Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny, fierce romance explores belonging, fitting in.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
FROM LITTLE TOKYO, WITH LOVE is the story of 17-year-old Rika, who often lets her anger get the best of her. She's never felt like she belongs with her adoptive family, even though she knows they love her. And as the child of a Japanese American mother and White father, she's never really felt a part of tight-knit Little Tokyo community of Los Angeles, either. Until she meets Henry, an up-and-coming movie star, on the same day a strange event makes her think her mother might actually still be alive. As Rika and Henry try to piece together the clues to Rika's past, they start to fall for each other. But Rika has a hard time believing anyone, especially Henry, is actually willing to put up with her, much less really love her.
Is It Any Good?
Veteran author Sarah Kuhn delivers a funny, touching story of a fiercely passionate young woman's quest to find out if her mother's alive, and to find a place where she belongs. From Little Tokyo, With Love is also populated with colorful, believable characters with strong, positive Asian American and LGBTQA+ representation, which give a refreshing feel and perspective to the story. Many YA main characters struggle with fitting in and feeling like they belong, but what makes Rika unique is that it's her always-just-under-the-surface anger that she thinks is her greatest weakness, and what keeps her from feeling like she belongs where she is. Teens will relate to her as she discovers that anger doesn't always have to be a negative feeling.
The romance itself follows a pretty conventional story arc, and the plot has some minor holes here and there. But they're not serious enough to bother readers who'll enjoy the humor; the narrow escapes; and the sense of discovering lesser-known but still amazing landmarks, locations, and communities around Los Angeles. Strong language and brief but passionate sexual activity make it best for teens and up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about representation in From Little Tokyo, With Love. Why is it important to have diversity in media and pop culture?
What about the strong language? How much is too much? Is it realistic? Does it make a difference if it is or not?
Is Rika a good role model? What are her character strengths and weaknesses? Who was your favorite character, and why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Viking
- Publication date : May 11, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 432
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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