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Kira-Kira (Newbery Medal Book)
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Binding: Hardcover
EAN: 9780689856396
ISBN: 0689856393
Label: Atheneum
Manufacturer: Atheneum
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 256
Publication Date: February 10, 2004
Publisher: Atheneum
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Studio: Atheneum
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Editorial Review:
In Cynthia Kadohata's lively, lovely, funny and sad novel -- winner of the 2005 Newbery Medal -- the Japanese-American Takeshima family moves from Iowa to Georgia in the 1950s when Katie, the narrator, is just in kindergarten. Though her parents endure grueling conditions and impossible hours in the non-unionized poultry plant and hatchery where they work, they somehow manage to create a loving, stable home for their three children: Lynn, Katie, and Sammy. Katie's trust in, and admiration for, her older sister Lynn never falters, even when her sisterly advice doesn't seem to make sense. Lynn teaches her about everything from how the sky, the ocean, and people's eyes are special to the injustice of racial prejudice. The two girls dream of buying a house for the family someday and even save $100 in candy money: "Our other favorite book was Silas Marner. We were quite capitalistic and liked the idea of Silas keeping all that gold underneath the floorboards." When Lynn develops lymphoma, it's heartbreaking, but through the course of her worsening illness, Katie does her best to remember Lynn's "kira-kira" (glittery, shining) outlook on life. Small moments shine the brightest in this poignant story; told beautifully and lyrically in Katie's fresh, honest voice. (Ages 11 to 14) --Karin Snelson
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 a Japanese community in Iowa to the Deep South of Georgia, it's Lynn who explains to her why people stop them on the street to stare. And it's Lynn who, with her special way of viewing the world, teaches Katie to look beyond tomorrow. But when Lynn becomes desperately ill, and the whole family begins to fall apart, it is up to Katie to find a way to remind them all that there is always something glittering -- kira-kira -- in the future.
Luminous in its persistence of love and hope, Kira-Kira is Cynthia Kadohata's stunning debut in middle-grade fiction.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Bittersweet
This is a wonderful story about relationships, prejudice , and loving the person inside yourself. An enchanting story indeed.
Rating:  - Not-for-bedtime-story
I still read my 8-year old bedtime stories. This gives me the chance to spend extra time with her, as well as to introduce her to books she wouldn't choose for herself but would nevertheless enjoy (e.g. Gogol's "Evenings on a Farm in Dikanka").
I bought "Kira Kira" with the intention of reading at bedtime, but reading it myself made me decide to put it on the shelf for a least another few years. No, I don't believe in shielding my children from all grief and sadness. However, dumping ... Read More
Rating: - Beautiful literature!!
I decided to read this book in college during a Children's Literature course. It was my first award winner since childhood, so I wasn't sure what to expect. All I can say is WOW!!! Several of other college students also read the book and had the same reaction. It's absolutely beautifully written, witty, and a down-right awesome book. Now as a teacher, I have recommended this book to several of my students! You just can't go wrong with reading this book.
Rating:  - Disappointing
I expect more from a book with this great award. It had a lot of unnecessary adult content that was totally uncalled for in a book marketed to children. The sisters love for each other was sweet and their relationship was portrayed well, but that was not enough to make this a good book.
Rating: - The best story I have read this year!
This is an all in one happy, sad, and all around funny fictional book. This is probably the best book I have read this year. Katie Takeshima and her sister Lynn Takeshima learned that everything was Kira- Kira(shinning). But when Katie and her family move from a Japanese community to Georgia, life turns from fabulous to not so fabulous. Lynn gets ill and her family is worried. So, it is up to Katie to remind them there is always a better tomorrow- or is there? This book is an enjoyable book ... Read More
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