Dash by Kirby Larson is praised for its heartfelt portrayal of a Japanese American girl's internment camp experience during World War II, highlighting themes of resilience and friendship. Readers appreciate the emotional depth and historical accuracy. Some critics, however, find the pacing slow. Overall, it’s a compelling read for both young and mature audiences.

Readers who enjoy Dash by Kirby Larson are typically young adults interested in historical fiction, especially set during WWII. Fans of Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff or Number the Stars by Lois Lowry will appreciate the heartfelt storytelling and the exploration of themes like friendship, loyalty, and resilience.

In Dash by Kirby Larson, Mitsi Kashino, an 11-year-old Japanese-American girl, navigates the hardships of life following the Pearl Harbor attack, which leads to her family's relocation to an American concentration camp. Mitsi endures severe racial discrimination, the trauma of forced removal, and separation from her beloved dog, Dash, but she finds solace in new friendships, letters from Dash, and her determination. The book features depictions of anti-Japanese racism and the trauma connected to the concentration camps Americans made for Japanese people.

Heartwarming / Emotional / Inspirational / Challenging

- Dash is inspired by true events and stories shared by Japanese American families who were interned during World War II.
- Kirby Larson conducted extensive research, including visiting the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, to capture the historical context authentically.
- The book won the 2015 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, highlighting its impactful storytelling and historical accuracy.

**Mitsi Kashino**  
The protagonist who navigates life in a concentration camp with her dog Dash, showcasing loyalty, introspection, and resilience through her experiences and relationships.

**Mrs. Bowker**  
A supportive figure who provides care for Mitsi's dog Dash and communicates through a series of uplifting letters, representing stability and encouragement for Mitsi.

**Debbie Miyake**  
Mitsi’s close friend in the concentration camp, known for her intelligence and playfulness, offering companionship and support to Mitsi.

**Ted Kashino**  
Mitsi's older brother with a love for magic, whose character evolves in the concentration camp environment, highlighting complexities in sibling dynamics.

**Mags and Judy**  
Mitsi’s best friends before the war, whose changing relationships with Mitsi reflect the impact of societal pressures on personal connections.

**Mom, Pop, and Obaachan**  
Mitsi's parents and grandmother, providing family support and wisdom while navigating the challenges of the concentration camp with her.

**Lefty (Frank)**  
An antagonist who negatively influences Ted and presents challenges by his troublesome behavior around Mitsi and her brother.

Kirby Larson

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Dash

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