"Finding the "Kira-Kira in Everyday Life"

The votes have been counted and the winner announced for the 2005 Newbery Award. Named in honor of the British bookseller, John Newbery, this award is given annually to an author of children’s literature. This year’s winning book is “Kira-Kira” by Cynthia Kadohata. In addition to this book, Kadohata has also had pieces published in such highly regarded publications as The New Yorker
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The book is about a young girl named Katie and her family, who after their oriental foods store goes out of business, are forced to uproot themselves from their Japanese community in Iowa and settle in the southern state of Georgia. Moving to a community with only 31 other Japanese Americans, the Takeshimas family encounters a number of racial obstacles including prejudice.

The South, during the late 1950’s and early 60’s, was a tough place for minority adults. It was even more difficult for the children involved. Life soon becomes too much for ten-year old Katie to handle. The girls in her new community ignore her because she is “different.” Katie turns to her sister, Lynn, for advice and guidance. Lynn helps Katie by teaching her to look for the kira-kira, the Japanese world for glittering, in everyday life.
 
With Lynn’s help, Katie begins to make sense of her family’s situation and is able to cope with her new surroundings. When Lynn is diagnosed with lymphoma, the Takeshima family begins to fall apart. It is then up to Katie to help her family find the glittering in everyday living.

“Kira-Kira” is a wonderful book for teens. It will help them understand what life was like for minorities in the south during the 1950’s and 60’s. It also helps individuals deal with the death of loved ones and see just how important the family truly is.

Make a point to check out this year’s Newbery Metal Award winner, “Kira-Kira” by Cynthia Kadohata. No matter what background you are from, you will enjoy this wonderfully written book. If you have any questions regarding “Kira-Kira” or would like to know more about the Newbery Award, feel free to contact me at 402/564-7116 opt. 4.