I chose this as a read-aloud for my incoming first grader and it was a great book. The chapters are the right length for a read-aloud and the story was a good one to share. I loved how the author writes about being Japanese American without making it over-the-top. In the story, Jasmine wants to enter the school's talent show but is worried she doesn't have a talent. Her mom and mom's friend teach her a short taiko song and Jasmine learns the value of practice, humility, and sticking with an activity to have success. ( )