Akira comes from a traditional Japanese family and comes to live with the Homers, an Australian family in Hobart, to learn English. The Homers have experienced a family tragedy that makes sharing their lives difficult, but common humanity brings relief in a story with strong characterisation. Designed as a long letter written almost a year later, when Akira has long returned to Japan, this sensitive teenage novel tackles problems such as cultural difference, friendship, understanding, and shared grief. Readers share the emotions 19-year-old Akira feels when moving from strange outsider to beloved friend.

1. Cross Cultural Relations
2. Family
3. Resilience
4. Respect