Book of the Week: Hiromi's Hands
This well-researched picture book biography is especially credible due to the fact that Lynne Barasch knows her subject personally: Hiromi Suzuki is a childhood friend of her daughter.
Not so long ago, Hiromi’s father was a hardworking chef at the family’s Japanese restaurant in New York City. He began taking Hiromi with him to the fish market when she expressed interest in the business and the time-honored traditions of sushi preparation. Itamae-san, professional sushi chefs, historically have always been male. “People thought a woman's soft, warm hands would spoil the fish” (Barasch).Growing up, Hiromi respected this tradition but didn’t let it dissuade her from her life’s ambition. Learning from her father, who encouraged her despite the enormous obstacles he knew she would face, Hiromi developed her skills and remained focused on her goal.
Hiromi’s father, impressed by her talent and devotion, gave her a job at the family restaurant. The word got out and soon Hiromi was a celebrated itamae-san in her own right. This story, illustrated with soft watercolors, will fascinate readers of all ages and serve as an inspiration for pursuing one’s dreams. Barasch provides an author’s note as well as sushi terms and techniques to supplement the story.
