From Little Tokyo, With Love
on Goodreads (1,672)
What’s inside...
Author Sarah Kuhn reinvents the modern fairy tale in this novel of a girl whose search for a storybook ending takes her to unexpected places in both her beloved LA neighborhood and her own guarded heart. If Rika's life seems like the beginning of a familiar fairy tale--being an orphan with two bossy cousins and working away in her aunts' business--she would be the first to reject that foolish notion. After all, she loves her family (even if her cousins were named after Disney characters), and with her biracial background, amazing judo skills and red-hot temper, she doesn't quite fit the princess mold. All that changes the instant she locks eyes with Grace Kimura, America's reigning rom-com sweetheart, during the Nikkei Week Festival. From there, Rika embarks on a madcap adventure of hope and happiness--searching for clues that Grace is her long-lost mother, exploring Little Tokyo's hidden treasures with cute actor Henry Chen, and maybe...finally finding a sense of belonging. But fairy tales are fiction and the real world isn't so kind. Rika knows she's setting herself up for disappointment, because happy endings don't happen to girls like her. Should she walk away before she gets in even deeper, or let herself be swept away?
Discussion points
How does Rika's journey to discover her heritage change her view about herself and her community?
Why do you think it is important for Rika to find out about her mother? How does this change her relationships with others?
Rika encounters many challenges throughout the book. Which one do you think was the hardest for her, and why?
What lessons do you think we can learn from Rika’s story about embracing who we are?
If you were in Rika’s shoes, how would you handle the mystery of the Little Tokyo legend?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your thoughts on Rika's character and her journey, encouraging your child to explore their feelings about her challenges and achievements.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their experiences and Rika’s story, fostering a deeper personal connection to the book’s themes.
Highlight the cultural aspects of Little Tokyo presented in the book, and discuss with your child the importance of heritage and community in shaping our identities.
Ask your child to think about what they would do differently if they were in Rika’s situation, which can help develop their problem-solving and empathy skills.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of persistence and courage in the face of adversity, reinforcing these values in real-life scenarios your child might face.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Identity
Explanation: The protagonist, Rika, explores her cultural heritage in Little Tokyo which helps her understand and appreciate her identity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and take pride in their own cultural backgrounds and histories, fostering a sense of self-worth and belonging.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Community
Explanation: Through various relationships in the story, Rika experiences the strength and support that family and community can offer.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of connections and support systems, promoting the importance of maintaining relationships with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Challenges
Explanation: Rika confronts multiple obstacles throughout her journey, demonstrating resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to tackle their own challenges confidently and to view obstacles as opportunities to grow and learn.
Example Lesson: The Power of Kindness
Explanation: Characters performing acts of kindness, no matter how small, have a profound impact on others' lives, as depicted in the story.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to act kindly towards others, highlighting how even minor gestures can contribute to a better community.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Acceptance
Explanation: Rika learns to accept people's differences and sees the beauty in diversity while navigating her journey.
Real-World Application: Highlights the importance of empathy and acceptance, helping children appreciate diversity and embrace others' perspectives.