Ink and Ashes
Written by Valynne Maetani
Published by Tu Books
Claire Takata has never known much about her father, who passed away ten years ago. But on the anniversary of his death, she finds a letter from her deceased father to her stepfather. Before now, Claire never had a reason to believe they even knew each other.
Struggling to understand why her parents kept this surprising history hidden, Claire combs through anything that might give her information about her father … until she discovers that he was a member of the yakuza, a Japanese organized crime syndicate. The discovery opens a door that should have been left closed.
The race to outrun her father’s legacy reveals secrets of his past that cast ominous shadows, threatening Claire, her friends and family, her newfound love, and ultimately her life.
Primary ISBN: 9781620142110
Publication Date: June 2015
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 12 or older
Community Represented: Japanese/Japanese American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Accolades & Awards: Youth Media Awards, Coming of Age, Cross-Group Dating, Cross-Group Friendship, Family Relationship: Parents, Family Relationship: Siblings, Format: Audiobook, Generation: 1st, Genre: Mystery, Genre: Romance, Genre: Thriller, Mental Health, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Trauma & Healing, Trauma & Healing: Death of Family or Friend
Setting: United States (Utah)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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Source: Lee & Low Books