| The title of Kadohata's fiction debut means “glittering” in Japanese. Lynn and Katie Takeshima use “kira-kira” to describe all the subtle wonders of being alive, from boxes of Kleenex to the light that dances in a person's eyes. For the Takeshima sisters, “kira-kira” is the heartbeat of hope, everything worth seeing and remembering.
In 1956, Lynn is 9 and Katie is 5 when the family moves from a Japanese community in Iowa to the rural Deep South of Chesterfield, Georgia. Mr. And Mrs. Takeshima take jobs in local chicken hatcheries where shifts are long and work conditions are poor. In addition to welcoming a baby brother (Sam) and adjusting to their new roles as latch-key kids, Lynn and Katie contend with racial discrimination and borderline poverty. Yet, even in the face of these adversaries, nothing seems difficult or impossible for Lynn. Her handwriting is neat, her report card is an unwavering stream of straight A's, and her future is "kira-kira." Katie strains unsuccessfully to live up to Lynn's example. As Lynn enters her teen years, the sisters drift apart and Katie struggles with middle-child loneliness. Lynn is 14 when she is struck terminally ill with lymphoma. Although tragic, her death brings new opportunities for growth and maturation to the Takeshima family. Hoping to ameliorate medical expenses for future hatchery workers, Mr. and Mrs. Takeshima are inspired to join the movement for unionized labor. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book? - thoughtful Time/era of story - 1930's-1950's Ethnic/Regional/Religion Family, loving relations Yes Special relationship with - sister Is this an adult or child's book? - Age 11-14 Ethnic/regional/gender life Yes Main Character Gender - Female Profession/status: Age: - a kid Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - society Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 4 () United States Yes The US: - Deep South Small town? Yes Writing Style Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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