Dream, Annie, Dream

In 1987, Japanese American Aoi Inoue (better known as Annie Enoway, "which people seemed more comfortable with"), dreams of being on stage. And after catching the basketball bug from her father, despite not even reaching 5'3", Annie is also excited to try out for a team. Though the girl is a dreamer like her optimistic dad--who's a big believer in the American dream--her down-to-earth mother never fails to remind Annie that her aspirations may not be realistic, instead encouraging a career in math and science. Nevertheless, Annie makes the basketball team and continues to pursue theater at every opportunity. The 12-year-old's chance onstage comes when she stars in her school production of The King and I, but a story spreads that she was only cast as the lead in the Siam-set show because she's Asian. Not only that, the rumor comes from an unexpected source, forcing Annie to grapple with whom she can trust as well as with the microaggressions happening all around her Kansas hometown. With encouragement from the school's theater director, Annie channels her hurt and confusion into the next production, determined to prove the naysayers wrong. Brown (While I Was Away) paints a realistic picture of one Japanese American child's experiences growing up in a mostly white town. Annie's arc is an uplifting one as she traverses the highs and lows of friendship, middle school, and family expectations to fulfill her dreams, despite the bigoted thinking of people around her. An author's note details inspiration for the work. Ages 8-12. Agent: Penny Moore, Aevitas Creative Management. (Jan.)

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This is a captivating coming-of-age story of determination. Brown eloquently addresses the history of Asian immigration, microaggressions, the model minority myth, stereotyping, and the impact of the lack of representation. An eye-opening, inspiring story of growing up, facing obstacles, and chasing your dreams anyway.—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)