Happy birthday

Author: Kazuo Aoki
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: This book is a novel about psychological issues in children's growth. After its publication in Japan, it comforted and healed the hearts of one million people. The author has long been engaged in children's psychological counseling, gaining deep insight into the world of children's minds and familiarity with their life states. The issues addressed in the book—such as discrimination due to poor academic performance, bullying of the weak in school, and the inability to make choices according to one's own will—genuinely reflect the mindset of children in real life, resonating strongly with readers. Children regard this book as "one that adults must read," strongly urging their parents and teachers to take a look as well.
The protagonist of the book, Asuka, grows up in a family devoid of warmth. Her older brother excels in studies, and all her mother's hopes are pinned on him. Asuka is constantly overshadowed by her brother. On her eleventh birthday, her brother unintentionally says, "It would have been better if you had never been born," leaving Asuka devastated. How does Asuka regain her confidence and courage in life, find her voice again, and start speaking once more? How does she face the various difficulties and problems she encounters at home and school? How does she spend her twelfth birthday?
A kind yet resilient teenager, a journey of self-growth; the rediscovery of her voice, the brightening of familial bonds—through Asuka's anger and forgiveness, and through her search for happiness and love, let us explore the true meaning of life together!
This book is a novel about psychological issues in children's growth. After its publication in Japan, it comforted and healed the hearts of one million people. The author has long been engaged in children's psychological counseling, gaining deep insight into the world of children's minds and familiarity with their life states. The issues addressed in the book—such as discrimination due to poor academic performance, bullying of the weak in school, and the inability to make choices according to one's own will—genuinely reflect the mindset of children in real life, resonating strongly with readers. Children regard this book as "one that adults must read," strongly urging their parents and teachers to take a look as well.
The protagonist of the book, Asuka, grows up in a family devoid of warmth. Her older brother excels in studies, and all her mother's hopes are pinned on him. Asuka is constantly overshadowed by her brother. On her eleventh birthday, her brother unintentionally says, "It would have been better if you had never been born," leaving Asuka devastated. How does Asuka regain her confidence and courage in life, find her voice again, and start speaking once more? How does she face the various difficulties and problems she encounters at home and school? How does she spend her twelfth birthday?
A kind yet resilient teenager, a journey of self-growth; the rediscovery of her voice, the brightening of familial bonds—through Asuka's anger and forgiveness, and through her search for happiness and love, let us explore the true meaning of life together!