Hawai’i is blessed with a diverse population, in large part due to our sugar plantation history. Hard-working people from far away places as China, Portugal, Japan, Puerto Rico, the Korean peninsula, the Philippines, and Russia settled here, raising their families and contributing to what has become our unique local culture.
This is reflected in fifth-generation Japanese American Brandi-Ann Uyemura’s delightful debut picture book, I am a Bon Dancer.
It’s Obon season in Hawaiʻi, and our young protagonist is excited to attending her first festival. Accompanied by her beloved grandfather, Grandpa Jo, the young girl is immediately entranced by the sounds, sights and aromas of the Bon dance. Most of all, she is in awe of the graceful dancers who move together, clapping, sweeping their arms and stepping to the music.
Will she ever learn to dance as beautifully?
What follows is a tale as the little girl learns how Bon dances are connected to her ancestors. I was especially moved by the image of the young dancer with her Grandma Nat, who had worked as a field hand on a sugar plantation. Feeling love and encouragement, the girl gathers her courage, feels the music within her, and begins to dance.
The illustrations by Amy Matsushita-Beal are beautiful. Because Bon dances tend to be held during evening hours, the book’s scenes are saturated with deep blues to represent the evening sky. One of my favorite spreads shows the girl entering the for the first time. We readers share her wonder and excitement — the thumping beats of the drummers, the tall red and white striped tower strung with brightly colored lanterns, the tents beyond that hint of delicious treats.
Although Obon is a Japanese tradition, the illustrations include diverse faces. As a girl, I attended Bon dances with my Japanese language school classmates, so I appreciate that the dancers are an authentically accurate reflection of the open-to-all invitation of the festival.
I love back matter, and the material at the end of the book is very insightful. I particularly loved learning about Hawaiʻi’s Obon traditions and that new songs are created to reflect life here. Festivals welcome everyone in the community to join in. And as a future ancestor — no spoiler here — I admit the last line of the back matter brought me to tears.
As I always try to do with picture book reviews, I read the book aloud to my youngest grandchildren. The book’s words and art kept their attention the whole time, and they even cheered at the very last scene!
My second grader read the book twice in one sitting — always a good sign — and together we looked for videos of Bon dance festivals online. All the grandkids have decided that we are all going to the next Bon dance at the Hongwanji near my house.
That is the best recommendation I think a picture book can have: it engages children and inspires them to learn more about their neighbors — near and far — and their traditions. I am a Bon Dancer is a most worthy addition to your child’s bookshelf.
I am a Bon Dancer
Written by Brandi-Ann Uyemura, illustrated by Amy Matsushita-Beal
Holiday House, 2024
ISBN 978–0823452200
Suggested for ages 4 — 8
Catch up with author Brandi-Ann Uyemura as she shares her process in writing this book!
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Galley review copy and images courtesy of Brandi-Ann Uyemura.
