Family Programs with Oregon Reads Selection of Stubborn Twig by Lauren Kessler

Wonderful family events have been organized throughout the Portland-metro area to enhance the Oregon Reads selec- tion of Stubborn Twig by Lauren Kessler. While Ms. Kessler’s book is best suited to high school and adult readers, a list of related books for young readers appears on page 9 to give you many options to keep the whole family reading.

Stubborn Twig is the true story of three generations of a Japanese American family, spanning across the 20th cen- tury in Hood River, Portland, and Eugene. Libraries across Oregon are participating in many Japanese cultural and civil rights activities to provide enrichment for the book the Oregon reads. Please take advantage of these events and share others you discover so we can pass them on to the rest of our community.

Fish Prints

Use a real fish to create a relief print of your own with artist Cynthia Nawalinski.

Saturday, February 14, 11 a.m., Sellwood-Moreland Library

The Art of Anime & Manga: Japanese-Style Animation and Cartoon Drawing

Learn how to draw your favorite Japanese anime character, such as Pikachu and Totoro, and get general tips on how to draw Japanese-style cartoon characters.

Saturday, February 14, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2 p.m. Fairview-Columbia Library

The Lucky Teakettle

Emily Alexander combines puppetry and storytelling as she performs a new version of an old tale from Japan. Dis- cover what awaits the lucky teakettle! Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program.

Saturday, February 7, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 1 p.m., St. Johns Library

Orizomegami

Explore this traditional Japanese art form with local instructor Yuki Martin. Ori- zomegami is the art of folding and dying beautiful papers.

Saturday, February 7, 3 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 3 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2 p.m.,

Page 7 RICHMOND SHINBUN Portland Taiko

Portland Taiko shares the dynamism of Asian cultures through the thun- dering taiko and rich folklore of Asia. Blending contemporary composi- tions with ancient tradition, the ensemble combines exuberant perform- ances with audience interaction and participation.

Saturday, February 7, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, February 15, 1 p.m. Central Library

Tales of Japan

Tears of Joy Theatre presents two stories. In "Gift," Myoga and his comical goat meet a magical princess and learn that even a great and wonderful gift can have drawbacks. The classic folktale "Momotaro" is told using an array of rod puppets and audience participation. Free tickets for seating at both locations will be available 30 minutes prior to the program.

Sunday, February 8, 3 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2 p.m.,

Fujinami-Kai

Enjoy a performance of traditional Japanese dance called "Buyo" by Portland's Fujinami-Kai School of Dance.

Sunday, February 15, 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2 p.m.,

Japanese Traditional Koto Music

Mitsuki Dazai gives an introduction to Japanese traditions and culture through koto music. She explains the history of the music and the instrument, demonstrates techniques on the instrument, and performs.

Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m., Hillsdale Library

Shakuhachi Performance

Moonbridge recording artist and producer Larry Tyrrell is a composer and accomplished player of the shakuhachi. Enjoy a musical demonstration of the shakuhachi, a Japanese bamboo flute.

Tuesday, February 24, 6:30 p.m., Eth-Noh-Tec

Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo of Eth-Noh-Tec weaves together music and rhyth- mic dialogue to inspire the imagination and bring stories to life. Hear "Tricksters in the Family Tree" about three generations of the Kikuchi fam- ily. This story illuminates the question, "What is an American?"

Saturday, February 28, 11 a.m. Capitol Hill Library Saturday, February 28, 2 p.m. Gresham Library

Books for Kids to Extend Family Reading of Stubborn Twig

Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki

A Japanese American boy learns to play baseball when he and his family are forced to live in an internment camp during World War II, and his ability to play helps him after the war is over.

The Bracelet by Yoshiko Uchida

Emi, a Japanese American in the second grade, is sent with her family to an internment camp during World War II, but the loss of the bracelet her best friend has given her proves that she does not need a physical reminder of that friendship.

Flowers from Mariko by Rick Noguchi and Deneen Jenks

When she and her family are released from the Japanese American internment camp where they have spent the last three years, Mariko plants a garden to raise their spirits.

Heroes by Ken Mochizuki

Japanese American Donnie, whose playmates insist he be the "bad guy" in their war games, calls on his reluctant father and uncle to help him get away from that role.

Home of the Brave by Allen Say

Following a kayaking accident, a man experiences the feelings of children interned during World War II and children on Indian reservations.

The Invisible Thread by Yoshiko Uchida

Children's author Yoshiko Uchida, describes growing up in Berkeley, California, as a Nisei, second generation Japanese American, and her family's internment in a Nevada concentration camp during World War II.

Kids Explore America's Japanese American Heritage by Westridge Young Writers Workshop

Presents writings by students in grades three to seven on topics of Japanese American culture, including sports, cooking, history and art.

Pink Paper Swans by Virginia Kroll

Janetta, intrigued by the paper animals her neighbor Mrs. Tsujimoto makes, learns the art of origami and becomes Mrs. Tsuji- moto's hands when her arthritis makes it difficult for her to continue.

A Place Where Sunflowers Grow/Sabaku ni saita himawari by Amy Lee-Tai

While she and her family are interned at Topaz Relocation Center during World War II, Mari gradually adjusts as she enrolls in an art class, makes a friend, plants sunflowers and waits for them to grow.