Made for More

ALA NOTABLE BOOK

This joyful exploration of immigration and nontraditional beauty pays tribute to the unique identity formed by a girl’s Japanese roots and Hawaiian upbringing. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners meets Your Name Is a Song.

From the shores of Japan to the coast of Hawai‘i, old customs are honored, new traditions blossom, and an exuberant narrator defies narrow beauty standards to embrace the skin she’s in and her life on the island of Kaua‘i. Triumphant text and radiant artwork encourage readers to challenge expectations and celebrate how identity and experience find their perfect expression in each of us.

“Made for More is like a warm hug. The generous openhearted text, in tandem with illustrations that are buoyant and intimate, create a reading experience that is reassuring and joyful. This book makes me happy.” - —Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medalist and author of Bee-bim Bop!

"In compelling, lyrical prose, Ward draws from her own family history and journey to self-acceptance to combat traditional East Asian beauty standards that idealize light skin. Abary’s digital illustrations in soft coastal hues pair beautifully with the story, subtly blending in Japanese visual elements with Hawaiian landscapes through patterns and textures. A radiant and joyful celebration of skin, family, and immigration." - Kirkus Reviews

“This charming picture book us[es] elegant similes to inspire young readers to love their skin and its imperfections. Young people who may be self-conscious of their personal appearance will appreciate Ward's message that our skin and personal appearance is the culmination of who we are.” - Booklist

“An effervescent picture book. Abary’s digital illustrations combine textures of airbrush, gouache, and ink to render distinctive mountainous landscapes in this sprightly work about how ‘I wasn’t made for the shade:/ I was made for more.’”

- Publishers Weekly

"Ward’s short sentences, full of alliteration, read like poetry. With soft textures and earthy colors, Abary’s digital illustrations blend Japanese and Hawaiian imagery. The melding of past and present ultimately makes this a story about 'old roots planted in new soil.'” - Horn Book Magazine