A gorgeous and emotionally resonant debut novel about a half-Japanese teen who grapples with social anxiety and her narcissistic mother in the wake of a crushing rejection from art school. From debut author Akemi Dawn Bowman comes a luminous, heartbreaking story of identity, family, and the beauty that emerges when we embrace our true selves.
Kiko Himura has always had a hard time saying exactly what she's thinking. With a mother who makes her feel unremarkable and a half-Japanese heritage she doesn't quite understand, Kiko prefers to keep her head down, certain that once she makes it into her dream art school, Prism, her real life will begin. But then Kiko doesn't get into Prism, at the same time her abusive uncle moves back in with her family.
Kiko Himura has always had a hard time saying exactly what she's thinking. With a mother who makes her feel unremarkable and a half-Japanese heritage she doesn't quite understand, Kiko prefers to keep her head down, certain that once she makes it into her dream art school, Prism, her real life will begin. But then Kiko doesn't get into Prism, at the same time her abusive uncle moves back in with her family.
So when she receives an invitation from her childhood friend to leave her small town and tour art schools on the west coast, Kiko jumps at the opportunity in spite of the anxieties and fears that attempt to hold her back. And now that she is finally free to be her own person outside the constricting walls of her home life, Kiko learns lifechanging truths about herself, her past, and how to be brave.
In an empowering novel that will speak to many mixed-race teens, debut author Bowman has created a cast of realistically complex and conflicted characters. . . . Through art, Kiko gains a voice and finally understands that she is worthy, desirable, and talented. - Publishers Weekly, starred review
Bowman evokes Kiko's quiet hurt, pain, and frustration with breathtaking clarity, all the while reinforcing the narrative with love and hope. The story will resonate deeply with readers who have experienced abuse of any kind, or who have been held back by social anxiety. Starfish is a stunningly beautiful, highly nuanced debut. - Booklist, starred review
This book is a gem. - BookRiot
Author
About Akemi Dawn Bowman
Akemi Dawn Bowman is the author of Starfish. She's a proud Ravenclaw and Star Wars enthusiast, who served in the US Navy for five years and has a BA in social sciences from UNLV. Originally from Las Vegas, she currently lives in Great Sutton with her husband, two children, and their Pekingese mix.
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Frequently asked questions
Kiko Himura has always had a hard time saying exactly what she's thinking. With a mother who makes her feel unremarkable and a half-Japanese heritage she doesn't quite understand, Kiko prefers to keep her head down, certain that once she makes it into her dream art school, Prism, her real life will begin.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Starfish and determined it is suitable for children aged 15-18 years old
Starfish features in the following genres: Recommended Children's eBooks, Recommendations, Featured Books for Young Adults
Paperback, Hardback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
Starfish was written by Akemi Dawn Bowman and published by Ink Road an imprint of Black and White Publishing
Starfish has 343 pages
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
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