Synopses & Reviews
John Dante is seventeen when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, and he wants to fight for his country. Then he falls in love with Ginny Burton, who is against all war, and his beliefs are suddenly and unexpectedly questioned. But rather than be judged a traitor or a coward, he enlists. “Rylants story is heartbreaking in its honesty; her controlled, elegant prose lends poignancy to the storys emotional depth. A love story, a coming-of-age tale, a book with a passionate anti-war message,
I Had Seen Castles is not to be missed.”--
Publishers WeeklyReview
[star]"Wonderfully spare language and imagery . . . poignant."--
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
[star]"Tantalizing. . . Rylant writes with passion and hearbreaking honesty."--The New York Times Book Review (starred review)
[star]"Heartbreaking . . . Not to be missed."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Synopsis
Just 17 when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, John Duane wants nothing more than to enlist. Then he falls in love with Ginny Burton, who is against all war. Fifty years later, John is haunted by memories of 1942.
Synopsis
Now an old man, John is haunted by memories of enlisting to fight in the WWII, a decision that forced him to face the horrors of war and changed his life forever.
Synopsis
John Dante is seventeen when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, and he wants to fight for his country. But then he falls head over heels for Ginny Burton, who is against all war, and his beliefs are suddenly questioned. Rather than be judged a traitor or a coward, though, John enlists--a decision that changes his life forever.
Includes a reader's guide and an inverview with the author.
About the Author
CYNTHIA RYLANT is a Newbery Medalist and the author of many acclaimed books for young people. She's well known for her popular characters for early readers, including Mr. Putter & Tabby and Henry and Mudge. She lives near Portland, Oregon.
Kids Q&A
Read the Kids' Q&A with Cynthia Rylant