Kira Kira

Cynthia Kadohata vividly describes the hardships and struggle of an immigrant’s
family in 1950s. Thos book tells us to keep good faith in love in a selfless way. The
story will touch everyone’s heart, especially the ones of hundreds of immigrant
families. Like Katie’s.
After I read this book, I realize that Katie is the most important and bravest
character in the story. When Lynn is ill, Katie is the one who takes over the
responsibilities to take care of Lynn and her brother, Sammy. In fact, Katie can be
found in everyone’s family that is filled with a lot laughter and tears shared together.
When Katie’s parents finally bought the house for the family, Lynn became ill
and died at the end. It’s an irony of life. We work hard to improve our living
condition; however, we have no control of our own destiny. The hope we see in this
book is the strong bonding among all family members. Even though Lynn is gone, the
love and faith stay.

Cynthia Kadohata vividly describes the hardships and struggle of an immigrant’s
family in 1950s. Thos book tells us to keep good faith in love in a selfless way. The
story will touch everyone’s heart, especially the ones of hundreds of immigrant
families. Like Katie’s.
After I read this book, I realize that Katie is the most important and bravest
character in the story. When Lynn is ill, Katie is the one who takes over the
responsibilities to take care of Lynn and her brother, Sammy. In fact, Katie can be
found in everyone’s family that is filled with a lot laughter and tears shared together.
When Katie’s parents finally bought the house for the family, Lynn became ill
and died at the end. It’s an irony of life. We work hard to improve our living
condition; however, we have no control of our own destiny. The hope we see in this
book is the strong bonding among all family members. Even though Lynn is gone, the
love and faith stay.

Reader reviewed by AB

Kira Kira has to be one of the cutest books ever written.
It is a story about two sisters who just love each other as sisters should love each other.
They don't hate each other but just apperciate the fact tat they are sisters.
Ond day the oldest  sister gets very ill .
They younger sister is really quite depressed and dosen't know how to live without her i she will die.
 I will not spoil the ending but it is in fact the cutest books ever out there.

Reader reviewed by Anonymous

Kira-kira means sparkling in Japanese, a very important word to Katie ever since her older sister, Lynn, taught it to her when she was little. Lynn has always guided Katie through her problems, such as moving from Northern Iowa to Southern Georgia in the 1950's, where Japanese-Americans aren't always treated fairly. Unfortunately, Lynn soon becomes sick with what is later diagnosed as Anemia, an iron-deficiency of the blood. Although this isn't as big of a problem now, in the 50's and 60's it wasn't as easily managed. Lynn is always tired and weak, and Katie must learn to deal with her struggles mostly on her own.
What I like the most about this story is that Katie and Lynn's relationship as sisters is very important to each of them, and it was really touching. I also liked how the story told and showed how the two of them dealt with racism, because I understand what it feels like to be treated that way.
In conclusion, this book is a great book to read, even if you're an adult or a kid. It's also a good story if you have a sister or brother and have a close connection (or even if you don't). I liked the way it was written, too :P

Reader reviewed by Bella

Kira-Kira is a story about a young Japanese-American girl named Katie and her sister Lynn.Katie loves her sister,and their love for each other is obviously mutual.But the tables turn when Lynn gets a terrible disease,which temporarily hurts the sisters' relationship with each other.

This book is triumphant and tearful,and I think it is a wonderful book because of its realism.Racism,disease,and change is a part of life in the 1950's (and still is now,believe me,I know)and Katie shows that.You will laugh-and cry from this story,so bring some tissues!

With all my heart and soul,I totally and completely recommend this book!

Reader reviewed by Cheryl

This book follows the saga of a Japanese-American family who are convinced to move from their Mid-western farm and store to the 1950's south by the dad's brother. It is told from the point of view of the younger sister, who idolizes her older sister.

The south isn't a rosy as Uncle has painted it. Dad and Mom are soon working extremely long days in a chicken processing plant. The older sister becomes mysteriously ill, and the youngest sister is almost failing school.

The book culminates in a very unhappy ending, and left me saying, "No that can't be the way it ends!"

With that said, Kira Kira is an extremely well-written book. The author is very good at pulling her audience into the story and caring about the characters. I also believe that the portrayal of Japanese-American culture in this book is important and needs to be shared. And while the ending is certainly not happy, it is necessary in this particular story.

Reader reviewed by Keali

I swear over a bookstore that if you do not read this book then you are totally missing out on the best book of your little life. It is amazing and suspensful which makes one of my favorites.

Reader reviewed by Bookworm9

"Kira-kira," told through the eyes of unassuming middle child Katie, is about a Japanese-American family in the 1950's and 60s. When the family moves from Iowa to Georgia, they are met with new prejudices. Shunned at school and all but neglected by her parents, who have to work all the time in order to afford a house, Katie is especially close to her younger brother, Sammy, and her older sister, Lynn. Katie is convinced she is dumb, but she can always rely on Lynn to teach her about the important things in life, such as the three most beautiful and "kira-kira" (glittery in Japanese) things on earth-- the sky, the ocean, and people's eyes. But when Lynn becomes ill with a terminal disease, it's Katie who must become the responsible, take-charge sister, a role she accepts with trepidation. Although the book is pretty sad, the portrayal of family-- particularly Katie and her father-- is phenomanal.

Reader reviewed by Dylana

This book is about a young Japanese girl named Katie and her older sister Lynn. Katie looks up to Lynn, who she thinks is a genius. Lynn teaches a lot to Katie about the beauty of the world and life. They share a close bond being two of the few Japanese American girls in Georgia.
Then Lynn finds she is anemic and has a terminal illness, as well. This changes Katie's whole life and also for her mother and father, who work 24/7 to support the family and thier new baby brother, Sam.
This book is filled with childish humor and a lot of emotion. It's very realistic in the way Katie is portrayed and how she views situations. You will learn a lot from this book like cherishing your family, but to always be willing to move on or face changes if necessary.
This is a great book and is different since its about people with a background usually different than your own.