Author Yoko Kawashima Watkins Spreads Message at CMS

It was a rough year for Yoko Kawashima Watkins.

The author of So Far From the Bamboo Grove, the story of a Japanese girl who travels with her family from Korea to their home country, lost her sister Ko, whom she wrote fondly about in her novels.

However, Yoko, 78, told reading teacher Cynthia Astrom she would still make the trip here to talk to the seventh-grade students who read, and loved, her book.

(See photos and read about Yoko's visit last year by )

"She just loves the kids," said Astrom.

Astrom learned members of Yoko's extended family died in the March tsunami in Japan. "She lost a lot of people who meant a lot to her."

Reading teacher Sue Fortuna said Yoko said she "focuses on the people who are still here."

Yoko traveled to Cinnaminson this week to spread her message of peace, love and respect to seventh-graders. 

"I respect her for all the things she went through," said student Sophia Riviello.

Student Larae Tillery said she loved Yoko's stories, especially the one about seeing her father for the first time in several years; Yoko didn't recognize him as the same man.

"I learned not to give up," Larae added.

Student Jake Sanchez said he liked learning about her whole life story.

"She just kept going on," Jake said of all her hardships in life.

So Far From the Bamboo Grove is semi-autobiographical and takes place in the final days of World War II. Yoko and her family are forced to leave their home in Korea to travel south to be repatriated to Japan.

Astrom said the kids love the message Yoko gives and hang onto her every word.

"It's the most wonderful thing," Astrom said. "The reaction of the kids—their attention—just the way she can captivate everybody. I learn something new each year."

Last year, the Yoko Kawashima Watkins Award For Character was created. It's given to a graduating eighth-grade student who has qualities akin to Yoko's. This year’s recipient was Olivia Sorbello.

Last month, Yoko was honored with a proclamation from township committee. 

Yoko followed up So Far From the Bamboo Grove with My Brother, My Sister, and I, and Sophia, Jake and Larae said they want to read it next after hearing her speak in person.

"She didn't hide her emotions," Sophia said. "She showed us who she really was and she didn't screen it."

"It's not just a book I read for school," Larae said of So Far From the Bamboo Grove. "It's going to stick with me. I'm not just going to forget it."