Thursday, August 03, 2006

Under the Blood Red Sun


Reader Response to Under the Blood Red Sun by Graham Salisbury

Back cover reads:
"Hawaii, December 7, 1941. Tomikazu's world vanishes in an hour. Tomi was born in Hawaii. His grandfather and parents were born in Japan and came to America to escape poverty. World War II seems far away for Tomi and his friends--they're too busy playing ball on their eighth-grade team, the Rats. But then Pearl Harbor is attacked by the Japanese and the US declares war on Japan. Tomi's father and grandfather are arrested. Tomi must be the man of his family and help his mother and little sister survive. It's a terrifying time to be Japanese in America. But one thing doesn't change: the loyalty of Tomi's buddies, the Rats."

My Rxn:
A great historical fiction novel. it depicts the bonds of true friendship and strong family ties in the face of disaster and prejudice. The action in the plot was exciting, but I just wish Salisbury would have written with more emotion. A great bildungsroman story. It's a little young, though. I think that it would be appropriate for anyone in grades 5-8. History buffs and anyone fascinated with Japanese culture would like this. It can certainly be related to the current events in the US. I'm just not turning backflips over it, though. Unfortunately, no Word Nerd Seal of Approval. It's a great book, but it needs more.


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