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Author: Brandi-Ann Uyemura
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Illustrator: Amy Matsushita-Beal
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Pages: 32
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Size: 10.25" x 8.25"
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Published: 2026
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Cover Type: Hardcover
In I Am a Bon Dancer, a young Japanese-American girl is excited yet nervous for her first Obon Festival. Dressed in a colorful yukata, she’s ready to join the celebration, but when she sees everyone else already dancing, her shyness takes over. The lively beat of taiko drums and the glow of paper lanterns make her feel like all eyes are on her. But with the gentle encouragement of her grandfather, Grandpa Jo, she remembers that Obon is a time to honor the spirits of loved ones who’ve passed away. Imagining her Grandma Nat dancing with her, she finds the courage to join in, connecting with generations of ancestors who came before her.
A beautifully illustrated story of family, tradition, and overcoming fear, I Am a Bon Dancer celebrates the spirit of the Obon Festival and the bonds that tie us together across time.
