STRIKETHROUGH TITLES

Through Eyes Like Mine (2010) is the story of a childhood told through the present-tense voice of Nori Nakada. Born to a Japanese American father and German-Irish mother in rural Oregon, Nori’s family becomes increasingly diverse when they adopt a six-year-old boy from Korea. She struggles to find comfort within a family, a community and a world that is both simple and complex. By examining her family's silences, she begins to understand life, death and her own identity, inviting the reader to recall the world through eyes like mine.

Overdue Apologies (2012) is the the follow-up to Noriko Nakada's early childhood memoir, Through Eyes Like Mine. This book explores the world of middle school where an adolescent Nori continues the story of her evolving family. She enters a new world where teenage friendships and coming-of-age shift her developing sense of identity. Nori's sharp perspective captures universal teen moments and takes the reader back to the excitement and challenges of growing up. 

I Tried (2019) explores what it means to be a young woman of color growing up in rural America. In the final installation of the Through Eyes Like Mine series, Nori teeters on the edge of adulthood and navigates shifting expectations of her community, family, and herself. I Tried examines the challenges and isolation a multiracial feminist girl faces in small-town America. 

The Truth About Secrets (2024) Hazel Kight Witham

It is 1987, and Hazel is in sixth grade. Three things consume her: how to be Pretty when she’s not allowed makeup, how to be Cool when she’s just not, and somehow getting her crush to ask her out. Oh, and one more thing: keeping her biggest secret.

Today is supposed to be the day when her crush chooses between her and another girl. It’s supposed to be the day that she sneaks makeup to feel Pretty, and tries to find Cool somewhere in all her awkwardness. Instead, it’s the day that three girls approach her and say the words she didn't realize she was dreading: "Can I Ask You Something?"