January 30, 2006
Although Namioka (Ties that Bind, Ties that Break) does not seem as attuned to the nuances of her characters' thoughts and dialogue here as in her previous novels, her exploration of a cultural divide will fascinate readers. Sue Hua and her family have just moved from Seattle to a predominantly white suburb. When Sue lands a spot playing the viola in the high school orchestra, her white classmates think she's be a perfect match for Andy Suzuki, the gifted Japanese-American violinist-but Sue's Chinese-American family harbors raw emotions left over from China's war with Japan. When Andy first asks her out, for instance, she makes up an excuse ("Sue wanted to hug him and tell him she was protecting him, not rejecting him"). Namioka explains, at times in awkward expository passages, the history between the two cultures, as well as some of the more interesting subtleties, such as the differences between Japanese and Chinese chopsticks or typical dress for Chinese and Japanese women. Sue and Andy both struggle with the question of what it means to be a real American as they travel to Tokyo for a concert and embark on a journey that broadens their horizons-intellectually and emotionally. The rigidity of the narration and dialogue fades as the story progresses. Ages 10-14.
March 1, 2006
Gr 7-10 -When her Chinese-American parents move to an affluent suburb of Seattle, 15-year-old Sue Hua, a viola player, joins the school orchestra in hopes of finding a niche among her mostly white classmates. Although Sue wants them to consider her an American, she is frustrated that many think all Asians are members of a single ethnic group, without distinct cultural differences. She is attracted to Andy Suzuki, a talented violinist with disarming friendliness and concern, but she is wary of his Japanese ancestry. Her grandmother survived the Japanese invasion of China during World War II and has frightening memories of her abusive oppressors. Conversely, Andy -s father dislikes the Chinese because he was treated disrespectfully on a business trip to Beijing. When the orchestra makes a trip to Tokyo, the teens must adjust to their host families and confront issues of heritage, bigotry, and stereotypes. These are mature, sensitive teenagers whose mutual attraction fortifies them to question and move beyond the historical prejudice of their families. And yet, they respect their separate backgrounds and want their parents - approval. Although occasionally didactic, this story tackles issues of assimilation into American society, preserving and respecting different cultures, and accepting the past. The theme of cultural vs. personal identity drives the plot, provides the conflict, and defines the characters. Sue and Andy experience believable adolescent bouts of insecurity, anticipation, jealousy, and affection as their mutual understanding grows. A story that is current, relevant, and upbeat." -Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC"
Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
March 6, 2006
Although Namioka (Ties that Bind, Ties that Break) does not seem as attuned to the nuances of her characters' thoughts and dialogue here as in her previous novels, her exploration of a cultural divide will fascinate readers. Sue Hua and her family have just moved from Seattle to a predominantly white suburb. When Sue lands a spot playing the viola in the high school orchestra, her white classmates think she's be a perfect match for Andy Suzuki, the gifted Japanese-American violinist-but Sue's Chinese-American family harbors raw emotions left over from China's war with Japan. When Andy first asks her out, for instance, she makes up an excuse ("Sue wanted to hug him and tell him she was protecting him, not rejecting him"). Namioka explains, at times in awkward expository passages, the history between the two cultures, as well as some of the more interesting subtleties, such as the differences between Japanese and Chinese chopsticks or typical dress for Chinese and Japanese women. Sue and Andy both struggle with the question of what it means to be a real American as they travel to Tokyo for a concert and embark on a journey that broadens their horizons-intellectually and emotionally. The rigidity of the narration and dialogue fades as the story progresses. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
December 15, 2005
Gr. 6-9. When Suzanne Hua, a Chinese American, and Andy Suzuki, a Japanese American, meet in their high-school orchestra, their white classmates see them as a good match (Aren't all Asians the same?). But at home, things are different: Suzanne's beloved grandmother can't forget the brutality of the Japanese who invaded China, and Andy's father is prejudiced about the "dirty, backward" Chinese. There's an overload of travelogue detail, and the story becomes very messagey at times, especially in the second half when the orchestra visits Tokyo. Still, the personal conflicts bring the diversity issues close. Andy's dad hopes his son will find his roots when he visits Japan; instead, Andy discovers he's more American than he realized. Then comes the question, Does Andy want to shake off his cultural heritage? It's a question Suzanne must face as well. The Romeo-and-Juliet romance will draw readers, as will the concerns Namioka raises.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2006
A teenage love affair between a Chinese-American girl and Japanese-American boy sets the stage for this novel that explores the historical conflict between China and Japan as well as the culture clash between America and Asia. The message--what it means to be a " "real" American"--is heavy-handed, but readers will be drawn to the romance.
(Copyright 2006 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)