A Jar of Dreams

    The book A Jar of Dreams, by Yoshiko Uchida is an intriquing multicultural book that takes place in the hard times of the depression in California.  With Rinko's Papa struggling to make a living as a barber, this was a difficult time to be alive because work was hard to find.  However, being a second generation Japanese immigrant at this time did not make anything easier on eleven-year-old Rinko. Rinko's brother Cal wants to go to school to become an engineer, but he is unsure if he can do it because he is unsure someone will hire a Japanese boy.  Rinko wants badly to be a school teacher, but her mother is pessimistic about someone hiring a Japanese girl. Through the racial slurs of Rinko's classmates and the ridicule that she experiences primarily from the laundromat owner, Rinko begins to feel shame for her heritage. Later on Aunt Waka visited from Japan, and this was a turning point for the  family because it lifted Rinko and her familiy's mood. To make times harder, Rinko's mother who was running an at-home laundry mat, became wrapped up in violence that almost damaged the laundry operation.  All of this turmoil was made better by Aunt Waka who helped the family realize their talents and strong points.  Aunt Waka also goes on to help Rinko find out something about herself that she did not realize.  Before Aunt Waka left to go back home, Rinko realizes just how helpful her aunt has been to the family. Rinko's father finally stands up to the laundromat owner After this visit, Rinko's family is forever changed and has the hope of a bright future.  The heart of this story is how Aunt Waka helped the family reach for their dreams and begin to be proud of their unique heritage.  This warm, loving, story is a great read if you enjoy reading about family relationships or historical struggles.  I enjoy reading about both, so it goes without saying that I liked this book.  I recommend it as a read-aloud as I plan to read it to my class by the end of the year.

Other Books by Yoshiko Uchida

• Birthday Visitor
• The Bracelet
• Desert Exile
• Forever Christmas Tree
• Full Circle
• Journey Home