Student Review: "Jar of Dreams," by Yoshiko Uchida

The story is about a young girl named Rinko who is eleven years old and lives in California. Her parents are hardworking Japanese immigrants. Rinko and her parents face a lot of discrimination and bullying as they look different, and have different religious and cultural values. Rinko is always desperately trying to fit in and look “normal”, but is never accepted by her peers. In the middle of all this harassment and confusion, her aunt Waka visits from Japan and brings traditional Japanese clothes and other presents for Rinko. In Aunt Wake, Rinko finds a wise friend, a mentor, and a counselor. Rinko opens up to Aunt Waka about her insecurities and bullying at school. In return, Aunt Waka teaches her the valuable lessons of being comfortable in her own skin, and taking pride in her Japanese heritage. I found the book really interesting. As my parents are immigrants, and I am facing bullying and discrimination because of my different religious beliefs; I felt Rinko’s pain and her struggle. Rinko first stays quiet in front of her bullies and then finally stands up for herself and fights back; I felt as if it was my story. I would recommend the book to anybody who might be having any issues with self-esteem and dignity.

Review by Mohid Ali

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