A book of starting over and regrowth

I liked this book. The narrator was very good and the story is one that needs to be told. Many of us have forgotten the treatment of the American Japanese citizens in California during WWII. This book was told from a child's view point and didn't demonize the government, but simply told the story of what happened through a fictional character. It also touches on the treatment of the American Indian. Both of these are difficult topics that I think the author handled very well. This is a good book for everyone to read, but I think it would be especially good in the middle school setting.

3 people found this helpful

Issues with chapter selection

When I select the chapter it does not correlate with the paper copy chapters. Makes it difficult to follow along and find my place.

This sucks

It was good the first day when I bought it and it read wherever I wanted to go but now it only read the first chapter

Awesome way to address a difficult topic with students !

I process the topic with students as thoroughly as I am able. Because Sumiko is of middle school age it is easier for students to relate to her challenges. Students go on an emotional roller coaster with the main character. There is compassion, frustration, anger, and Japanese guilt for main character. Most students can relate to the emotions but not the intensity. A well written story to start the discussion about the tragedies of wartime.