Yoko
When Yoko brings sushi to school, her classmates are not sure about the food. This story follows how a teacher’s attempt at an international food day helps the class learn about different cultures.
Yoko by Rosemary Wells is estimated to take about 7.5 minutes to read aloud (623 words, about 2 sentences a page), and it lands best with children aged 4-6.
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- Estimated read-aloud time
- about 7.5 minutesEstimated read-aloud time
- Word count
- 623Counted words
- Sentences per page
- 2Sentences per page
- Re-read tolerance
- 3/5holds up
- Vocabulary level
- 3/5a few new words
- Best for
- Ages 4-6Our editorial fit
Our review
This is an honest look at how children can react to things that are different. Rather than a lecture, it shows the social reality of trying to bridge cultural gaps in a classroom.
It’s a great book for talking about diversity and how to be an inclusive friend. It doesn't shy away from the awkwardness of social situations, which makes it feel very real.
Themes
- lunch
- being different
- Japanese-American families
- school
- friendship
Books like Yoko
Matched by refrain, density, length, and listener—not just the subject.
Danbi Leads the School Paradeabout 4.5 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
The Day You Beginabout 7.5 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
Marisol McDonald Doesn't Matchabout 7.5 minutes estimated · 3/5 re-read
Wemberly Worriedabout 6.5 minutes estimated · 3/5 re-read
School's First Day of Schoolabout 9.5 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
Questions parents ask
How long does it take to read Yoko aloud?
About 7.5 minutes at an unhurried pace, including a standard allowance for page turns, pictures and participation, from a word count of 623. Stopping for a longer conversation on every page will add more time.
What age is Yoko actually for?
Ages 4-6 in our testing, which is narrower than the publisher's range. With 2 sentences a page and vocabulary at 3 out of 5, it asks for that much attention span and no more.
Does Yoko survive being read on repeat?
Yes, reasonably. It stays bearable through the repeat-request phase without becoming a favourite forever.
Can a beginning reader read Yoko on their own?
Not yet. At vocabulary level 3 out of 5 and 2 sentences a page, it is a read-aloud book rather than a first solo read. Read it to them now, and hand it over in a year or two.
What themes does Yoko cover?
We tag it with lunch, being different, Japanese-American families, school and friendship. Those are the threads that actually run through the book, not just the ones on the cover, which is how it earns its place on our themed lists rather than a keyword match.
