There should be something for every kind of reader on the 2024 Sakura Medal List. This diverse list of books was selected by the Librarians’ of Japan during the May 19, 2023 meeting. To learn more about the Sakura Medal Program click on hyperlink: Sakura Medal Website

Print Books Available in the ASIJ ES Library

Multiple copies of the titles below will be available for checkout in the ASIJ Elementary Library. Most titles will be available on the SORA app. When borrowing books on the SORA app you have 14 days to finish the book. As a courtesy to others, please return the eBook or audiobook using the “options tab” on your SORA bookshelf when you finish.

Picture Book Nominees

Graphic Novel Nominees

Chapter Book Nominees

Chapter Book Plus Nominees

Most of the Sakura Medal Books are available on the SORA app as eBooks and/or audiobooks.

SORA Login Information

Step 1: Select School – The American School in Japan

Step 2: Select Patron Type – Parent OR Faculty/Student

Step 3: Log In

Step 4: Tap the Explore tab (binoculars icon). 

Step 5: Tap Open Book or Open Audiobook to read or listen to the book. Tap Options to renew or return the book.

Step 6: Go to the SORA bookshelf icon and click on OPTIONS to return a book early or to renew a book.  

SORA Username & Password Information for Students & Faculty:

Username: ASIJ Gmail account email

Example:   27jonesm@asijac.jp

Password: KG/Gr. 2 school selected password – contact your child’s teacher or help@asij.ac.jp ; Gr. 3 – 5 student-created “super secret password”.

SORA Username & Password Information for Parents:

Username: firstname.lastname (Example: jane.smith)

Password: The password is the Veracross Axiom ID of the parent – it should be a sequence of numbers (Example: 50213).

Parents with Green or Purple ASIJ Parent ID cards:  Go online to your Gold Card Membership, click on Family and your ID number will show there.