Chopsticks from America [Hardcover]

Elaine Hosozawa-Nagano (Author), Masayuki Miyata (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

When two Japanese American children move to Japan, they learn that there is quite a difference between being Japanese and Japanese American and that life in the country of their forebears is not what they expected. But before long the unfamiliar becomes familiar and the familiar expands to encompass tolerance and acceptance of that which is different. As Tiffany and Kevin discover, it's all a part of growing up. 64 pages, hardbound with paper jacket; full color illustrations and a glossary.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Virtuosic artwork (Miyata is a master of a traditional Japanese style called Kiri-e) can't lift this bloated story off the runway. In following two Japanese American children in their often difficult adjustment to a new home in a Tokyo suburb, the book presents a fairly accurate portrait of kiddie culture shock, as well as an interesting child's-eye view of Japan. However, it is overwritten and far too lengthy for the picture book format it embraces. Eleven-year-old Tiffany, the older sister who serves as narrator, at times affects a Valley Girl whine ("I felt stressed!") but often seems a thinly disguised mouthpiece for the author's advice on settling into new surroundings; she never quite coalesces as a character. The illustrations-highly stylized, boldly colored illustrations that have the look of woodcuts-are a redeeming feature, but are no substitute for a compelling story. All ages.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-4?Tiffany, 11, describes her Japanese-American family's move to Japan. She and her younger brother are concerned at first but adapt fairly well to their new home, despite the loss of a favorite stuffed animal. There is a rather long, pointless episode in which the family tries to select a real dog for a pet; this is stylistically jarring in context, though a pleasant break in a rather monotonous narrative. Tiffany's earnest sophistication, vocabulary, diction, and sensibilities make Kay Thompson's Eloise seem simple and provincial by comparison. Miyata's bright paper-cut applique illustrations (Kiri-e) are imitative of modern woodblock prints, though they have a closer affinity to greeting cards. Though overly stylized, they are not without merit. Peculiarities include people having no pupils in their eyes, while animals do; those who wear glasses have no eyes whatsoever.?John Philbrook, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Polychrome Pub Corp; 1st edition (May 31, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879965119
• ISBN-13: 978-1879965119
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 11.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,905,163 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for a class studying Japan., March 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Chopsticks from America (Hardcover)

As a teacher, I am always looking for good books to supplement what I am covering in class. My sixth-graders loved this book. They really enjoyed discussing the notion of moving to the country their own ancestors came from and about what life in Japan was like for Americans. One of my students told me later that based on this book, when she grows up, Japan is the first country that she plans to visit. Gorgeous pictures, too.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book!, May 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Chopsticks from America (Hardcover)

I loved the way this book explored the differences between being Japanese and Japanese American. It really captures the feeling of isolation that a Japanese American can feel living in Japan. The illustrations are gorgeous examples of contemporary Japanese kiri-e art and provide a beautiful and striking balance to the two children's view of life in Japan. The book provides a wonderful introduction to Japanese life and culture that will strike a responsive chord with anyone who has ever visited Japan. A wonderful gift book!