"I Am A Bon Dancer" by Brandi-Ann Uyemura

Available from Kobo Shop & Gallery when we last checked. Sold from the shop’s own store; the price there is the one that counts.

A Japanese-American girl at the Obon festival is too shy to dance—until her encouraging grandfather reminds her what's being celebrated. I thread each arm through my peach sleeves. Grandpa Jo ties the bright yellow sash around me. I check to make sure the paper flowers in my hair are on just right. I am ready for my first Bon dance festival! It's a young Japanese-American girl's first time at the "Festival of Souls," one of the largest Buddhist festivals. It's just like her grandfather described