INK AND ASHES

Valynne Maetani is a debut novelist from Utah. In a

former life, she was a project manager and developed educational software

for children with learning disabilities. Maetani is a member of the We Need

Diverse Books team and is dedicated to promoting diversity in children’s

literature.

“The novel’s twists and turns will keep readers riveted and guessing even

blend of action, intrigue, and teen romance.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred

review)

“Mystery lovers won’t be able to put down Maetani’s smartly written

sequel because it’s just that good.”—School Library Journal

“Full of character, culture, and suspense, Ink and Ashes is a fascinating read

with surprising new elements and a true heroine in Claire Takata.”—Ally

Condie, New York Times bestselling author of the MATCHED trilogy

How does Maetani use Claire’s letters to her father

throughout the book to demonstrate how Claire has

changed? How is Claire the narrator different from

Claire the letter writer? What do you think accounts for

this difference?

What reasons motivate Claire’s mother to keep the information about

her husband from her children? Is she selfish or selfless in keeping this

information? What would you do if you were in her position?

What are some signs that Claire’s father was a part of the yakuza?

What made the yakuza life attractive to Claire’s father? Do you think

his family and economic circumstances excuse or justify his decision

to join the yakuza?

Why might Claire’s father, Henry Sato, decide to become a judge after

leaving the yakuza? How might his experiences in the yakuza help

him in his new career as a judge? Is it appropriate for him to be a

judge? Do a judge and a member of the yakuza have similar visions or

interpretations of justice?

How does shame influence both Chase and Arakaki to hurt Claire?

What are the roots of their perceived dishonor, respectively? Why do

they think hurting Claire will help them find closure? Do you think

revenge can bring closure?

At several points throughout the novel, Claire struggles with whom

to trust. When her stepfather asks if she trusts him, she wonders, “If I

felt his love, did that also mean I trusted him?” Do you think that love

and trust are always the same? Is it possible to love someone without

trusting them, or without knowing the whole truth about them?

If Claire were to write one more letter to her father at the end of the

book, what do you think she would say or ask him? Do you think she

would forgive and accept him or has too much changed?

Maetani has said she wanted to create a book she never got to read: a

contemporary title with a Japanese protagonist. In your opinion, does

the book reinforce or shatter stereotypes of Japanese culture?

The book ends with most questions answered, but Maetani leaves the

door open for a sequel. Would you want to read a sequel to Ink and

Ashes? If so, what do you hope would happen in it?