This is the story of a period in the life of 12-year-old Sumiko, a third-generation Japanese American whose family is forced to live in the internment camps during World War II. Sumiko has to deal with racism, boredom and fear, but she also makes unexpected friends. Kadohata has a wonderful way of putting the reader into the heart and mind of her young protagonist, and evoking emotions with simple prose and dialogue. Her books are definite keepers to pass on to my children.
