Yoko Writes Her Name

Written & illustrated by Rosemary Wells

Part of the Yoko series

A young girl faces teasing at school over her cultural differences. Can friendship bridge the gap?

3.9/5 Goodreads · 289 ratings

32 pages

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon.

Bookroo's summary

Yoko eagerly starts school, proud of her new writing skills. But when classmates mock her Japanese script, her excitement turns to doubt. Feeling like a failure, Yoko considers quitting. With her mother's wisdom, her teacher's support, and her classmates' growing understanding, Yoko learns that friendship can overcome cultural barriers. Will she find her place and confidence in this new environment?

From the publisher

Yoko is so excited for the first day of school. She’s just learned to write her name. But when Mrs. Jenkins asks Yoko to show everyone, Olive and Sylvia make fun of her Japanese writing. “Yoko can’t write. She’s only scribbling!” The teasing continues as Yoko shares her favorite book at show and tell, and reads it back to front.

That evening, Yoko declares that she can’t go back to school. “How can I when my reading and writing are a failure?” she asks. Luckily a little wisdom from her Mama, a little cooperation from Mrs. Jenkins, and a lot of enthusiasm from her classmates teach Yoko the most important lesson of the year: that friendship can bridge cultural differences.

Not only does Yoko learn to read and write in English and graduate Kindergarten with her classmates, but everyone’s name appears in two languages on their diplomaeven Olive’s and Sylvia’s!

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