Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Historical Fiction for Kids

Ok, let's talk historical fiction.  I am a big fan.  I love it when kids get caught in an engaging story with action and excitement, only to realize that they have actually learned something about a moment in history.  I call that a win/win.

Today I have a book by a master of the genre, Kirby Larson.  I have yet to read a book she has written that has not thoroughly engaged and charmed me.  Of course being a Newbery Honor winner is no small feat, so she does have some serious credentials on her side.  This latest offering is absolutely lovely and reminds me of books I would have devoured as a kid, but not old fashioned, I promise!

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Title:Dash

Author:Kirby Larson

Target: Grades 3-6

Series:No

What this book is about: 
Mitsi Kashino is a young girl of Japanese descent who is quietly attending school in Seattle when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurs.  She is swept up in the anti Japanese sentiments and forced to leave her home and beloved dog to move to the internment camps set up around the country.  This is her story of life in the camps for a Seatle born girl who had never even left the country, and how her dog remains her friend and companion, even though they are miles apart.

Why I love this book: 
I didn’t know much about the Japanese internment.  I remember my mother telling me of a family who had to move away from her neighborhood during the war, and after reading this story I wish she were still alive so I could ask her more questions about their experiences.  

Mitsi is a wonderful main character.  She is extremely likable as she tries to find comfort in her art, books and dog.  She sees her family changing in the camps and she wants to hold on to everything she knew.  Her letters to and from Dash, her dog, are a charming connection to life outside her captivity.

This book is one of those delightful historical novels that remind me exactly of what I read as a kid, but without feeling old fashioned.  I would have devoured this one as a tween and begged my mom for a dog. 

Who this book is for: 
Girls who like the American Girl historical books will immediately fall in love with Dash.  Kirby Larson does historical fiction for kids oh so well. 

Final thoughts: 
“Dash” out and pick this one up.  A winner.

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Dash  A portion of each purchase goes back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

1 comment:

  1. Thank you for this lovely endorsement of Dash! Mitsi and I both appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete