
|
|
Kadohata, C. (2004). Kira-kira.
Atheneum. (5-8) |
|
|
|
In
Cynthia Kadohata’s lively, lovely, funny and sad novel -- winner of the 2005
Newbery Medal -- the Japanese-American Takeshima family moves from Iowa to
Georgia in the 1950s when Katie, the narrator, is just in kindergarten.
Though her parents endure grueling conditions and impossible hours in the
non-unionized poultry plant and hatchery where they work, they somehow manage
to create a loving, stable home for their three children: Lynn, Katie, and
Sammy. Katie’s trust in, and admiration for, her older sister Lynn never
falters, even when her sisterly advice doesn’t seem to make sense. Lynn
teaches her about everything from how the sky, the ocean, and people’s eyes
are special to the injustice of racial prejudice. The two girls dream of
buying a house for the family someday and even save $100 in candy money:
"Our other favorite book was Silas
Marner. We
were quite capitalistic and liked the idea of Silas keeping all that gold
underneath the floorboards.” When |
|
|
|
Kroll,
V. L. (1996). A
carp for Kimiko. Illustrated by K. Roundtree. |
|
|
|
Although the tradition is to present carp kites only to
boys on Children’s Day, Kimiko’s parents find a way to make the day special
for her. (card
catalog) |
|
|
|
Nomura, T. (1995). Grandpa’s
town. |
|
|
|
A young Japanese boy, worried that his grandfather is
lonely, accompanies him to the public bath. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A simply told, understated story of young Sachiko’s
acceptance of her grandmother’s Alzheimer’s disease is illustrated in warm,
sunset tones, with insets featuring traditional Japanese motifs. Touching and
unsentimental, the book is a boon for those looking for contemporary images
of Asian-American children. (Horn Book, 1991) |
|
|
|
Say, A. (1997). Allison.
|
|
|
|
When Allison tries on the red kimono her grandmother has
sent her, she is suddenly aware that she resembles her favorite doll more
than she does her mother and father. When her parents explain that she is
adopted, Allison’s doll becomes her only solace until she finds a stray cat
in the garden and learns the true meaning of adoption and parental love. (amazon.com) |
|
|
|
Say,
A. (1996). Emma’s
rug. |
|
|
|
Emma, who is gifted with immense artistic talent and
whose favorite possession is a shaggy old rug, faces an unexpected challenge
when her mother puts the rug in the washer, in a story of the inspirations,
both simple and profound, that combine to make up the creative visual mind. (amazon.com) |
|
|
|
Say,
A. (1992). The
lost lake. |
|
|
|
A young boy and his father become closer friends during
a camping trip in the mountains. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
Say, A. (1991). Tree
of cranes. |
|
|
|
A Japanese boy learns of Christmas when his mother
decorates a pine tree with paper cranes. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
Uchida, Y.
(1993). A
jar of dreams. Aladdin. (4-6) |
|
|
|
A
young girl grows up in a closely-knit Japanese American family in |
|
|
|
Uchida,
Y. (1985). The
happiest ending. |
|
|
|
When twelve-year-old Rinko learns that a neighbor’s
daughter is coming from |
|
|
|
Uchida,
Y. (1993). The
best bad thing. |
|
|
|
At first dismayed at having to spend the last month of
the summer vacation helping out in the household of recently widowed Mrs.
Hata, Rinko discovers there are pleasant surprises for her, but then bad
things start to happen. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
Yashima, T. (1976). Crow
boy. |
|
|
|
No synopsis available. |
NON-FICTION:
|
Allan-Meyer,
K. (1995). I
have a new friend. Photographs by M. Spinelli. |
|
|
|
Saki is a little Japanese girl whose best friend is
Lisa. Lisa learns about Japanese customs, Saki learns about American ways,
and language is no barrier to their friendship. Spinelli’s candid
black-and-white photos transform the book into a kind of photo album. (amazon.com) |
|
|
|
Brenner, B. &
Takaya, J. (1999). Chibi:
A true story from Japan. Illustrated by J. Otani. |
|
|
|
Based on actual events, this dramatic story follows a
mother duck and her ten babies as they move from one location in |
|
|
|
Brown, T. (1995). Konnichiwa!
I am a Japanese-American girl. Photographs by K. Arai. |
|
|
|
Presents the activities of Lauren Kamiya and her family
as they prepare for and participate in the Cherry Blossom Festival in |
|
|
|
Chin,
S. A. (1995). When
justice failed: The Fred Korematsu story. Illustrated by D. Tamura. |
|
|
|
When
the |
|
|
|
Doran, C. (1995).
