 | Blossom and the firefly Author: Smith, Sherri L. | |
| Price: $8.19 | ||
Summary:
Told in two voices, seventeen-year-old kamikaze pilot Taro and fifteen-year-old war worker Hana meet in 1945 Japan, he with no future and she, haunted by the past. Includes historical notes and glossary.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: UG Reading Level: 5.20 Points: 10.0 Quiz: 509570 |
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 01/01/2020 In 1945 Japan, Hana and Taro are dealing with the horrors of war, Hana by working to support the soldiers, and Taro by preparing himself to die for his country as a kamikaze pilot. The teens meet just before Taro’s assigned mission, and they find comfort and understanding in each other. Chapters alternate between Hana’s and Taro’s perspectives and frequently include flashbacks to the years before the war. Music was integral to their lives then, and both wonder how it will fit into their existence if they survive. Smith’s beautifully written book examines the strength and limits of patriotism, while also being a quiet portrait of deep love. Moments between Hana and Taro capture both an intense, youthful longing and the wisdom of recognizing their connection will live beyond these fleeting encounters. This is the kind of high-stakes love story that will leave readers stressed and sighing in equal measure, yet grateful to have seen the portrait of these two lives. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.
