Jennifer Maruno Books

Facing the challenges of being the only Japanese student in her new school due to wartime policies, Michiko finds solace in baseball, where her skills shine. However, her identity is questioned when everyone assumes she is a boy. Caught between societal expectations and her passion for the game, she must decide whether to conform and quit or to embrace her talent and pitch with all her might, challenging both her peers and the prejudices around her.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story follows ten-year-old Michiko, who grapples with her Japanese identity after her family faces hardship following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. With the men away working on the railway, the women and children must navigate their new reality. Michiko's life begins to improve when a former Asahi baseball star becomes her teacher, helping her embrace her heritage and find hope amidst adversity.

The story follows nine-year-old Michiko as she navigates the harsh realities of being a Japanese-Canadian during a time of government-sanctioned discrimination. After her father is forcibly removed, she and her family embark on a difficult journey to the interior of British Columbia, where they confront local prejudice and endure a brutal winter. As she faces the emotional challenges of her first Christmas without her father, Michiko's resilience and spirit shine through in the face of adversity.

A little witch faces a challenge when her broom is ruined, but with the help of an unexpected friend and a determined spirit, she embarks on a journey to reclaim her ability to fly. This enchanting tale blends perseverance and magic, beautifully illustrated by Scot Ritchie, showcasing themes of friendship and resilience.

Set against the backdrop of the 2011 tsunami in Japan, this poignant story follows Hana and her family as they navigate the challenges of loss and resilience. The narrative explores themes of courage and strength in the face of overwhelming adversity, highlighting the emotional journey of a family striving to rebuild their lives after a natural disaster. Through their struggles, the book captures the profound impact of such events on personal and communal levels.

In a collage-filled world in which a child's beloved toy rabbits come to life to hang the stars and polish the sun, Jennifer Maruno and Miki Sato create a rhyming bedtime tale that is full of depth and rich colour.