Kira-Kira

2005 Newbery Award

Kadohata, C. (2004). Kira-kira. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

1. What did I like or dislike about the book?

I like the way the sisters in this story are so close and how the family makes the best out of bad situations. Kira-Kira is about a Japanese family trying to make ends meet while raising three children in the 1950's and 1960's. The parents endure long hours and horrible conditions working in a chicken plant to make a living so they can buy their own home. The children basically have to take care of themselves because they rarely see their parents. The oldest daughter becomes ill and eventually dies. The main theme in this book is to look for beauty in everyday things. The Japanese word, "kira-kira" (pronounced "keera-keera") means "glittering." Lynn taught Katie to look at the world as a place that glitters. They used the word to describe the stars in the sky, the ocean, people's eyes, and even colored Kleenex. The family endures poverty, prejudice, and death but remains a close-knit family.

2. What in my life may have influenced my reaction or response to this book?
I am an only child, so I always wanted to have a sibling. I was touched by the love and friendship that the three siblings had for one another, especially the relationship between Katie and Lynn. In addition, my dad always taught me to look at the glass as half-full. This is similar to the way Lynn taught Katie to look for the glitter (kira-kira) in everything.

3. How would I compare this book to another book or books?

Though the story line is not at all alike, a comparison to The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd, comes to mind. The Secret Life of Bees is also a "coming of age" story about a 14-year-old girl named Lily, who also experiences death and prejudice. She is taken in by a family of African American sisters, who eventually form a strong family relationship with her.

4. What new thing did I learn about children's literature in reading this book?

I learned that sometimes the age levels that authors and reviewers feel are appropriate for a book can vary widely. According to Amazon.com and their included reviewers, the recommended age level for Kira-Kira was listed anywhere from 9 to 14 years old. I feel that the book would be best read by an older youth, possible 14-16 years old due to a few sexual references.

Reference:

Amazon.com (2009). Retrieved July 25, 2009 from http://www.amazon.com/.