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 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.
Kira-Kira
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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
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From School Library Journal
Grade 6-8--Katie's first word is "kira-kira," the Japanese word for "glittering," and she uses it to describe everything she likes. It was taught to her by her older sister, Lynn, whom Katie worships. Both girls have trouble adjusting when their parents move the family from Iowa to a small town in rural Georgia, where they are among only 31 Japanese-Americans. They seldom see their parents, who have grueling jobs in chicken-processing plants. Then Lynn becomes deathly ill, and Katie is often left to care for her, a difficult and emotionally devastating job. When her sister dies of lymphoma, Katie searches for ways to live up to her legacy and to fulfill the dreams she never had a chance to attain. Told from Katie's point of view and set in the 1950s, this beautifully written story tells of a girl struggling to find her own way in a family torn by illness and horrendous work conditions. Katie's parents can barely afford to pay their daughter's medical bills, yet they refuse to join the growing movement to unionize until after Lynn's death. All of the characters are believable and well developed, especially Katie, who acts as a careful observer of everything that happens in her family, even though there is a lot she doesn't understand. Especially heartbreaking are the weeks leading up to Lynn's death, when Katie is exhausted and frustrated by the demands of her sister's illness, yet willing to do anything to make her happy. Girls will relate to and empathize with the appealing protagonist.--Ashley Larsen, Woodside Library, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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MY SISTER, LYNN, taught me my first word: kira-kira. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt
MY SISTER, LYNN, taught me my first word: kira-kira. Read the first page
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By John
Format:Hardcover
Kira-Kira was a spectacular heartwarming story by Cynthia Kadohata. It takes place in Georgia modern day. The novel is about two sisters with a great relationship who would do anything for each other. Katie and Lynn are the main character, they live in a less fortunate Japanese family. Lynn the older sister gets a horrible illness and is in bed for a long time. Katie has to learn to cope with Lynn and her needs. She would even steal things from the store just for her sister. You are reading to find out if Lynn gets better. I thought this was a great story because it makes you appreciate what you have. It’s a story that you can’t put down. If you like realistic fiction this is the book for you. Great for ages 10 to 12 because Lynn and Katie are around that age. And you will appreciate what you have. I can’t tell you the ending but I can tell you that’s its great!
Format:Hardcover
"Kira-Kira" is a story about a Japanese-American girl, Katie, and her relationship with Lynnie, her sister. It features a working class family living in rural Georgia at the dawn of civil rights movement. I savored it for its portrayal of ethnic markers and lifestyle. You are blessed if you have a Lynnie in your life. I am glad the Newberry judges chose this book. Kira-Kira deserves it. Another book that well deserves the honor is Book 3 of the series "Why some cats are rascals" by B. Nowiki.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Mo Cric
Format:Hardcover
WOW! this book was one of the best books i have ever read! Read it and i am sure you will love it! It is about a girl whose best friend is her sister but then her sister gets really sick.
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