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Hinako-Chan to Aruku Michi(4 volumes)
(Walking with Hinako)
Text by Naoko Okada
Ill. by Tao Maruo
Tokyo: Doshin-sha Publishing Co., 2002
144 pp: 206 x 154 mm
ISBN : 4-494-01329-3
Ages : 10+
Friendship, Disability, Self-reliance
Japanese Association of Writers for Children Prize 2003 |
This is a work of realistic fiction narrated by a reserved girl called Sachi. One day Hinako who experiences difficulty walking comes to Sachi’s school and joins Group 3. The group comprises 5 members including Koba, a carefree group leader, Ken who is the class representative, Yako, a school health committee member and Sachi herself. Koba embarrasses Hinako by teasing her and forcing her to play beach volleyball. Koba also declares that the group members should accompany Hinako to school everyday but Hinako’s slow walking pace means it is difficult for the group to get to school on time. When the class group go to pick mushrooms their progress is hampered because Hinako cannot climb the mountainous terrain. Hinako’s mother refers to the group as her daughter’s “friends” but Sachi herself is sometimes embarrassed and wonders if they are really true friends of hers. However, one day when Hinako is absent from school Sachi visits her and is surprised to hear her say, “Koba is nice!” Hinako is actually pleased with Koba’s attitude because he always tries to include her in whatever the group is doing. This touching story describes how Sachi, who is at first perplexed when faced with the differences Hinako’s disability presents, cultivates a lasting friendship.
Naoko Okada was born in Tokyo in 1961. After graduating from the Komyo School for Disabled Children and Fukazawa High School, she attended writing workshops sponsored by the Japanese Association of Writers for Children. She debuted in 1991 with Kaoru-ing which won her the Noma Prize for New Writers. Her works include Manatsu no SCENE (Midsummer Scene, 1993), Futarikko (Twins, 1994), Noto ni Kaita Nagareboshi (Shooting Stars on a Notebook, 1996), Naoko ni Naru Hi (A Day of Becoming Naoko, 1998).
Tao Maruo was born in Okayama Prefecture in 1953. Since graduating from Musashino Art University he has been active as a freelance illustrator. |
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