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maryconnors6's review against another edition
4.0
The stories of those who survived the 1945 atomic bombings of Japan are rarely found in historical fiction and text books. Sachiko highlights this and the struggles that survivors faced. I wish the book had been longer and went into more detail instead of summarizing Sachiko’s experience.
jaij7's review against another edition
5.0
An incredibly difficult book to read but one of the most important I have ever read. From the ashes comes beauty. Sachiko is among the most amazing people I have read about. She is truly a survivor and a believer in peace. What a beautiful story. I feel everyone should read this book.
jwinchell's review against another edition
5.0
What is peace?
What kind of person should I be?
Keep pursuing answers to these questions.
These are the last words of this stunning work of nonfiction. Sachiko's voice is strong and pure, and agreeing to be interviewed for Stelson's meticulously researched book is one way she pursued answers to the questions.
I read Hersey's Hiroshima in 6th grade. While I've forgotten many of the details, the horrors of atomic weapons and war never left me. Sachiko's story brought back those ash-covered memories in a way nothing has since--and leaves me wanting to reread that work and to add more war and peace resources to our library collection (thankfully I can pull from Stelson's extensive source notes and recommended reads).
Absolutely required reading.
What kind of person should I be?
Keep pursuing answers to these questions.
These are the last words of this stunning work of nonfiction. Sachiko's voice is strong and pure, and agreeing to be interviewed for Stelson's meticulously researched book is one way she pursued answers to the questions.
I read Hersey's Hiroshima in 6th grade. While I've forgotten many of the details, the horrors of atomic weapons and war never left me. Sachiko's story brought back those ash-covered memories in a way nothing has since--and leaves me wanting to reread that work and to add more war and peace resources to our library collection (thankfully I can pull from Stelson's extensive source notes and recommended reads).
Absolutely required reading.
aoosterwyk's review against another edition
4.0
This was a personal look at the second atom bombing of Japan by the US, told through the eyes of a young girl, Sachiko. She describes life in Japan at the end of WWII, with the lack of food and other necessities. Her father works in the shipyard, so they see him daily, the family is very devoted to each other, and everyone believes Japan cannot be defeated even though the Americans are firebombing cities regularly.
The bombing of Nagasaki is America's plan B, but the consequences for the Japanese people and Sachiko's family are terrible. The book follows the family as they and their country suffer and try to recover from the fallout of war and the bomb.
Throughout the narrative, Sachiko finds inspiration in family and mentors. This adds a hopeful and positive feel to the story, despite the serious context.
The bombing of Nagasaki is America's plan B, but the consequences for the Japanese people and Sachiko's family are terrible. The book follows the family as they and their country suffer and try to recover from the fallout of war and the bomb.
Throughout the narrative, Sachiko finds inspiration in family and mentors. This adds a hopeful and positive feel to the story, despite the serious context.
nsusdorf's review against another edition
5.0
Last week, when reading a news release of the newest crop of ALA award winners, I looked for the Sibert winners. This award goes for outstanding informational text, and I teach several Sibert books already, including Bomb: The Race to Build - and steal - the World's Most Weapon. Bomb is a crowd pleaser each year with my students who are fascinated with both war and science. I saw that Sachiko was a Sibert honor book, and immediately ordered it. I do not regret it - This will certainly now be taught along side Bomb.
As a non-fiction book, it is certain to use all the text features important to teaching: photos, captions, direct quotes, glossary, maps, etc.
However, as a narrative nonfiction, it also tells the compelling story of what happened next, once the atom bomb that Oppenheimer and his team raced to build is dropped.
It also references many of the same historical figures and events that are in Bomb, which will enhance students' ability to understand and make connections. All in all, this is an excellent book that I cannot wait to share.
As a non-fiction book, it is certain to use all the text features important to teaching: photos, captions, direct quotes, glossary, maps, etc.
However, as a narrative nonfiction, it also tells the compelling story of what happened next, once the atom bomb that Oppenheimer and his team raced to build is dropped.
It also references many of the same historical figures and events that are in Bomb, which will enhance students' ability to understand and make connections. All in all, this is an excellent book that I cannot wait to share.
bookgirl4ever's review against another edition
5.0
On the National Book Award Longlist for Young People's Lit. and now a Sibert Honor Book, Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story is an endearing, honest and brutal account of Sachiko, who at the age of 6 lived through the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Only .6 miles from the point of impact, Sachiko miraculously survived her siblings. After years of physical and emotional healing, Sachiko found her voice to tell her story to the world. What a strong spirit! Sachiko's heroes were/are Helen Keller, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr.--all of whom I have come to love myself. Highly recommended.
Upper elementary/middles school/JHS
Upper elementary/middles school/JHS
willwork4airfare's review against another edition
5.0
Compelling and well-written narrative, and I loved the juxtaposition with the historical context. A beautifully designed an executed book. I read it on my computer and I would love to see what a hardcover copy looks like some time. Appropriate for younger children on up. I learned a lot and I'm glad I stumbled across this on my library app.