Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Romantic coming-of-ager is funny, breezy, but genuine.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
TOKYO EVER AFTER is the story of Izumi, a senior in high school who grew up in a small town in Northern California never knowing who her father was. As one of the very few Asians in her town, she often feels like she doesn't really belong there. One day while snooping in her mother's room she finds a love poem written to her mother and dated the year she was born. The signature leads to an online search that reveals her father is none other than the Crown Prince of Japan. She reaches out to her father through an old friend of his, and the next thing she knows, Izumi is whisked off to Tokyo to spend a few weeks at the Imperial Palace getting to know her father and the rest of her Imperial family. There's an awful lot for Izumi to take in and learn, not the least of which is constantly being shadowed by the always-scowling but incredibly handsome bodyguard, Akio. It's a relief to be in a place where everyone looks like she does, but for some family members, and some media outlets, she's too American to belong there, either. Can Izumi find a way, or a place, to finally, truly belong?
Is It Any Good?
This is a fun, lively story with enough heart and humor to overcome the well-used fairy-tale, rags-to-riches storyline. Narrator Izumi's voice is genuine and funny, making her easy for teens to relate to. Romantic comedy fans will enjoy the unique settings and colorful, well-developed characters as they move through familiar story patterns and character arcs in ways that feel fresh, thanks to author Emiko Jean's strong writing.
Although it's overall light in tone and a pretty fast read, Izumi's experience as a Japanese American, and as an American in Japan, provide food for thought without disturbing the mood. Teens from any background will relate to her feeling that she doesn't fit in, and they'll root for her to find a way to be herself, wherever she happens to be. Readers of all types will also enjoy the sigh-worthy, sweetly funny romance, and the enticing descriptions of life in the Imperial Palace. Lots of strong language make it best for teens and up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the strong language in Tokyo Ever After. How much is too much in books and other media? Is it realistic, and does it make a difference if it is?
Is Izumi a positive role model? What are her character strengths and weaknesses? Did you like her?
What about the underage drinking? Is it realistic, and does it matter if it is? Are the consequences realistic? Are any dangers overlooked?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Flatiron Books
- Publication date : May 18, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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