I enjoy historical fiction especially about the Vietnam War (maybe because of my personal connection to that war). This story centers around a boy's love for his elephant and the challenges he, his family, and the elephants face when the North Vietnamese raid their village. The author doesn't sug...
3.5An adopted boy feels conflicted as he travels halfway around the world with his parents to bring home his new adopted sibling.He is able to put aside some of his anger about being abandoned when he realizes that he can understand his new brother in a way that nobody else can.His surliness towa...
CRACKER IS ONE OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY'S MOST VALUABLE WEAPONS: a German shepherd trained to sniff out bombs, traps, and the enemy. The fate of entire platoons rests on her keen sense of smell. She's a Big Deal, and she likes it that way. Sometimes Cracker remembers when she was younger, and h...
Twelve-year-old Sumiko feels her life has been made up of two parts: before Pearl Harbor and after it. The good part and the bad part. Raised on a flower farm in California, Sumiko is used to being the only Japanese girl in her class. Even when the other kids tease her, she always has had her flo...
Mariska couldn't be happier. Living an almost fairy-tale life, she is popular, adored by her parents, and is engaged to be married to the most attractive man in her village. But her world is torn when war approaches the peaceful village of Bakshami. Mariska risks everything she has in order to...
In one sentence--simple, profound yet complex book that can be too depressing to pick up sometimes but always seem refreshing and beautiful every time you resolve to finally have another quick browse through. This book portrays a Japanese family that has migrated to Oregon and is moving to Iowa, ...
Relief flooded over Jaden, even though the shaking had resumed. When the pilot said, “Flight attendants, prepare for landing,” a few people applauded. Jaden smiled at Penni. He felt giddy that they were still alive. When the plane touched down, there was more applause. He ...
Chickens, buffalo, and pigs were mostly used for sacrifices rather than for daily meals. Meat to consume for dinner came from hunting and the various fish and small-animal traps Y’Tin and his father set in the jungle. All down the long hallway, Y’Tin saw women cooking at their kitchens. All ten w...