Friday, November 3, 2017

Fall Reading 2017 Jasmine Toguchi: Mochi Queen

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Most of us can remember a time when we were told, "You're not old enough to do that." It didn't matter what it was that we wanted to do, the feeling of being denied was awful. And that is exactly what Jasmine is going through. As preparations are made for the big New Year's celebration with her family, Jasmine is frustrated that she won't get to help make the mochi because it is tradition to wait until you are 10. Her sister Sophie will get to help this year, and her annoying cousin Eddie will be working with the men, but Jasmine will be stuck in the house with the babies unless she can convince her parents that she is old enough to be included. 

If you are looking for a story about families, holiday traditions, and growing up - Jasmine's adventures are a good place to start. The fact that the Toguchi family are Japanese American helps to provide some diversity in chapter books for middle grade readers. Jasmine is an entertaining character and the black & white illustrations bring her to life, showing her dangling from a tree in an effort to strengthen her arms, scowling at her sister, or slinging spaghetti sauce across the dinner table when she stirs her noodles too enthusiastically.

Recommended for readers who enjoy realistic fiction with believable characters.

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