Karen Kawamoto McCoy

I enjoyed reading this book! Personally, I wouldn’t use it as a read-aloud for an upper elementary class (3-5) but I would definitely use it for a read-aloud for a younger elementary class (K-2). The illustrations are slightly “childish” in the sense that they are innocent and are more relatable to younger students. Also, the storyline is much more relatable to younger students than older students. Usually the concept of the rest of the class helping one student who is having difficulty with the conclusion of the story is more juvenile. However, the overarching themes/messages of helping others and trying your best no matter what happens can be applied to anyone, student or teacher!
I also enjoyed this book because of its cultural essence and the extra background information given to the reader at the end of the book. The festival of Obon, the shamisen music, and the kachi-kachi sticks are all terms that most students are not going to be familiar with. Therefore, having the added information at the end of the story allows the students to know a little bit more about the story they just read/heard, and to research it more if they desire. I also like the addition of the Tanko Bushi (Coal Miner’s Dance) at the end of the book because if some students don’t want to read more about this particular culture or concept, they can dance it! This definitely benefits kinesthetic learners and will allow those students to see how different and/or similar their culture when compared to the Japanese culture!… (mais)

Summary:
"Bon Odori Dancer" is about a little girl who is in a dance class that is learning a traditional Japanese dance that they will perform at a festival. The narrator, Keiko, is having all sorts of trouble with the dance and at first, her classmates are laughing and making fun of her mistakes. A few girls offer to help her after class all of the days leading up to the festival. The girls worked hard together to support Keiko and make her feel comfortable. When it came time for the festival Keiko was extremely nervous and did not want to perform, but her classmates and now friends did not allow her to quit. The girls encouraged her and helped her make it through the dance. Although it was not perfect, Keiko had tried her very hardest and everyone was so proud of her, including those who had made fun of her in the passed.

Review:
When reading this book, I loved that the author integrated the Japanese culture into an activity so common as a children's dance class. Many children would be able to relate themselves to a dance class, and maybe even remember a time they may have learned a multicultural dance. I enjoyed the way that the author introduced Japanese culture in the beginning only by using the festival name and the character's names. This strategy can help to not overwhelm young readers with an excess amount of information that they may not understand.

Review:… (mais)