Scan barcode
ethereal_ki's review
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
frida_kahlo's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
molly_dettmann's review
5.0
Forced in an internment camp this is the story about how the author’s maternal grandparents found love despite unjust confinement based solely on their race. You have to read the author’s note. Such a sweet story that does not shy away from the circumstances it came from.
bookfan1414's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ruthiedr89's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Grief, Violence, and Confinement
Minor: Emotional abuse, Confinement, Gaslighting, Violence, Police brutality, and War
anikafuloria's review
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
dorothy_gale's review
5.0
5★: SCHOLASTIC TRIED TO CENSOR THIS BOOK‼️ I read an NPR article on this book in April and immediately put it on hold at my library. Sadly I’ve had it floating around the house for three weeks, waiting for a time to preview it before reading with my kids. Life finally slowed enough for me to read it today AND I felt guilty that 16 people were waiting for it. I was going to just read it myself and return it without sharing with my kids. I write this review for them, for myself, and for anyone willing to read it to the end.
The book, published by Candlewick Press (who I intend to soak-up later), will likely be the shortest one I read this year at 28 pages (mostly illustrated because it’s a “Children’s” picture book.) It’s inspired by the author’s grandparents’ true story that took place right here in the Pacific Northwest in the 1940s. There is a lovely photo of them in the back. School Library Journal categorizes the book for grades 1-4; Kirkus Reviews says ages 7-10. I’m Grade 20ish, age 45. I will be returning it to the King County Library System (which has 28 physical copies) today before my kids have a chance to read it. Because after writing this review, I’m going to find a local bookseller to BUY A COPY for my family. Then I’m going to recommend it to ALL of my peeps. Then I might even log on to my barely-used social media accounts to advertise it. Then I’m going to check to see if my kids’ school has copies, followed by the school district. Culture Wars, Censorship, and Book Bans, I’M COMING FOR YOU‼️
THEN I’m going to check out Scholastic’s Career page to set up job alerts because I think they need more BIPOCs on the inside. I’m going to reach out to Candlewick and thank them for having the ⚽️
The book, published by Candlewick Press (who I intend to soak-up later), will likely be the shortest one I read this year at 28 pages (mostly illustrated because it’s a “Children’s” picture book.) It’s inspired by the author’s grandparents’ true story that took place right here in the Pacific Northwest in the 1940s. There is a lovely photo of them in the back. School Library Journal categorizes the book for grades 1-4; Kirkus Reviews says ages 7-10. I’m Grade 20ish, age 45. I will be returning it to the King County Library System (which has 28 physical copies) today before my kids have a chance to read it. Because after writing this review, I’m going to find a local bookseller to BUY A COPY for my family. Then I’m going to recommend it to ALL of my peeps. Then I might even log on to my barely-used social media accounts to advertise it. Then I’m going to check to see if my kids’ school has copies, followed by the school district. Culture Wars, Censorship, and Book Bans, I’M COMING FOR YOU‼️
THEN I’m going to check out Scholastic’s Career page to set up job alerts because I think they need more BIPOCs on the inside. I’m going to reach out to Candlewick and thank them for having the ⚽️
bldinmt's review
4.0
This is a moving memoir about a shameful facet of American history--Japanese internment camps during WWII. It is also a celebration of the power of both love and reading. The inclusion of a guard tower looming beyond the library window throughout was a poignant anchor for the place and time of the story.
The Author's Note minces no words in a way that rocked my socks off. Here's a taste. "This is not to say that it was 'worth it.' Their improbable joy does not excuse virulent racism, nor does it minimize the pain, the trauma, and the deaths that resulted from it. But it is to situate it into the deeply American tradition of racism."
The Author's Note minces no words in a way that rocked my socks off. Here's a taste. "This is not to say that it was 'worth it.' Their improbable joy does not excuse virulent racism, nor does it minimize the pain, the trauma, and the deaths that resulted from it. But it is to situate it into the deeply American tradition of racism."