Rating: 3 out of possible 5 Teacher's Scale: A solid buy for school libraries or Scholastic fairs; great for those interested in yukata couture, Tokyo and queer love.
My Thoughts:
I originally picked this up for the title, but quickly discovered that Love in Translation is a curated series under the Joy Revolution brand (much like the Rick Riordan Presents imprint). Each book features a different author representing a different culture, following a similar "creative internship abroad" hook.
While the series follows a reliable formula--protagonist travels to a new country (Japan, France, India) meets a local guide, and finds both love and artistic success--this entry stands out as the only one featuring a queer protagonist. In all, love and creative success ensues.
What I loved most were the atmospheric details. The walks through Tsukiji Fish Market and Ginza felt incredibly authentic -- especially the glazed fruit skewers and tamago, which are staples of our own visits to Tokyo.
This is a quintessential "believe in your gifts" first-love story. While Lilyn faces the pressure of designing a collection that blends her goth aesthetic with traditional yukata couture, the conflict never feels heavy-handed. It's not angsty or stressful; instead, the story lives up to its title--it is soft and sweet as mochi.
From the Publisher:
Lilyn Jeong is living her best life—in Tokyo! She gets to learn from the legendary yet notoriously terrifying tailor Mrs. Matsumoto. Getting a glowing recommendation from her could be Lilyn’s ticket into her dream fashion school.
So when Lilyn is tasked with designing an entire collection, panic sets in. She has only weeks to figure out how to mix her goth aesthetic with traditional Japanese style. Thankfully, Mrs. Matsumoto’s rebellious, tattooed, rainbow-haired daughter Yua offers to help.
But going on cozy dates with this cute girl is way easier than sewing yukatas. Can Lilyn find a path forward in fashion and love? Or will she watch as everything falls apart at the seams?
So when Lilyn is tasked with designing an entire collection, panic sets in. She has only weeks to figure out how to mix her goth aesthetic with traditional Japanese style. Thankfully, Mrs. Matsumoto’s rebellious, tattooed, rainbow-haired daughter Yua offers to help.
But going on cozy dates with this cute girl is way easier than sewing yukatas. Can Lilyn find a path forward in fashion and love? Or will she watch as everything falls apart at the seams?
Publication Information:
- Author: Stefany Valentine
- Publisher: Joy Revolution
- Publication date: January 27, 2026
- Print length: 320 Pages
- Book 3 of 3
- Grade level: 7-9
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