On Being Yukiko

Two of Canada’s most notable Japanese Canadian artists, Jeff Chiba Stearns and Lillian Michiko Blakey, come together in an exciting graphic novel collaboration to tell an intergenerational story on family history and cultural identity.

Through the blending of two unique artistic styles, Jeff’s cartoony Hapanimation and Lillian’s mixed media realism, 12-year-old Emma learns about her Japanese roots when her Ba-chan tells her the true-life story of her great-great grandmother Maki, a Japanese picture bride, who journeyed to Canada at the turn of the 20th century.

Through Maki’s story of extreme perseverance and sacrifice, having been interned and then deported to Japan after WWII, Emma discovers a deeper connection to her Japanese Canadian identity, on being Yukiko.

Categories: Children's & Young Adult, BIPOC, Asian Canadian Literature, Graphic Novel & Non-Fiction

Audience: Grades: 4 To 7 / Ages: 9 to 12

Also suitable for Middle School and High School curriculums

Additional information
Year of publication: 2021
56 pp; hardcover
26.75 x 17.75 cm
In English 
A Meditating Bunny Studio Inc. publication