Vendor
	Mohrbooks Literary Agency Sebastian Ritscher
Original language
English
Categories
Children’s, Teenage & Educational
Weblink
http://akemidawnbowman.com

STARFISH

Akemi Dawn Bowman

A gorgeous and emotionally resonant debut novel about a teen who grapples with social anxiety and her narcissist mother in the wake of a crushing rejection from art school.

Kiko Himura has always had a hard time saying exactly what she's thinking. With a mother who makes her feel unremarkable and a half-Japanese heritage she doesn't quite understand, Kiko prefers to keep her head down, certain that once she makes it into her dream art school, Prism, her real life will begin.

But then Kiko doesn't get into Prism, at the same time her abusive uncle moves back in with her family. So when she receives an invitation from her childhood friend to leave her small town and tour art schools on the west coast, Kiko jumps at the opportunity in spite of the anxieties and fears that attempt to hold her back. And now that she is finally free to be her own person outside the constricting walls of her home life, Kiko learns life-changing truths about herself, her past, and how to be brave.

From debut author Akemi Dawn Bowman comes a luminous, heartbreaking story of identity, family, and the beauty that emerges when we embrace our true selves.

Akemi Dawn Bowman is the author of Starfish. She is also a Ravenclaw and Star Wars enthusiast, who served in the US Navy for five years and has a BA in social sciences from UNLV. Originally from Las Vegas, she currently lives in England with her husband, two children, and their Pekingese mix.

Available products
Book Published 2017-09-26 by Simon Pulse
Book Published 2017-09-26 by Simon Pulse

Comments

Adeep and engagingstory that will not only entertain but also may encourage readers to live their best lives

Moving.

A brave, unfiltered look into a young girl's attempt to find herself in the face of abuse and rejection. It will break your heart and then piece it back together again.

UK: Black & White Publishing ; French: Pocket Jeunesse

Tackling issues such as sexual abuse, suicide and racism, Akemi Dawn Bowman's debut YA novel is a tough read at times, but one that will speak to many teenagers, especially those with mixed-race backgrounds. It also asks clever questions about the meaning of family and relationships, and shows that it can be a good thing if life doesn't always turn out the way it was planned.

Bowman gives a powerful voice to silenced victims of sexual abuse through Kiko, whose transformation from meek and afraid into powerful and strong is incredibly moving.

Avibrant, complex and heartfeltstory about finding your place in a sharp-edged world that never makes it easy.

Akemi Dawn Bowman'squietly dazzlingdebut novel gave me the sensation of looking into a mirror. This story is a knockout, at once an incisive portrait of family dysfunction, a nuanced depiction of Asian-American adolescence, and an artist's vibrant coming-of-agea story so specific as to be universal. Brimming with confessional intimacy and the furious strength of empowerment,Starfishfeels like the ache of being lost and the relief of finding home.

Paste Magazine names Starfishas one of the best YA books of 2017 (she is listed at #2) saying: "The best YA debut novel of the year,Starfishis a book you absolutely cannot miss. Bowman's narrative is a challenging book to read, and that's what makes it so good. It's a heart-wrenching story that tackles abuse, racism and identity, making it one of the most compelling reads of the year."

Inan empowering novelthat will speak to many mixed-race teens, debut author Bowman has created a cast of realistically complex and conflicted characters.

*A Junior Library Guild Selection* *Bustle's New YA Novels from First Time Authors You Need to Read in the Second Half of 2017* *B&N Teen Blog's Most Anticipated Debut Novels of the Second Half of 2017* *Paste Magazine's 10 of the Best New Young Adult Books In September 2017* *Starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist*

This book is a gem.

Bowman evokes Kiko's quiet hurt, pain, and frustration withbreathtaking clarity, all the while reinforcing the narrative with love and hope. The storywill resonate deeply with readers who have experienced abuse of any kind, or who have been held back by social anxiety.Starfishis astunningly beautiful, highly nuanced debut.

STARFISH was just chosen as a 2018 Morris Award Finalist. This award, given by YALSA, is a huge deal in the YA community. They only choose 5 debuts a year and Starfishis nominated with some pretty impressive names. Read more...

Vividly captures the identity strugglesof a biracial young adult searching to find her place in two worlds.

Dazzling.

The Herald (Scotland) called it one of "The 4 Books To Read" * Cosmopolitan UK listed it as one of the Top Books To Read This Summer * Barnes & Noble Teen blog calls it "haunting and beautiful"

One of the mostcompellingreads of the year.