Read the INK Q&A with John Zogby and save 30% on The Way We'll Be: The Zogby Report on the Transformation of the American Dream.
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Read the INK Q&A with John Zogby and save 30% on The Way We'll Be: The Zogby Report on the Transformation of the American Dream.
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Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata
tchrenka, November 3, 2006
Title: WeedflowerAuthor: Cynthia Kadohata
Year of Publication: 2006
Genre: Historical Fiction
Sumiko, is twelve, Japanese- American, and living in California in 1942. She is an American girl, a Japanese niece, an orphan, a big sister, a hard worker, and a schoolgirl who wants to fit in. What makes Sumiko really special to the reader is that she feels like an old friend. In one of the book's most memorable scenes, Sumiko is asked to leave an event (I don't want to give it all away here) because she is Japanese. Her confusion, hurt and anger are touching and genuine. Her complicated life doesn't stop her from being an interesting person.
Before this story begins, Sumiko's life was turned upside down by the death of her parents. Now things are thrown into further disarray by the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. After a short time when no one seems to know what is happening but everyone is terrified, the family is sent to two different internment camps. Their orderly lives are made messy, with many questions and few answers. There are hopeful moments, like when their neighbor, Mrs. Ono receives a letter from a stranger telling her that her precious dog is being well cared for, and moments of despair like when her Native American friend Frank tells her that the government, "took our land and put you here." But mostly, this story highlights how people can manage to find small dignities even in undignified situations.
If you think kids books are just for kids, pick this one up and read it. Wow! Weedflower is more than a superbly written piece of historical fiction. It is a story with many layers, none of which Cynthia Kadohata feels the need to hits you over the head with. Ms. Kadohata allows her readers to know a real person with hopes, flaws, family and friends; and Sumiko is well worth knowing.
Favorite Quote: Mr. Moto said the fence ruined the ambience of the garden. Miss Kelly told Sumiko that ambience meant "atmosphere." Mr. Moto told Sumiko that atmosphere meant "the air in outer space." The camp dictionary was missing. Anyway, the fence ruined everything. p. 185
If you like this book, you might also like: Under The Blood-Red Sun by Graham Salisbury, Once On This Island by Gloria Whelen
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