The Japanese. |
|
|
|
Color
photographs of original artifacts, including tapestries, mosaics, armor, architecture,
and maps, among other items, reinforce a succinct historical perspective of
two great warrior civilizations. Societal structure, religious practices,
transportation, and the arts during the medieval |
|
|
|
Fremon, D. K. (1996). Japanese-American
internment in American history. |
|
|
|
Includes personal accounts to describe the period in
American history when Japanese Americans were detained in internment camps;
also discusses the issues and controversy surrounding the decision. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
Galvin, |
|
|
|
Discusses the history,
geography, daily life, culture, and customs of the island nation of |
|
|
|
Hamanaka, S. (1995). The
journey: Japanese Americans, racism, and renewal. |
|
|
|
Text
and photographed details of a mural depict the history of the Japanese people
in |
|
|
|
Haskins, J. (1988). Count
your way through Japan. Illustrated by M. Skoro. |
|
|
|
Presents the numbers one through ten in Japanese, using
each number to introduce concepts about |
|
|
|
Heinrich,
A. (1998). Japan:
Enchantment of the world series. |
|
|
|
Describes the history and culture of the island nation
of |
|
|
|
Hoobler,
D. & Hoobler, T. (1996). The
Japanese American family album. |
|
|
|
Introduction by George Takei. Six chapters illustrated
with black-and-white photographs cover the immigration experience, from
leaving the Old Country to becoming part of |
|
|
|
Kalman,
B. (2000). Japan:
The land. |
|
|
|
This beautifully designed book covers every aspect of |
|
|
|
Kalman,
B. (2000). Japan:
The people. |
|
|
|
This distinctive blend of traditional and modern traits
in the daily lives of the Japanese are revealed as they are seen at home,
work, school, and play. (amazon.com) |
|
|
|
Kitano,
H. (1995). The
Japanese Americans (Immigrant experience). |
|
|
|
After
first arriving in the |
|
|
|
Knorr, R. (1995). If
I lived in Japan. Illustrated by J. Knorr. |
|
|
|
Young readers are invited
to join in the daily activities of their peers in Japan – their schooling,
cultural experiences, outdoor activities, etc. –while learning some basic
vocabulary in Japanese. Playful illustrations and rhyming verse. (Asia
for Kids 2000-2001 Educational Catalog, p. 26) |
|
|
|
Lee,
L. (1996). Japanese
Americans. |
|
|
|
Provides a history of Japanese immigration to the |
|
|
|
Littlefield, H. (1997). Colors
of Japan. Illustrated by H. Byers. |
|
|
|
Ten colors are used to introduce readers to |
|
|
|
MacMillan, D. M. (1997).
Japanese
Children’s Day and the Obon Festival. |
|
|
|
Describes the
history, significance, and traditions of Japanese Children’s Day and the Obon
Festival, and the ways they are celebrated in |
|
|
|
McKay, S. (1997). Japan
(Festivals of the world). |
|
|
|
Describes how
the culture of |
|
|
|
Say, A. (2004). Music
for Alice. Lorraine/Houghton. (4-6) |
|
|
|
As a girl, |
|
|
Stanley, J. (1996). I
am an American: A true story of the Japanese internment.
|
|
|
|
With stunning intensity, |
|
|
|
Stefoff,
R. (1998). Japan.
|
|
|
|
An overview of the history, geography, economy,
government, people, and culture of |
|
|
|
Takabayashi,
M. (2001). I
live in Tokyo: A Japanese calendar. |
|
|
|
Colorfully detailed illustrations will draw readers to
this lively introduction to |
|
|
|
Tunnel, M. &
Chilcoat, G. (1996). The
children of Topaz: The story of a Japanese American internment camp based on
a classroom diary. |
|
|
|
The diary of a third grade class of Japanese American
children being held with their families in an interment camp in Topaz, |
|
|
|
Turner, P. S.
(2004). Hachiko:
The true story of a loyal dog.
Illustrated by Y. Nascimbene. Houghton. (1-4) |
|
|
|
Imagine
walking to the same place every day, to meet your best friend. Imagine
watching hundreds of people pass by every morning and every afternoon.
