Hiromi's Hands - Softcover

Lynne Barasch

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1620142511 ISBN 13: 9781620142516

Publisher: Lee & Low Books, 2015

Synopsis

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."

About this title

About the Author:

LYNNE BARASCH has written and illustrated several award-winning books for children. Barasch was inspired to write this story by one of her daughters, who has been friends with Hiromi Suzuki since they both were in kindergarten. Barasch and her husbnd live in New York City.

Review:

Barasch frames this profile of Hiromi Suzuki, a childhood friend of her daughter s who grew up to be an itamae-san, or professional sushi chef, as both an American story and a first-person tale of a young woman s success in a trade traditionally dominated by men. Transferred in 1964 from Tokyo to the New York branch of his restaurant, Kamehachi, Hiromi s father Akira found his new home to be a place of big cars, big portions, big opportunities! So he was receptive when, years later, his daughter expressed an eagerness to accompany him to the early-morning fish market on Fulton Street, and then to learn how to make perfect nigiri sushi (seafood over pressed rice) and maki sushi (sushi rolls) for the small restaurant he had opened. In delicately lined watercolors, 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. A glossary and pronunciation guide, a portrait photo and a brief wrap-up close what will be for most young readers a fascinating family story. --Starred review, Kirkus Reviews

This picture-book biography presents the lives of two sushi chefs: a father and daughter. Readers meet the adolescent Akira Suzuki as he strives to supplement his family s income by apprenticing in a Tokyo restaurant. They may be amazed by a career that consisted of scrubbing the floor for the first year, cooking rice for the second, and working long days for 10 years to realize a goal. The opportunity to pursue his dream in New York ultimately led to marriage, fatherhood, and the desire to share his heritage. Young Hiromi attended Japanese school on Saturdays and celebrated special days, but she especially wanted to learn her father s trade. Akira welcomed her interest Girls can do things here that they cannot do in Japan and the pattern of learning began again. Hiromi s achievement is celebrated in a spread of labeled, delicately arranged sushi. The story came full circle when the Tokyo restaurateur paid a visit and enjoyed his meal. Ink-and-watercolor scenes are rendered in salmon and grays; each childhood is captured in black-and-white snapshots. One odd choice, given the author s access to her subject, is the pseudo-Japanese in the signage, described as merely illustrative. An author s note and photograph of Hiromi Suzuki are followed by a pronunciation guide. An inspiring story of a young woman crossing a boundary, an informative glimpse into a career, and a study in perseverance, this title will appeal to a varied audience. --Starred review, School Library Journal

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

About this edition

• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1620142511
• ISBN 13: 9781620142516
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Lynne Barasch