While I Was Away

In this inspiring middle-grade memoir, Waka T. Brown recounts her experiences of being sent to 1980s Japan to reconnect with her cultural roots, facing the challenges of culture shock, language barriers, and fitting in as she navigates life with her strict grandmother and at her Japanese school. As she grapples with her identity and sense of belonging in a foreign land, Waka's journey offers a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and cultural connection.