Green Oranges: A Journey into Honduras to Find Redemption, Hope, and Transformation

by Shin Fujiyama

Shin Fujiyama grew up as an ordinary Japanese-American kid in the suburbs of Virginia. As a small-statured immigrant, he questioned his self-worth—until he found soccer. Cut after mere months on his college team, his sense of direction dissolved as quickly as it formed.

When Shin saw a flyer for an international volunteer trip to Honduras, he took a chance. One week and his perspective was transformed. He returned to Honduras, determined to accomplish something no one believed he could end the cycle of generational poverty and gang violence in a riverbed shantytown.

In Green Oranges, Shin tells the story of how he, a naive outsider in a world of murder, extortion, and crushing poverty, created a village for the orphaned and homeless. Starting with nothing in a country with the highest homicide rate in the world at the time, Shin confronted his deepest insecurities and repeated failures, building schools for children with no prior access to education and revitalizing a community. As powerful as The New York Times’ bestsellers Thirst and The Promise of a Pencil, Green Oranges is a raw memoir of how one man, against overwhelming odds, inspired thousands to accomplish the extraordinary for the poorest of the poor.

Genres: Nonfiction

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2025

Reviews

[Catherine Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thankful to have been involved with and shaped by SHH in college as a volunteer and chapter leader. Reading Shin’s memoir was fascinating, inspiring, and nostalgic for me. Thank you, Shin, for writing down and sharing these stories and reflections.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.

Every time I thought my heart couldn't possibly take any more, Shin Fujiyama managed to show me how wrong I was. This is a beautiful, honest and inspirational journey that he thankfully shared with the world. I will carry this book with me for a long time.

I hope it continues to find its way into the hands of those who need a little bit of inspiration.

[Katie Mulder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be a bit biased, but as someone who has heard many of these stories before, reading them impacted me almost as much as hearing Shin tell them in person. One Thousand Schools (formerly Students Helping Honduras) has been through some really rough times—from extortion threats to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shin details how the organization has gone from surviving to thriving, and rightfully credits the organization’s Honduran team for keeping it alive.

I feel incredibly lucky to be one of thousands of sidekicks in Villa Soleada’s story. Here’s to #1000schools ❤️🇭🇳

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green Oranges

I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. This is my honest review.
I actually really enjoyed the book. I selected it because I teach immigrant students English in the US and many of them are from Honduras so it helped me better understand what challenges many families face. Very well written and an enjoyable read.

[Hannah Frankel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of reading Shin Fujiyama's memoir and the details of where One Thousand Schools and Shin's story began. An inspiring yet also honest and self-reflective account of the successes and lessons learned in leading a nonprofit. The road to doing good in the world can be daunting and, at times, discouraging - but it can also lead to collective hope, shared purpose, and lasting change built together with the communities served. Shin's memoir shows the power of what simply caring and persevering can achieve!

[Paige Hildebrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could barely put it down! Easily going to be the best nonfiction book I’m going to read in 2025.

I laughed, I cried, I felt so inspired throughout the book. It paints such a realistic picture of life in Honduras and what can happen when a community comes together to create a better life for not just themselves, but for generations to come.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍊 Green Oranges: A Journey into Honduras to Find Redemption, Hope, and Transformation by Shin Fujiyama

A memoir that peels back layers of despair to reveal the pulsing, hopeful heart of service.

🌎 Review
**🌱 Roots of Compassion: Fujiyama’s journey—from CNN Hero to co-founder of Villa Soleada—unfolds with raw humility, showing how privilege and purpose collide.

**🔥 Transformative Encounters: The children of Honduras aren’t just subjects; they’re teachers. Their stories (like the book’s title) twist expectations into profound metaphors.

**✊ Grit & Grace: No sugarcoating here—the struggles of nonprofit work (funding droughts, cultural clashes) are laid bare, making every small victory electric.

**📖 Narrative Alchemy: Blends memoir, travelogue, and call-to-action seamlessly. Chapters on “failed” trips and unexpected redemption arcs are standouts.

**💡 Spark to Act: More than inspiring—it’s convicting. Readers will itch to volunteer, donate, or at least question their own complacency.

⭐ Star Breakdown (0–5)
Authenticity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) (No performative heroism—just honest sweat-and-tear storytelling.)
Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) (A gut-punch of hope; tissues recommended.)
Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) (Early chapters simmer, but the climax soars.)
Visual Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) (Honduras’ colors, smells, and sounds leap off the page.)
Urgency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) (A post-read “do something” hangover is guaranteed.)
Overall: 4.7/5 - Like biting into a green orange—startlingly tart, then unexpectedly sweet.

🙏 Thank you to Shin Fujiyama for the advance review copy. Pair with Mountains Beyond Mountains for a complementary dive into humanitarian tenacity.

(Note: The audiobook, narrated by Luis Selgas, adds visceral depth—Honduran accents and all.)

[Becky BEHRENS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book! It shines a light on the situation for children and families in Honduras. We've all heard the news about all the people crossing or attempting to cross the border into America, but I doubt many understand the severity of the situation and what they have endured.
This story will wake you up. It will pull you in and not let go, even after you have finished reading it.
Told honestly and with candor, Shin takes us into the homes, communities and lives of some incredible people. Thank you Shin for introducing me to them, and for sharing your knowledge and inspiration.

[S. A.M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read accurately depicts the reality of the situation in Honduras and how many children and adults alike experience poverty. Much of the information contained in this book is the reason why I will always love and defend what the United States stands for. I was born and raised there and access to education provided the opportunities to be in this country. God bless the author and what he continues to do for children and education in Honduras. Loved this book.

[Stevejs298 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I toggled between despair and elation, hopelessness and hopefulness while reading this book. The work that Shin Fujiyama, the other Honduran and foreign volunteers are doing is remarkable. Extraordinary courage displayed by many in this story. The importance of honor, honesty and justice to enable a society to thrive cannot be overstated.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went to Honduras a handful of times throughout college with SHH. I’m happy shin shared the behind the scenes. It definitely shaped me into becoming a social worker. Visiting the state orphanage was a life changing experience and I think of it often.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