Hiromi’s Hands

By Lynne Barasch

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.

Description

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!

About the Creators

Lynne Barasch

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.

Awards

  • Best Children's Books of the Year

    Bank Street College of Education

  • Amelia Bloomer Book List

    American Library Association (ALA)

  • Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature

    Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)

  • Celebrate with Books

    Cleveland Public Library

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
  • * "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
  • "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

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781620142516
  • Publication Date Mar 01, 2007
  • Trim Size 10.5 × 9 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 40
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781584302759
  • Publication Date Mar 01, 2007
  • Trim Size 1 in
  • Weight 0.9375 lbs
  • Page Count 40
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / Cooking & Food
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / People & Places / United States / AsianAmerican
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / Girls & Women
  • Themes Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Biography / Memoir, Breaking Gender Barriers, Dreams & Aspirations, Families, Food, Mentors, Nonfiction, Overcoming Obstacles
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 10
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 5
  • Guided Reading P
  • ATOS Book Level 3.7
  • DRA 38
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 5
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 600
  • Reading Level 3
  • SRC 3.4
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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