kira-kira

kira-kira

Cynthia Kadohata
Kadohata 2004

Summary:

Katie, a Japanese-American, has a best friend--Lynn, her sister. Lynn is everything to her. With Lynn, Katie sees the world, differently. It's more beautiful when Lynn is with her. Katie must learn how to coop with life when Lynn makes new friends as school, and doesn't include Katie in everything she does. It becomes even harder to find beauty in the world when Lynn falls ill one day, and doesn't get better.

Personal Review:

For me, kira-kira didn't have a strong story line. It seemed to be telling what life was like for a Japanese-America in Georgia. The story talked about the little things going on the day, and some of it didn't hold my interest. Kadohata, however, did make Katie's and Lynn's friendship very strong. As a reader I couldn't help but feel as if Lynn was my sister, my sister who I loved and didn't want to ever say good-bye to. The characters were very real as well. I believe that this is what made me keep reading; I fell in love with Katie and Lynn.

Cautionary Notes:

There are a few references to "making babies," as well as a few swear words.