Bento Box in the Heartland

Author: Linda Furiya

Bento Box in the Heartland is the coming-of-age story of a young girl's struggle to assimilate as the only Asian student in her Indiana school. Each day, as she takes out her lunch, Linda feels self-conscious about her parents' insistence on sending their native Japanese cuisine in her lunch box. Looking around, she realizes that her lunches are always different from those of her peers. Yet at the same time, the rice balls that her mother packs bring much comfort and delight to her. Each chapter closes with a recipe of one of the author's most treasured meals. But Bento Box in the Heartland is more than a story about food. More importantly, it is the story of a young woman trying to find herself as the only Asian student in a Midwestern community during the 1960's. In addition, it is the story of growing up with immigrant parents, trying to figure out who she is, and growing to understand her parents' connection to Japan better. Beautifully written, Bento Box in the Heartland is a fantastic collection of stories, recipes, and self-discovery.

Year Released: 2006

Grade 6-12