Hiromi's Hands

Starred review from May 1, 2007
K-Gr 3-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 familys 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 fathers trade. Akira welcomed her interestGirls can do things here that they cannot do in Japanand the pattern of learning began again. Hiromis 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 authors access to her subject, is the pseudo-Japanese in the signage, described as merely illustrative. An authors 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."Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2007
Part upbeat, contemporary immigration story, this picture-book biography of one of the first female sushi chefs in New York City celebrates Hiromi Suzuki's Japanese American roots and her achievements in the U.S. The first-person narrative, accompanied by ink-and-watercolor art, begins with her father's life in Japan, including his long training as a sushi chef; his emigration to New York, where he opens his own restaurant; his marriage; and the birth of his beloved Hiromi. As a young girl, Hiromi learns about his work, and because "This is America. Girls can do things here," she undertakes years of tough apprenticeship and finally becomes a chef. 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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)