A Jar of Dreams by Yoshiko Uchida

Title:  A Jar of Dreams

Author:  Yoshiko Uchida

Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks Year: 1993

ISBN:  0-689-71672-9

Genre: Fiction

This book is for Ages: 8- 12

Awards: Japanese American Biennium Award, Japanese American Citizens League Award
AR Points: 4.0

Subjects/Themes: Family Life, Japanese Americans, Prejudice

 

Plot Summary:  11-year old Rinko lives in Berkeley in 1935.  Rinko feels like an outsider in the world.  She is not proud of her Japanese heritage and wants to be like everyone else.  When Aunt Waka comes to visit for the summer, Rinko and her entire family are inspired by Aunt Waka to find the courage to confront prejudice and pursue their dreams.    

   

Review: Uchida tells a simple but touching story.  Rinko the 11-year-old narrator does not completely understand the many currents that move her world however; she navigates the rough waters and keeps a faithful log. This is an interesting book that deals with the issues of prejudice, courage and self-acceptance.  The tale of Rinko and her family expresses the firm commitment to the American Dream that many immigrants  have successfully pursued.

If you like this book you may also like:  Journey Home, by Yoshiko Uchida