This is a story that explores the harbor of safety family can be, regardless of wealth or documentation. But when this family is suddenly ripped apart, the strength of familial roots translates into maturity as a son assumes the role of sibling caretaker, family comforter, and eventually, determined class leader. A well-written, relevant story that instructs with heart and intelligence.

In this empowering deconstruction of the so-called American Dream, a twelve-year-old Japanese American girl grapples with, and ultimately rises above, the racism and trials of middle school she experiences while chasing her dreams.As the daughter of immigrants who came to America for a better life, Annie Inoue was raised to dream big. And at the start of seventh grade, she's channeling that irrepr ...