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On Being Yukiko - Graphic Novel
About 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.
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By Jeff Chiba Stearns & Lillian Michiko Blakey
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
REVIEWS
"Beautifully told and illustrated. What a gift to Japanese Canadian history.”
JOY KOGAWA, AUTHOR OF OBASAN
"A powerful story of heritage and identity that both illuminates Japanese Canadian history and looks forward to a future of intergenerational healing."
- ANNE CANUTE, DIGITAL CREATOR, GRANDCHILD OF JOY KOGAWA
“Captures the essence of the experiences of Japanese Canadians in such an engaging manner that it will truly resonate with the younger generation.”
ART MIKI, PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESE CANADIANS 1984-1992
“A familiar story about learning where you came from and connecting with your heritage.”
ALEX MIKI, CHAIR OF THE NAJC YOUNG LEADERS COMMITTEE, GRANDDAUGHTER OF ART MIKI
"On Being Yukiko is a beautiful woven story of intergenerational knowledge, Japanese Canadian heritage with plenty of heart... It captures our human desire for place while reminding us of the wisdom, strength and courage of our ancestors. Many thanks for Jeff & Lillian for adapting a personal story and through visual arts turning it into a treasure for us all."
SETSUKO SUNAHARA, BA-CHAN &
TAMO CAMPOS, GRANDSON AND PROFESSIONAL SNOWBOARDER, ACTIVIST
“On Being Yukiko is a complete story about our experience. I am so pleased that my great grandchildren will be able to learn from Yukiko's story.”
MARY KITAGAWA, ACTIVIST, EDUCATOR