While I Was Away
Book description
Named one of New York Public Library's Best Books of the Year!
The Farewell meets Erin Entrada Kelly's Blackbird Fly in this empowering middle grade memoir from debut author Waka T. Brown, who takes readers on a journey to 1980s Japan, where she was sent as a child to reconnect…
Why read it?
1 author picked While I Was Away as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
In my experience, a truly unique book is rare, and I’m always excited to find one that stands apart because of premise and setting. Waka is happy in her sixth-grade class in Kansas—until her parents notice she’s losing her Japanese language skills and decide to take action. They send Waka to Tokyo to spend several months living with her grandmother and attending a local public school. In Japan, Waka struggles with reading and writing kanji, feels awkward around her reserved grandmother, and can’t figure out the social scene at school. Japan may be her parents’ birth country, but…
From Cathy's list on families, changes, and challenges.
If you love While I Was Away...
Heroes with Chutzpah
In Heroes with Chutzpah, readers will meet 101 Jewish changemakers from the recent past and present, who challenged the status quo in the arts, sciences, social justice, sports, and politics. Each one-page biography is accompanied by an original digital portrait. This children’s book about Jewish heroes is inspiring and…
Want books like While I Was Away?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like While I Was Away.
Share your top 3 reads of 2024!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,580
readers submitted
so far, will you?
