By Joanna Harris, Teen Services Coordinator, D.C. Public Library
Spring in Washington, D.C. means cherry blossom trees in bloom, and for teens, school dances. Celebrate the season with these books about the iconic Japanese flowers, the culture they came from, things growing and first loves.
Picture Books
“Up to My Knees!”
by Grace Lin
Mei plants a seed and wonders how tall it will grow. Learn about math and gardening in this bright, colorful picture book by the multiple award -winning author, Grace Lin.
“Cherry Blossom and Paper Planes”
by Jef Aerts, illustrated by Sanne te Loo
Two best friends grow up together in a place where cherry blossom trees color the countryside. When one of them moves to the city, they both miss each other terribly. Cherry blossom seeds help them feel connected to one another. This touching story reflects on the beauty of nature and friendship.
Early Readers
“Pinkalicious: Cherry Blossoms”
by Victoria Kann
It’s the pinkest day of the year! Pinkalicious goes to a cherry blossom festival and is overcome with glee. Beautiful pink flowers are everywhere! Pinkalicious enjoys the flowers, as well as the kite flying and other activities at the festival. A fun, longer read for beginning readers.
“Sakura’s Cherry Blossoms”
by Robert Paul Weston and Misa Saburi
Sakura’s father gets a new job in America and moves Sakura and her family to the U.S. Sakura has a hard time adjusting to her new home at first, but things get easier when she meets a new friend. Her grandmother gets sick, and the family has to go back to Japan for a little while. When Sakura comes back to the U.S., she’s more homesick than ever. Luckily, her new friend knows just the thing to help remind her of home. This book is a great story about embracing new beginnings while still holding space for where you came from.
Middle Grade
“The Cherry Blossom Festival”
by Ann McClellan
This book provides an illustrated history of the significance of cherry blossoms in Japanese art and culture, cherry blossom festivals and how cherry blossoms came to be in Washington, D.C. Filled with photographs and high quality reproductions of Japanese artwork, it’s dense with information on the aspects of Japanese culture many young people find the most interesting, like mythology and samurai. It’s a great book to read or peruse before visiting the cherry blossoms on the National Mall.
“Patience”
by Rachel Williams, illustrations by Leonie Lord
“An anti -instant gratification book.” Williams tells younger readers about all the beautiful and wonderful things that come with time, particularly in nature. With softly colored and detailed illustrations by Leonie Lord, this book shows readers how apple trees grow fruit, how owls hunt prey, how coral grows and so much more. Sometimes, our world can seem so fast and busy; this book urges children to slow down and appreciate nature and things that take time.
Young Adult
“I Love You So Mochi”
by Sarah Kuhn
Kimi, a blossoming fashion designer who feels misunderstood by her mother, travels to Kyoto, Japan, to visit her grandparents. There, Kimi discovers family and a way of life both familiar and unfamiliar to her. She also meets Akira, an aspiring med student who dresses as a mochi mascot to help fund his future dreams. Kimi learns more about the world her mother left behind and starts to think about the one she wants to build for herself. A funny, sweet romance for teens in need of a light read.
“Once Upon a K-Prom”
by Kat Cho
Elena has no plans to go to prom this year. She’s more focused on activism and her work at the local community center. Besides, the fuss and frills of prom isn’t really her thing. But then, her childhood friend shows up at her front door looking to make good on a promise they made to each other long ago to be each other’s prom dates. The one catch? Elena’s childhood friend is now an internationally famous K-Pop idol. Lots of drama involving paparazzi, internet scandal and jealous fans ensues. A highly recommended title for teens with K-Pop fantasies.
