The Hafu Child- An insight to multicultural childhood
As Featured in GRAZIA MAGAZINE
Written at the time of publication
My second published book, The Hafu Child, was a very special project for me. The book is about growing up between two cultures and trying to understand where you belong.
A “hafu” is a Japanese term commonly used to describe someone of mixed heritage. In The Hafu Child, we follow Maria, a young girl with Japanese and English heritage, as she navigates her school years and begins to understand what it means to be different.
Growing up, Maria finds herself trying to balance two sides of her identity. She wants to fit in with her predominantly white classmates, while at the same time learning to appreciate and embrace the Japanese heritage that makes her unique.
The story draws on my own experiences of growing up between two cultures and knowing what it feels like to be different from those around you.
I wanted to create a book that children from mixed and multicultural families could relate to a story that might help them recognise their own experiences and, most importantly, feel proud of all the different parts of who they are.
Through the love of family and a special friendship, Maria gradually finds the confidence to express her love for Japan and embrace her heritage.
I hope The Hafu Child can encourage children to celebrate their cultures, their families and the things that make them unique.
It was a real privilege to see this story become a published book, following my first book, Hare and Tortoise Have Counselling.
The Hafu Child by Maria Claridge
Link to book for Amazon.UK here
Link to book for Amazon.com here
ISBN-13 : 979-8699088065
Little me
Maria 慧 Claridge is half-English and half-Japanese and was born in Lymington, England. She wrote this book hoping to help children feel not so alone when feeling a bit different. She also wishes to promote Japanese culture and the importance of embracing who you are.
An amazingly lovely book for children (and adults) to read.