She and the cast of characters she shares her treasured books with find them a welcome escape from the fearful and hungry lives they lead. The slice of history that is presented in the book along with the fiction of the story itself makes this as much an educational novel as it is a coming of age story, and the plot touches on many other deeper and more universal themes, as well. Narrated by Death, it is known that doom eventually comes to each of the characters, but the mechanisms by which this occurs and the poignancy of the tale maintains both suspense and enjoyment of the novel. Analytical Comments

Incredibly macabre at points, and with a high enough degree of realism to be particularly disturbing to some

Somewhat complex in some of the elements of its construction and its literary conceits

Serves for a deeper and human-level exploration of the Holocaust and other aspects of World War Two Germany

Examines the concept of persecution and literary freedom; the link between free speech and free action

Excellent starting point for an examination of metaliterature, textuality, and other contemporary modes of critical analysis

Lesson Ideas

Write a dramatic scene incorporating at least three major characters meeting in the afterlife, however you imagine this to be

Research the economic situation in Munich during World War Two and describe what life was like for the average German citizen

Create a list of books that you feel best typify a certain decade in your life and share it with the class

Draw a diagram of the Jewish man's hiding place, using both accurate (to scale) measurements and common household items as examples of dimensions

Research links between illiteracy and other social problems, and present your findings

Kadohata, Cynthia. Kira. New York: Atheneum, 2004.

ISBN: 0689856393 9780689856396, 244 pages, elementary and junior high school readers, historical fiction. Newberry Medal winner for 2005, and continued critical...

Here in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Katie and her family are oddities not only for their culture, but for their very appearance, and it is difficult for Katie't see things as kira -- glittering -- the way her sister Lynn always seems to be able to make things seem. This becomes harder still when Lynn becomes seriously sick, and Katie must find her own strength -- and enough to spare for her family -- in order to persist into the future with hope and love. This story is both emotionally moving and resolve-building, while providing an excellent slice-of-life view of a particular time and place in American history. The unique perspective of the Asian-American protagonist in the rural south is also of great value.
Analytical Comments

Multiculturalism and generally differing perspectives are dealt with in many ways, some more subtle than others, throughout the story

Very fully drawn and sympathetic characters will engage readers and make lessons heartfelt without preaching/talking down

Deals with loss in a straightforward and honest manner that remains compassionate and sympathetic

Somber/darker material presented in lighter yet still highly meaningful ways

Lesson Ideas

Draw a picture of eyes that are deep but see-through at the same time

Discuss your family history with your parents/grandparents/relatives and share with the class

Act out different scenarios of welcoming a stranger into your community and learning about their customs while teaching them yours

Research how Japanese-Americans were treated during and following World War Two

Write a story involving a time when you felt out of place