Imagine waiting, and waiting, and waiting. For ten years. This is what Hachiko
did. Hachiko was a real dog who lived in Tokyo, a dog who faithfully waited
for his owner at the Shibuya train station long after his owner could not
come to meet him. He became famous for his loyalty and was adored by scores
of people who passed through the station every day. This is Hachiko’s story
through the eyes of Kentaro, a young boy whose life is changed forever by his
friendship with this very special dog. Simply told, and illustrated with Yan
Nascimbene’s lush watercolors, the legend of Hachiko will touch your heart
and inspire you as it has inspired thousands all over the world. (amazon.com) |
|
|
|
Welch, C. A. (2000). Children
of the relocation camps. |
|
|
|
Explores the experiences of Japanese American children
who were moved with their families to relocation centers during World War II,
looking at school, meals, sports, and other aspects of camp life. (Borders.com) |
|
|
|
Wells, R. (1992). A
to ZEn: A book of Japanese culture. Illustrated by Yoshi. |
|
|
|
An illustrated
alphabet book introduces children to |
Traditional:
|
Baker, K. (1997). The
magic fan. |
|
|
|
Despite
the laughter of his fellow villagers, Yoshi uses his building skills to make
a boat to catch the moon, a kite to reach the clouds, and a bridge that
mimics the rainbow. (amazon.com) |
|
|
|
Bodkin, O. (2001). The
crane wife. Illustrated by G. Spirin. |
|
|
|
A
retelling of the traditional Japanese tale about a poor sail maker who gains
a beautiful but mysterious wife skilled at weaving magical sails. (amazon.com) |
|
|
|
Coatsworth, E. (1990). The
cat who went to heaven. |
|
|
|
A little cat comes to the home of a poor Japanese artist
and, through humility and devotion,
brings him good fortune. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
French, F. (2001). Little
Inchkin: A tale of old Japan. |
|
|
|
A
unique young man named Inchkin--so named because he is only several inches
tall--finds himself face-to-face with two fiery demons, with only his skill
and bravery to defend himself. From decorative edges that make the adventure
unfold like scenes from a play to the characters' stark white faces, French's
full-color paintings capture the style of 18th-century Japanese prints. (amazon.com) |
|
|
|
Johnston,
T. (1990). Badger
and the magic fan: A Japanese folktale. Illustrated by T. DePaola. |
|
|
|
In this retelling of a Japanese folk
tale, a wicked badger steals a magic fan that makes noses grow and shrink. He
uses it to trick a rich man’s beautiful daughter into marrying him but is
foiled in the end by mischievous goblin children. DePaola’s characteristic
art aptly complements the simple humor of the story. (Horn
Book, 1990) |
|
|
|
Kajikawa, K. (2000). Yoshi’s
feast. Illustrated by Y. Heo. |
|
|
|
Text,
illustrations, and the book’s design are all marvelous here. Heo’s dazzling
collages of painting, pencil, and handmade papers bring out the outrageous
action and humor in Yoshi and Sabu’s conflict, extending the lively dialogue
and rich text. (Booklist) |
|
|
|
Kimmel, E. A. (2004). Three
Samurai cats: A story from Japan. Illustrated by M. Gerstein. |
|
|
|
An adaptation of a Japanese folktale in
which a feudal lord seeks a samurai cat to rid his castle of a savage rat,
but soon discovers that violence is not always the best way to accomplish
things. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
Kudler, D. (1997). The
seven gods of luck. Illustrated by L. Finch. |
|
|
|
In this story adapted from a Japanese folktale, two
penniless young siblings are generously rewarded when they thoughtfully brush
off the piles of snow covering the statues of the seven gods of luck. A brief
note describes the Japanese New Year celebration, and the wintry setting is
effectively realized in detailed watercolors that match the light tone of the
story. (Horn Book,
1998) |
|
|
|
Levine,
A. A. (1994). The
boy who drew cats: A Japanese folktale. Illustrated by F/ Clement. |
|
|
|
In an intriguing book, Levine retells the story of a
frail, artistic boy whose drawings of cats come to life in a temple one
night, vanquishing the terrible Goblin Rat. The unembellished, smooth
narrative nicely complements Clément’s elegant acrylics. A source note is
included, as well as a chart giving the pronunciation and meanings of the
Japanese characters that appear at the top of each page of text. (Horn Book, 1994) |
|
|
|
Long, J. F. (1996). The
bee and the dream: A Japanese tale. Illustrated by K. Ono. |
|
|
|
As he watches his friend Tasuke sleeping and dreaming of
buried treasure, Shin sees a bee fly from Tasuke’s nose. Convinced by this
odd sign that Tasuke’s dream is true, Shin investigates, and though
unsuccessful at first, he soon becomes the owner of the treasure. The
illustrations, created by a Japanese artist contribute considerably to the
atmosphere of the book. (Horn Book, 1996) |
|
|
|
Melmed,
L. K. (1997). Little
Oh. Illustrated by L. Lamarche. |
|
|
|
Illustrated
with exquisite paintings, this original fairy tale about an origami girl who
comes to life is a tender and exciting adventure. From her wild river ride
aboard a teacup boat to her escape from an angry dog to her flight home on
the neck of a crane to her transformation into a real little girl, Little Oh
is sure to capture readers’ hearts. (amazon.com) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
While chasing a dumpling, a little lady is captured by
wicked creatures from whom she escapes with the means of becoming the richest
woman in |
|
|
|
Nishimoto, K. (1999). Japanese
Fairy Tales ( Classic Japanese fairy tales, Vol. I). Illustrated by
Y. Imoto. Heian International Publishing Company. (K-3) |
|
|
|
These collections of
stories include some of |
|
|
|
Palazzo-Craig, J. (1996). The
magic peach: A story from Japan. Illustrated by M. Nagano. |
|
|
|
An
extraordinary Japanese boy sets out to destroy the ogres who have terrorized
his village for years. (amazon.com) |
|
|
|
Paterson,
K. (1995). The
tale of the Mandarin ducks. Illustrated by L. & D. Dillon. |
|
|
|
A pair of Mandarin ducks, separated by a cruel lord who
wishes to possess the drake for his beauty, reward a compassionate couple who
risk their lives to reunite the ducks. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
Sakade, F. (1958). Peach
Boy and other Japanese children’s favorite stories. Illustrated by Y.
