Himawari House
on Goodreads (6,866)
What’s inside...
Bilingual Edition in English and Japanese. Living in a new country is no walk in the park. When Nao returns to Tokyo to reconnect with her Japanese heritage, she books a yearlong stay at the Himawari sharehouse. There she meets Hyejung and Tina, two other girls who came to Japan to freely forge their own paths. The trio live together, share meals, and even attend the same Japanese-language school, which results in them becoming fast friends. But will they be able to hold one another up as life tests them with new loves, old heartbreaks, and the everyday challenges of being fish out of water? Winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Fiction Literature, Winner of the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature, Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year, School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-18
Length
380 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do the characters in Himawari House explore their cultural identities and how does this affect their relationships with others?
What challenges do the characters face while living abroad and how do they overcome them?
How does the setting of Himawari House influence the story? Can you imagine the story taking place somewhere else?
Each character has a unique background and story. Which character did you relate to the most and why?
What lessons about friendship and understanding can we learn from Himawari House?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, explore the geographical and cultural setting of the book together, enhancing the child's understanding and interest.
Encourage your child to express which character they felt most connected to and why, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Discuss the challenges faced by the characters and relate them to your child’s own experiences of friendship, school, or adapting to new environments.
Post-reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book that they found memorable or significant, and discuss its importance to the story and to them personally.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Diversity
Explanation: Himawari House portrays characters from different cultural backgrounds living together, highlighting their unique traditions and languages.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures they encounter at school or in their community, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship and Support
Explanation: The story shows the characters supporting each other through personal challenges, demonstrating how true friendship works.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by being supportive and understanding towards their friends, fostering strong, empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: Adapting to Change
Explanation: Characters in Himawari House adjust to new environments and experiences, illustrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be adaptable when facing new situations such as moving to a new place or changing schools.
Example Lesson: Language Learning
Explanation: The book shows characters learning new languages as a way to better engage with different cultures.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take interest in learning a new language, enhancing their communication skills and cultural awareness.
Example Lesson: Self-Discovery and Growth
Explanation: Through various experiences in the story, characters learn more about themselves and grow personally.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to try new activities and hobbies, helping them discover their interests and strengths.