Naomi: The Strawberry Blonde of Pippu Town

I absolutely loved this book. It helped me learn about Japan and it encouraged me to change my mind about things I was anxious to do. Before I read "Naomi" I considered sushi to be quite gross, but now I wonder what it was in the first place that made me hate sushi because it looks so yummy! The book encouraged me to try new things, and now I really want to study abroad when I get older and learn different languages. In addition to a wonderful message, (keep an open mind and be ready to forgive people), the book is superbly written, with the characters being real and three-dimensional. Naomi is a great character, funny and witty, and her colorful host of friends and family make the book a joy to read. You may have a tough time getting your hands on this book, but it is definitely worth a read. I highly recommend it.

I think this is one of the best stories I have read in a long time. I like the story of Naomi because I have also had to move to Hong Kong from the United States. Like Naomi, I didn't want to at first, but now I really like living in Asia, and learning all about a different culture. Any person who has to move, especially to a faraway place, will enjoy this book.

when I read this book i was on my way to moving to the middle east from Canada. I could totally relate to everything Naomi was feeling and when I saw that she could adjust it made me feel like I could adjust too! And I have. This book helped me more than you can possibly know and I am very happy to have it. I reccommend this to everyone!

I enjoyed following the experiences of Naomi, a young girl who,not very happily, moves with her mother from Canada to Japan for a year. As she slowly opens herself up to the many diverse customs of a new country she also discovers many inner strengths which help her bridge the way into adolescence. The writing is subtle, informative and opens a window into a fascinating world.