Ink and Ashes

By Valynne Maetani

In this heart-pounding YA mystery, teenager Claire Takata stumbles on a secret from the past and must race to outrun her father’s dangerous legacy.

Other editions:

Audiobook

Description

Claire Takata has never known much about her father, who passed away ten years ago. But on the anniversary of his death, she finds a letter from her deceased father to her stepfather. Before now, Claire never had a reason to believe they even knew each other.

Struggling to understand why her parents kept this surprising history hidden, Claire combs through anything that might give her information about her father … until she discovers that he was a member of the yakuza, a Japanese organized crime syndicate. The discovery opens a door that should have been left closed.

The race to outrun her father’s legacy reveals secrets of his past that cast ominous shadows, threatening Claire, her friends and family, her newfound love, and ultimately her life. Winner of Tu Books’ New Visions Award, Ink and Ashes is a fascinating debut novel packed with romance, intrigue, and heart-stopping action.

About the Creators

Valynne Maetani

Valynne Maetani grew up in Utah and obtained a Bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania. In a former life, she was a project manager and developed educational software for children with learning disabilities. Her debut novel, Ink and Ashes, is the winner of the 2013 New Visions Award and a Junior Library Guild 2015 selection. Maetani is a member of the We Need Diverse Books team and is dedicated to promoting diversity in children's literature because all children should grow up believing their stories deserve to be told.

Awards

  • Best Books

    Kirkus Reviews

  • Best Children's Books of the Year

    Bank Street College of Education

  • New Visions Award Winner

    Lee & Low Books

  • Junior Library Guild Selection

    Junior Library Guild

  • Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature

    Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)

  • Lone Star Reading List

    Texas Library Association (TLA)

  • Best Novel by New Author

    The Whitney Awards

Reviews

  • "Full of character, culture, and suspense, Ink and Ashes is a fascinating read with surprising new elements and a true heroine in Claire Takata."

    - Allie Condie, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Matched Trilogy

  • "In this twisty, slow-burn thriller Maetani balances murder, mystery, and family drama beautifully."

    - Lamar Giles, author of Fake ID and Endangered

  • "I can sincerely say this was one of the best books I've read this year, and might even be in the top spot. An artful blend of Japanese culture, solid mystery, interesting characters, and an excellent use of viewpoint. I particularly enjoyed how the writer turned a major trope—the single girl in a cast of mostly guys—on its head by making it a feature of the story. An excellent, fast-paced YA mystery/thriller with an engaging character narrative and a nice mix of action, romance, and family drama. I highly recommend the book to anyone who likes Young Adult fiction."

    - Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author

  • "Maetani has created a thriller built out of secrets, loyalty, and revenge. Her main character, Claire Takata, is both an inspired creation and inspiring heroine!"

    - Sarwat Chadda, author of USBBY Outstanding International Book The Savage Forest

  • * "This fantastic debut packs a highly suspenseful blend of action, intrigue, and teen romance."

    - Kirkus Reviews

  • "This thoroughly engaging tale in the tradition of Nancy Drew or Veronica Mars ends on a satisfying note, but readers will hope for a sequel because it's just that good."

    - School Library Journal

  • "Maetani's fast-paced debut will appeal to readers who like their intrigue with a generous helping of romance."

    - Booklist

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781620142110
  • Price $19.95
  • Publication Date Jun 01, 2015
  • Trim Size 8.25 × 5.5 × 1 in
  • Weight 1.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 368
  • Word Count 100546

    • Interests

  • Imprint Tu Books
  • Audience Young Adult
  • BISAC Category 1 YAF / Thrillers & Suspense / General
  • BISAC Category 2 YAF / Asian American & Pacific Islander
  • BISAC Category 3 YAF / Mysteries & Detective Stories
  • Themes Parents & Caregivers, Asian / South Asian / South East Asian, Persistence / Grit / Overcoming Obstacles, Families, Fathers & Father Figures, Fiction, Friendship, Mystery / Suspense, Neighborhoods / Neighbors, Realistic Fiction, Self Esteem / Confidence / Body Positivity / Body Image, Siblings & Cousins
  • Languages English

    • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 12 - 17
  • Grade Range Grades 7 - 12
  • Guided Reading Z
  • ATOS Book Level 5
  • DRA 80
  • Interest Level Grades 7 - 12
  • Lexile Code HL
  • Lexile Level 740
  • Lexile Measurement HL740L
  • Reading Level Grades 7 - 8
  • Bebop Reading Fluent

    • Resources

    Ink and Ashes Teacher’s Guide
    Ink and Ashes Teacher’s Guide
    Ink and Ashes – Discussion Questions
    Ink and Ashes – Discussion Questions

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