Book Review: Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata
Posted By CarrieK on October 4, 2009
Title: Kira-Kira
Author: Cynthia Kadohata
Genre: YA historical fiction, multi-cultural fiction
Publisher: Atheneum Books
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Audiobook from the library
First line: My sister, Lynn, taught me my first word: kira-kira.
Kira-Kira
Kadohata has written a wonderfully simple story of a family, and yet within that simple story are themes like prejudice, workers’ rights, grief, parenting, and honor. I haven’t read much Japanese-American literature, but I was fascinated by the story of these parents trying to make a better life for their kids. My daughter Natalie read both Kira-Kira and Weedflower by Kadohata, and told me I should read them. She was right; I would not want to have missed out on this story. I will listen to Weedflower soon.
I don’t read much in the way of YA but this does sound really good, Carrie. I’m especially interested in books that touch on the immigrant experience. Thanks for the great review!
Literary Feline´s last blog ..Sunday Salon: Random Bookish Thoughts
Wendy – you’re welcome. It is very good.
I do love a good immigrant story and this sounds wonderful with the strong family bonds in it. Thanks for the review.
Kathy´s last blog ..Review: Ghoulish Goodies
Kathy – reading a story about a family who had it so hard makes me appreciate what we have.
Speak is the first YA I’ve read in ages, but his sounds like another for my list.
JoAnn´s last blog ..TSS: an abbreviated Sunday Salon
JoAnn – I hope you like it.
This sounds absolutely made for me. Thanks so much.
Beth F´s last blog ..Challenge: 100 Miles
Guess, what? I’m dowloading both these audios from my library right now! Thanks again for the review.
Beth F´s last blog ..Challenge: 100 Miles
Beth – that’s great that your library had them available for download!
This sounds like a great novel. Thanks for sharing your review.
A Bookshelf Monstrosity´s last blog ..Books By Theme: Supernatural Romance
Bookshelf Monstrosity – you’re welcome – thanks for stopping by!
I’ve been meaning to read this one for years. I’m glad you liked it! I’ve been toying with the idea of Newbery Challenge to encourage myself to read more of the winners and finalists.
nomadreader´s last blog ..illustrated novel review: the three incestuous sisters by audrey niffenegger
Nomad – that sounds like a great idea for a challenge! There are so many Newbery winners that I haven’t read.
[...] (Dad) ~ Book Review: The Magicians by Lev Grossman ~ Literary Road Trip: Author Lorie Ann Grover ~ Book Review: Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata ~ Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins ~ Book recommendations from a non-blogger #3 – [...]