Selfies by Sumie - by A Y Hashitate (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In a world where likes and follower counts are everything, Sumie is thrilled when one of her videos goes viral and her wish to be an influencer comes true . . . until she discovers that fame comes at a high price. Perfect for fans of Click and New Girl, this heartwarming graphic novel shows the importance of being true to yourself over your followers.

After immigrating from Japan to the United States, Sumie decides the best way to start her new life is to document her experience as she becomes an American tween. Her friends back home think she's being ridiculous, but when the most embarrassing moment in her life sweeps the internet, Sumie's dream of being an influencer actually comes true! Suddenly, everyone at school wants her help in creating viral videos--especially since auditions for a popular kids' talent show are coming up and a million-dollar prize is on the line! Despite a rough start, Sumie finally feels like she's fitting in.

But basking in the limelight is not as fun as Sumie thought it would be. Between dealing with a mean girl who seems to have it out for her, keeping up with the high demand for her posts, and trying to calm her parents' fears that she's forgetting her Japanese roots, Sumie is being pulled in too many directions. At least she has a mystery friend in her DMs who is willing to support her through it all. If only she can figure out who they are in the real world . . .

Full of charming illustrations, this heart-filled graphic novel by debut creator A.Y. Hashitate highlights how hard it can be for a kid to be happy when she's more concerned with selfies than her true self.

Review Quotes

"High-spirited Sumie Takeshita is caught between worlds: Japan and the U.S., social media fame and the reality of middle school. Selfies by Sumie is an engaging, accessible, and funny (sometimes painfully so) graphic novel that every tween will relate to."
--Andrea Wang, Newbery Honor-winning author of Watercress

"Selfies by Sumie is a total delight! It's an accurate portrayal of arriving in a new country and trying to adopt its social customs to fit in. This is a charming book for anyone who knows the brutal balancing act between a new life and preserving your cultural roots. Sweet yet turbulent and honest."
--Jose Pimienta, creator of Twin Cities

About the Author

Annette Y. Hashitate is an author/illustrator from Japan. She has been drawing funny pictures and writing quirky stories since she was young. As an adult, she earned a bachelor's degree in visual arts from UC San Diego. She is now back on the journey she started as a child--telling stories through her art that appeal to a diverse audience. Selfies by Sumie is her debut.

You can visit Anetteat AYHashitate.com or visit her on Instagram @AYHashitate.