Title: Kira-kira / Cynthia Kadohata.
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, p2004, c2004
ISBN-13: 978-0-689-85639-6
ISBN-10: 0-689-85639-3
Interest/Reading Levels: Grades
5-8/4.9
Book summary:
Even with a wonderful word like kira-kira (Japanese for "glittering") to use, life is not always so beautiful. Endearing little Katie tells life from her point of view in this first person story about a Japanese family that face all the hardships of a long move, cultural differences, illness, death, and factory life in 1950's America. Katie's hilarious comments about how she sees life, her darling sister, her family and her world makes this the type of book that a reader does not want to put down.
My Thoughts:
My father's favorite comment, "out of the mouths of babes," certainly defines this lovable story. Katie's describes the world as she knows it with comments like, "She (mother) made him (father) food and rubbed his feet, and for this he let her handle all the money;" and "I could eat any kind of candy I wanted because I still had my baby teeth. If they rotted, I would simply grow more teeth. That was pretty great." I couldn't stop smiling as I read Kadohata's childlike verbiage and expressions. I thought I would laugh through the whole book until it took a turn at Katie's great loss. Katie facing the harsh reality of death and loss struck me to the core. This is one of those books that has become and instant favorite of mine. Anyone would read it again and again to disappear into another time and take an emotional journey with a beloved story character.
Library Toolbox of
Tips and Tricks:
Budgeting:
While
not the main theme of this story, money plays a large part in the difficulties
of Katie's family. She describes her family as "Japanese Poor" in
that they will not borrow money at any time. Katie and her sister find
the family money that was set aside to buy a home. They watch as that money
dwindles away when the family store closes.
- This story would be a good introduction into helping the students learn about community resources that are free of charge such as the library and library programs.
- Provide different ways students can find jobs in their community. i.e Newspaper, internet, community pinboards etc.
- Have students investigate education needed to obtain jobs in their community.
- Show students real estate of homes, apartments, etc. available for sale or rent in their community and create a budget with pay from jobs in their community.
Prejudices
and finding the “kira-kira” in life:
Katie and her family faced different prejudices being a Japanese family in the south. However Katie’s sister teaches her to look for
the “kira-kira” around her and to always look to the future with hope. Create a
“kira-kira” board in the hallway. Have students and families write or create
things to be posted about their community, race, families, friends, or lives
that they find “glittering and beautiful.”
References:
/cover?FLR=21201P5&SID=b15897f86889dd00bf18b9defa279455&
type=cover
No comments:
Post a Comment