Kira-Kira

by Cynthia Kadohata

Book Overview

A Japanese-American family struggles to build a new life in the Deep South of Georgia in this luminous novel, winner of the Newbery Medal. kira-kira (kee' ra kee' ra): glittering; shining Glittering . That's how Katie Takeshima's sister, Lynn, makes everything seem. The sky is kira-kira because its color is deep but see-through at the same time. The sea is kira-kira for the same reason. And so are people's eyes. When Katie and her family move from...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689856393
• ISBN13: 9780689856396
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 10 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 9

Customer Reviews

A touching story

"Kira-Kira" is not like most other books; instead of a linear narrative with a clear plot, conflict, climax, and resoloution, this story reads in a more sprawling, nonlinear way. I had heard that it felt like a memoir, and this is definitely true; the first-person narrative only adds to the feeling. Yet still, as main character Katie recounts her life as a young Japanese American growing up in Georgia in the early '60s, the events along the way are at times very funny, often sad, and always captivating. The main theme is Katie's relationship with her sister Lynn, as the two girls alternately come together and drift apart, but "Kira-Kira" also touches on poverty, discrimination, and coming of age. It's a wonderful book, whether you're looking for a meaty read for younger kids or a breezy one for teens.

Kira-Kira

I had read this book in 5th grade (currently in 6th) and enjoyed every bit of it. Everyone thinks this book is for teens but to me it was fine. It's true the book does get a bit depressing, still it goes at a good pace and its not boring at all. Newberys never lie, i reccomend this book for 9 up though

Beautiful, Funny, and Sad

I read this in one day. I couldn't put it down. The writing is beautiful, the characters are likeable, and the sense of time and place are authentic. This is a wonderful story of a Japanese-American family and its struggle with prejudice, poverty, and disease. The book has humor and sadness, but ultimately it left me feeling joyous. I loved it.