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Debbi Michiko Florence

    This author crafts compelling narratives for young readers, often exploring themes of identity and belonging through the lens of Japanese American experiences across generations. Their writing style is engaging and accessible, bringing to life relatable characters navigating family, culture, and self-discovery. The stories are characterized by a warm voice and a keen understanding of childhood challenges and triumphs. These books offer a blend of humor and heart, celebrating heritage while encouraging personal growth.

    Jasmine Toguchi, Flamingo Keeper
    Toby the Dog
    Jasmine Toguchi, Brave Explorer
    Dorothy and Toto the Disappearing Picnic
    Kingston the Great Dane
    Jasmine Toguchi, Peace-Maker
    • 2024

      The Fisher Boy

      A Japanese Graphic Folktale

      In this enchanting adaptation of a classic Japanese folktale, a young fisher boy named Urashima Taro saves a magical turtle, leading to an adventure in an underwater palace with a beautiful princess. The story explores themes of reward, family, and the passage of time, culminating in a surprising return home. Presented in an engaging graphic novel format, it features accessible text and illustrations, making it ideal for both new and seasoned graphic novel readers. This book is part of the Discover Graphics: Global Folktales series.

      The Fisher Boy
    • 2023

      This Is How I Roll: A Wish Novel

      • 288 pages
      • 11 hours of reading
      4.1(184)Add rating

      Dreaming of becoming a renowned sushi chef, Susannah Mikami faces obstacles as her father refuses to teach her his culinary secrets, leaving her to wonder if it's due to her gender or fear of embarrassment. Determined to prove herself, she teams up with Koji, a charming boy who helps her create online cooking tutorials. As they navigate the challenges of sneaking around and lying to her parents, Susannah must confront the pressures of her ambitions and the risks of deception in pursuit of her dreams.

      This Is How I Roll: A Wish Novel
    • 2023

      Accompanied by drawings from Elizabet Vuković, Debbi Michiko Florence writes a beautifully heartfelt and richly humorous eighth book in the Jasmine Toguchi series. Eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi is now an expert on travel and doesn't want summer to end! In this final book chronicling her family vacation in Japan, she visits Kyoto. And wowee zowee, on this vacation there is still lots more to see. This is their last stop, and Jasmine is thrilled to be enjoying the city with her older sister, Sophie, and her Obaachan who teaches her how to live in the moment. Sad to see their trip coming to an end, in true Jasmine fashion, she hatches a plan – involving vegetable seeds, a pink flamingo, and lots of love – to feel connected to her Obaachan even when she’s back in the United States.

      Jasmine Toguchi, Great Gardener
    • 2023

      With more than 150,000 copies sold, the award-winning Jasmine Toguchi chapter book series starring a spunky Japanese American heroine returns with four new standalone books set on a family vacation in Japan! Eight-year-old Jasmine and her family travel to Hiroshima to visit her grandma and cousin Akari. After finally building a good relationship with her older sister, Sophie, Jasmine couldn't be more excited to spend time together in Japan -- and make a new friend in Akari. But Akari seems to only want to play with Sophie, and Jasmine's jealousy threatens to upend their visit. Can Jasmine befriend Akari and keep the peace? With humor and warmth, Debbi Michiko Florence tells a relatable story of new experiences, family drama, and kindness at every corner. Paired with Elizabet Vukovic's playful illustrations, readers can't help but root for Jasmine as you explore Japan alongside her.

      Jasmine Toguchi, Peace-Maker
    • 2023

      With more than 130,000 copies sold, this award-winning chapter-book series starring a spunky Japanese American heroine returns with four new standalone books set on a family vacation in Japan! Toothbrush? Check. Her special journal? Check! Eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi—flamingo fan, tree climber, and top-notch messmaker—can hardly wait for her family vacation to Japan, and by the time their plane finally touches down, she’s ready to dive into their new adventure. There are so many things to see in Tokyo: Ramen Street, which she learns is not a whole street made of ramen; old temples with fancy gates; and Tokyo Tower, where you can even spot Mount Fuji on a good day. But when they arrive, Jasmine finds herself unable to get away from her older sister Sophie’s crabby attitude. Plus there's so much about Japan she didn't know, and she seems to be getting in trouble right and left. Will Jasmine be able to cheer up her sister AND find her footing in a new country? With her trademark humor and warmth, Debbi Michiko Florence weaves family drama and a fun introduction of Japanese culture into this delightful next chapter in Jasmine's world.