Kurosaki. |
|
|
|
Stories that delight children of one land are sure to
delight children everywhere. In this charming collection of stories, twenty
of |
|
|
|
San Souci, R. D.(1997). The samurai’s
daughter: A Japanese legend. Illustrated by S. T. Johnson. |
|
|
|
A Japanese legend about the brave daughter of a samurai
warrior and her journey to be reunited with her exiled father. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
San Souci, R. D. (1993). The snow wife.
Illustrated by S. T. Johnson. |
|
|
|
When a Japanese woodcutter breaks his promise and
describes his encounter with a terrifying snow woman, he loses his wife and
must make a dangerous journey to win her back. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
Say,
A. (1974). Once
under the cherry blossom tree: An old Japanese tale. |
|
|
|
No synopsis available. |
|
|
|
Schroeder,
A. (1997). Lily
and the wooden bowl. Illustrated by Y. Ito. |
|
|
|
A young girl who wears a wooden bowl over her face to
hide her beauty overcomes a variety of trials and finally finds love, riches,
and happiness. (card
catalog) |
|
|
|
Snyder,
D. (1993). The
boy of the three year nap. Illustrated by A. Say. |
|
|
|
A poor Japanese woman maneuvers events to change the
lazy habits of her son. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
Tompert,
A. (1993). Bamboo
hats and a rice cake.
Illustrated by Demi. |
|
|
|
Wishing to have good fortune in the new year, an old man
tries to trade his wife’s kimono for rice cakes. Characters from the Japanese
alphabet are incorporated into the text. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
Uchida,
Y. (1993). The
magic purse. Illustrated by K. Narahashi. |
|
|
|
After
facing danger to help a young woman, a poor farmer receives a magic purse
that always refills itself with gold. (card catalog) |
|
|
|
Uchida,
Y. (1987). Two
foolish cats. Illustrated by M. Zemach. |
|
|
|
Two foolish cats go to the old monkey of the mountain to
settle their quarrel.
(card catalog) |
|
|
|
Uchida,
Y. (1994). The
wise old woman. Illustrated by M. Springett. |
|
|
|
A dramatic Japanese folktale that tells the story of a
cruel overlord and a young farmer’s elderly mother. The overlord threatens to
destroy the farmer’s village unless the young lord can perform three
seemingly impossible tasks. How the elderly mother accomplishes the tasks and
saves the village is a satisfying story brought to life with remarkable
full-color paintings.
(Borders.com) |
Biography:
|
Blumberg,
R. (2003). Shipwrecked:
The true adventures of a Japanese boy. |
|
|
|
In the 1800s, the Japanese
government had strict isolation laws. By decree, foreigners and ideas from
outside |
|
Coerr,
E. (1999). Mieko
and the fifth treasure. |
|
|
|
Staying with her grandparents after the atomic bomb has
been dropped on |
|
|
|
Coerr,
E. (1997). Sadako.
Illustrated by E. Young. |
|
|
|
Hospitalized with the dreaded atom bomb disease,
leukemia, a child in Hiroshima races against time to fold one thousand paper
cranes to verify the legend that by doing so a sick person will become
healthy. (card
catalog) |
|
|
|
Coerr,
E. (1999). Sadako
and the thousand paper cranes. Illustrated by R. Himler. |
|
|
|
Hospitalized with the dreaded atom bomb disease, leukemia, a child in Hiroshima races against time to fold one thousand paper cranes to verify t |