Himawari House
Trio explores Tokyo and dreams in perceptive graphic novel.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Himawari House is an award-wining graphic novel that focuses on three young women in contemporary Tokyo. They support each other in romance, work, and school. Written and illustrated by Harmony Becker, it employs a variety of styles to tell its story of dislocation and identity. There's one use of "bastard," one of "s--t." One episode of drinking alcohol. Some scenes of young men and women in bed with no tops.
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What's the Story?
As Himawari House opens, gap-year student Nao returns to Tokyo to explore her Japanese roots. She books a year-long stay at a share-house, where she meets scholarly Hyejung and pragmatic Tina, as well as two enigmatic brothers. Together, they explore the city and compare it to their hometowns, remembering boyfriends, schoolmates, clashes with parents, and much more. It's a lot to pack into one year, but changes come right up to the 12th month.
Is It Any Good?
Funny, smart, and tender, this perceptive graphic novel will speak to anyone who's tried to make herself heard in the world. Comics are a good medium to explore language, and this coming-of-age tale finds unique ways to mix prose and vocabulary of multiple languages. Author-illustrator Harmony Becker portrays his characters' quest for fluency and the heartbreak it sometimes causes. The art is beautifully expressive, the dialogue humorous and sharp. Himawari House is an exciting destination for anyone interested in graphic novels, Asia, and young adulthood.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Himawari House depicts communal living in contemporary Japan. How are the young women able to pursue their goals?
How does language change in biracial communities? Is there a "right" way to speak?
Hyejung is estranged from her parents because of her move to Japan. How can parents and children have better communication in times of stress?
Book Details
- Author: Harmony Becker
- Illustrator: Harmony Becker
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Cooking and Baking, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication, Curiosity, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: First Second
- Publication date: November 9, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 18
- Number of pages: 380
- Available on: Paperback, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: December 18, 2022
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