Summer Online Book Club Explores Japanese Culture (June 22nd, 2023)

Calling all educators, librarians, teachers, and anyone interacting with learners of any age! Join our enriching virtual book discussion event centered around the captivating novel "While I Was Away" by Waka T. Brown. By delving into this thought-provoking story, we will explore the profound themes of bullying, cultural identity, family and heritage, and the transformative power of inter-generational relationships. Immerse yourself in the backdrop of Japan, spanning from 1980 to the present, and gain a deeper understanding of the richness of Japanese culture. Upon registration, you will receive a complimentary copy of "While I Was Away" by mail. We kindly ask that you read the book before the session to fully engage in the discussion.

The story follows twelve-year-old Waka, whose life takes an unexpected turn when her parents send her to Tokyo to live with her strict grandmother. Leaving behind her friends and anticipated summer plans, Waka embarks on a transformative journey that challenges her sense of identity and belonging. Adjusting to life in Japan, she encounters difficulties with reading and writing kanji and struggles to connect with her complicated and distant grandmother, Obaasama. Moreover, Waka becomes the target of ridicule by her Japanese classmates, further deepening her feelings of being an outsider in the country meant to be her ancestral home.