Bibliography:
Kadohata, Cynthia. Weedflower. 2006. New York: Athenuem Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689865740
Kadohata, Cynthia. Weedflower. 2006. New York: Athenuem Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689865740
Plot Summary:
Sumiko is a young girl of Japanese descent who was born in America. She is twelve years old when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor. Her family grows flowers in California, but after the bombing, is forced into an internment camp located on an Indian Reservation in Arizona. Growing up in California, Sumiko had always faced racism and prejudice. She had tried to make friends, but without much success. The internment camp would bring new and similar challenges.
Sumiko is a young girl of Japanese descent who was born in America. She is twelve years old when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor. Her family grows flowers in California, but after the bombing, is forced into an internment camp located on an Indian Reservation in Arizona. Growing up in California, Sumiko had always faced racism and prejudice. She had tried to make friends, but without much success. The internment camp would bring new and similar challenges.
Critical Analysis:
Although this story may not be too appealing out of the school context, I believe students studying World War II would find it a welcome change to the typically dry History curriculum. Kadohata also weaves in a lot of interesting facts about the Japanese. For example, did you know that Asians could not become American citizens? Because the story is set in the United States, it has more appeal to American kids. They will find it interesting to see how the Japanese were forced into internment camps in their own country. Even though the story line may not be of interest to those reading for leisure, Kadohata quickly captures the reader's interest in the second chapter. She draws the reader in with the question of whether or not the United States will enter the war and what will happen to the Japanese in America if they do. The reader wants to read on to see what will happen to Sumiko and her family. The perspective of a young Japanese girl on the issues of war and prejudice is a new and fresh one that young kids will be able to relate to and that cannot be found in a history book.
Although this story may not be too appealing out of the school context, I believe students studying World War II would find it a welcome change to the typically dry History curriculum. Kadohata also weaves in a lot of interesting facts about the Japanese. For example, did you know that Asians could not become American citizens? Because the story is set in the United States, it has more appeal to American kids. They will find it interesting to see how the Japanese were forced into internment camps in their own country. Even though the story line may not be of interest to those reading for leisure, Kadohata quickly captures the reader's interest in the second chapter. She draws the reader in with the question of whether or not the United States will enter the war and what will happen to the Japanese in America if they do. The reader wants to read on to see what will happen to Sumiko and her family. The perspective of a young Japanese girl on the issues of war and prejudice is a new and fresh one that young kids will be able to relate to and that cannot be found in a history book.
Review Excerpt(s):
Kirkus: "Like weedflowers, hope survives in this quietly powerful story."
Publisher's Weekly: "The contrast between the Native Americans' plight and that of the interned may enlighten many reader."
School Library Journal: "She is a sympathetic heroine, surrounded by well-crafted, fascinating people. The concise yet lyrical prose conveys her story in a compelling narrative that will resonate with a wide audience."
Kirkus: "Like weedflowers, hope survives in this quietly powerful story."
Publisher's Weekly: "The contrast between the Native Americans' plight and that of the interned may enlighten many reader."
School Library Journal: "She is a sympathetic heroine, surrounded by well-crafted, fascinating people. The concise yet lyrical prose conveys her story in a compelling narrative that will resonate with a wide audience."
Connections:
Have students read this work of historical fiction along with nonfiction material on World War II. Discuss the ways in which the United States is different and similar today. Discuss Sumiko's perspective on the war compared to others. Also, discuss what one can learn from a work of historical fiction such as Weedflower that cannot be learned from a textbook.
Have students read this work of historical fiction along with nonfiction material on World War II. Discuss the ways in which the United States is different and similar today. Discuss Sumiko's perspective on the war compared to others. Also, discuss what one can learn from a work of historical fiction such as Weedflower that cannot be learned from a textbook.
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