      Jasmine Toguchi, Brave Explorer
    • 2021

      Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai

      • 304 pages
      • 11 hours of reading
      4.1(488)Add rating

      Fans of Lauren Myracle and Wendy Mass are sure to fall head-over-heels for this funny, sweet story of crushes, competition, and the confusing reality of middle school. Heartbreak is for suckers. When Jenna Sakai gets dumped over winter break, it confirms what she learned from her parents' messy divorce: Relationships are risky and only lead to disappointment. So even though she still has to see her ex-boyfriend Elliott at newspaper club, Jenna is going to be totally heartless this semester -- no boys, just books. But keeping her cool isn't always easy. Jenna's chief competition for a big journalism scholarship is none other than Elliott. Her best friend Keiko always seems busy with her own boyfriend. And cute-but-incredibly-annoying Rin Watanabe keeps stealing her booth at the diner she's been hiding at every day after school. Rin is every bit as stubborn and detached as Jenna. And the more Jenna gets to know him, the more intriguing a mystery he seems. Soon Jenna is starting to realize that being a loner is kind of, well, lonely. And letting people in might just be a risk worth taking.

      Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai
    • 2021

      Niki Nakayama: A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites is a picture book biography that tells the story of the powerhouse female Japanese-American chef and her rise to fame As a child and adult, Niki faced many naysayers in her pursuit of haute cuisine. Using the structure of a traditional kaiseki meal, the authors Debbi Michiko Florence and Jamie Michalak playfully detail Niki's hunger for success in thirteen "bites" — from wonton wrappers she used to make pizza as a kid to yuzu-tomatillo sauce in her own upscale Los Angeles Michelin-starred restaurant, n/naka. To anyone who tells her a woman can't be a master chef, Niki lets her food do the talking. And oh, does it talk. Niki was featured on the first season of Netflix's culinary documentary series Chef's Table. And Chrissy Teigen proclaimed that Niki's restaurant was one of her absolute favorites. She's currently a featured teacher on MasterClass. A smart, strong woman with starpower, Niki is only just getting started — like the young readers who will devour this book, featuring illustrations by Yuko Jones!

      Niki Nakayama: A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites
    • 2021

      Fans of Wendy Mass and Lisa Greenwald are sure to fall head-over-heels for this sweet story about first crushes, friendship drama, and finding the courage to stand up for yourself. Seventh grade is supposed to be a game changer. And Keiko thinks she's got it covered, especially with Audrey and Jenna by her side to shop for a new look, pick out a prime lunch spot, and even hit up that cute new bubble tea place after school. Her trio is ready to tackle life as they always have... together. But when Audrey decides they need boyfriends before Fall Ball, it looks like things may be changing in all the wrong ways. Jenna is sick of caving in to Audrey's demands, and soon Keiko's besties are barely talking, leaving her caught in the middle. While she's been dreaming about triple dates, first kisses, and a boy she really shouldn't have a crush on, the friendship she's always thought was rock-solid is beginning to crumble. Keiko feels pulled in two directions. Should she try to help her friends -- even if it means losing one of them -- or follow her heart? When it comes to flirting, friendships, and fallouts, how is Keiko supposed to keep it all together?

      Keep It Together, Keiko Carter: A Wish Novel
    • 2020

      Tiki the cockatoo is the Takano family's newest foster pet and thanks to her ear-splitting screeching, the entire neighborhood knows it! Eight-year-old Kaita has to pull out all the tricks to keep the feathered squawker calm and content and find Tiki a forever home before everyone goes crazy! Giggle-inducing illustrations and 1st-person narration bring this noisy early chapter-book adventure to life.

      Tiki the Cockatoo
    • 2020

      A new foster pet, someBUNNY special, has arrived at the Takano house, and eight-year-old Kaita is over the moon! But Roo isn't lick-your-face friendly like the dogs Kaita's used to fostering, and she soon wonders if she'll ever be able to break the ice and find the skittish mini lop a forever home. The chapter book is a charmingly illustrated lesson in patience, narrated by Kaita herself.

      Roo the Rabbit