Review by Booklist Review
Inspired by her own experiences, Ward effectively illustrates an account of her family's immigration from Japan to Hawaii and her to journey to self-love through acceptance of her skin in this charming picture book. In lyrical lines, the protagonist tells readers about her skin--its color, texture, and freckles--using elegant similes to inspire young readers to love their skin and its imperfections. Rough like sand and dotted with freckles, the girl's skin accompanies her on adventures, and loving her skin means the freedom to unlock new adventures. These island escapades are beautifully described in artful language that explores the narrator's family's history in Hawaii and Japan. Abary's illustrations feature rich texture and succinctly support the storytelling. Young people who may be self-conscious of their personal appearance will appreciate Ward's message that our skin and personal appearance is the culmination of who we are and her persuasive critique of the Japanese cultural norm of maintaining flawless, pale skin. A brief author's note offers more context about colorism, especially in Japanese culture, and Ward's personal experiences confronting that prejudice.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A child pushes back against colorism in an effervescent picture book that considers themes of ancestry. In Ito Ward's simile-driven text, a young narrator begins, "My obaa has skin like the moon./ Soft and pale,/ It glows and glistens/ like a lantern sent out to sea." The child's own skin is compared to sand, with freckles "like shells adorning the shore." Though some advise staying out of the sun ("Don't let her skin get too dark" notes a voice from beneath a parasol), the girl nevertheless surfs and scrambles up a mountain path. "Mama says my skin tells a story/ of an adventure over the ocean," represented by ancestors sailing from Japan to the Hawaiian Islands, and leading to "old roots planted in new soil." Abary's digital illustrations combine textures of airbrush, gouache, and ink to render distinctive mountainous landscapes in this sprightly work about how "I wasn't made for the shade:/ I was made for more." An author's note concludes. Ages 4--8. (Feb.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--Set on a tropical island, this story tells of an adventurous young child and how their self-image begins to develop. Using similes and metaphors, the author describes the contrast between the complexions of the character and others. The young child's copper tone is described by the mother character as evidence of "old roots planted in new soil," which is a reference to the story of migration between Hawaii and Japan. The illustrations and the language make this point clear. The child in this story is seen exploring the tropical setting. Images show the young explorer at the beach skipping stones, surfing, and hiking, always with the full support of their mother. Readers are shown that identity can be cultivated by numerous places and influences. This story is an easy and enjoyable read because of the frequent use of descriptive language. Many will relate to the story of a youth of biracial and bicultural roots. VERDICT A thoughtfully crafted story and unique depiction of a biracial child; the details of one child's developing self-image and self-concept will resonate for readers.--Renee Sanchez
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A child embraces her skin and all that it represents. A young Japanese American girl reflects on the differences between her grandmother's soft, pale skin and her own, which is as "gold as the grass that billows beyond the banyan tree." Ignoring the warnings of adults who recommend that she stay in the shade for fear of tanning, she finds beauty in her scars, her freckles, and the color of her skin. After all, she was "made for more." Her skin embodies her rich cultural heritage and holds the story of her ancestors as they journeyed from Japan to Hawaii, "from sand to sand, old roots planted in new soil." Her skin represents the freedom to break from tradition, to explore and "[bathe] in blue sky until the sun settles beneath the sea." It connects her to her family and to her home. In compelling, lyrical prose, Ward draws from her own family history and journey to self-acceptance to combat traditional East Asian beauty standards that idealize light skin. Abary's digital illustrations in soft coastal hues pair beautifully with the story, subtly blending in Japanese visual elements with Hawaiian landscapes through patterns and textures. A radiant and joyful celebration of skin, family, and immigration. (author's note)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
