Review: We Belong Here
We Belong Here by Frieda Wishinsky, illustrated by Ruth Ohi North Winds Press (Imprint of Scholastic Canada Ltd.), 2023 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Melissa Lasher We Belong Here deftly reminds readers of two simple yet essential ideas: Speak up. Be kind. Jewish Eve Bloom hates getting teased for being “born in another country.” When a new kid, Japanese Mark Nakamura, arrives and the school bullies turn on him, Eve defends Mark. The two become close friends, bonding over their outsider status and shared love of fanciful stories. But when Mark’s dad loses his job because of xenophobic co-workers/bosses, Eve worries that Mark will move away, and she’ll be plunged back into loneliness. Unless…she can find work for Mr. Nakamura. Over green tea and Eve’s mom’s rugelach, the two families commiserate about the urban immigrant experience. The Blooms offer Mr. Nakamura a job spiffing up their tired grocery store—which leads to other local businesses doing the same. The slew of jobs means