An inspiring Hi-Lo story for emerging readers from the Gemma Open Door Series.

In Japan, nothing is more familiar than the neighborhood post office with its bright, welcoming windows and big red box in front. The post office has been Siya’s favorite place since she was a child. Now a young woman, she is delighted to have a job at the Shindori Post Office in Shizuoka City, even though it is temporary.

But her boss is a jerk. Born in Japan of a Japanese father and an Indian mother, Siya looks just a little different. The boss won’t believe she is a native speaker and gives her a hard time every day! To add to her worries, a motorbike bandit is stealing money from elderly customers who use post offices to do their banking.

Shindori Post Office is right on the Tokaido Road, an ancient path that follows the sea. As Siya explores her new home in Shizuoka City, she finds history hidden away in this modern city. She is strong, and she notices things. One day, as she stands on the old road with modern cars zooming by, the motorbike bandit strikes. And what Siya does next surprises everyone…even herself!

The Gemma Open Door Series features storytelling by best-selling authors and important voices for new readers. A story doesn’t have to be big to change ‎our world‎.‎ ‎

Greta Gorsuch