53 pages 1 hour read

Cynthia Kadohata

Kira-Kira

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2004

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Kira-Kira, Katie Takeshima recounts her life as a Japanese American girl in the 1950s South, highlighting her family's struggles in the poultry industry, enduring societal prejudice, and the devastating impact of her sister Lynn's terminal illness. This novel references death and contains some profanity.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata is a poignant novel praised for its heartfelt narrative and authentic depiction of a Japanese-American family's struggles in the 1950s. Critics appreciate its evocative prose and strong character development. However, some find the pacing slow and certain plot elements predictable. Overall, it offers a touching exploration of family bonds and identity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Kira-Kira?

Fans of deeply emotional and introspective young adult literature, such as To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, will be captivated by the poignant narrative and heartfelt themes of family, resilience, and cultural identity in Cynthia Kadohata’s Kira-Kira.

Recommended

Reading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

740L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Asian Literature

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Topics

Grief / Death

Civil Rights / Jim Crow

History: U.S.

Themes

Relationships: Family

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Emotions/Behavior: Love