Warriors In The Crossfire (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
Joseph is a native of the island of Saipan - he is the son of a Chief. Japan has control over their small island during WWII - Joseph is the only native allowed to go to their schools. Soon after the American invasion, Japan realizes that it will lose control of the island and many Japanese families are forced to do the "unthinkable". After his father has died, Joseph is forced to hide his family in one of the many caves on the island. They must survive thirst and starvation. Good story - lots of action. Warriors in the Crossfire is a haunting depiction of the invasion of Saipan during World War II. The author, Nancy Bo Flood, spent time living in Saipan, and this comes through in her writing. It is clear from the vivid descriptions, "Dawn was spilling light across the waves. Blood-red streaks cut along the wide straight horizon, separating ocean and sky.", that she has been there, seen it with her own eyes, and found it beautiful.This tale of Joseph and his cousin Kento is one that doesn't end with a Disney flourish of miracles and magic. It includes heroism of the everyday kind, with a boy doing his best to protect his family, even when he doesn't know how. In one scene, Joseph carries his father's body, while shells explode in the distance. "My arms grew numb. I no longer felt fear or grief or even the rain." The invasion is told with all the terror of war, although depicted appropriately for a younger audience. When it became clear that the Americans would win the war, Japanese soldiers and citizens were marched to one end of the island and forced to leap into the sea. American soldiers dropped leaflets urging people not to jump. This true event, as depicted in Warriors, and witnessed by the character Joseph, had me holding my breath even as I turned pages. "People stepped through the swirling papers as if they were falling leaves." I highly recommend this book for teachers with WWII in their curriculums as well as for readers age 10 and up with an interest in history or war.
What do You think about Warriors In The Crossfire (2010)?
Very interesting book about a part of World War II we don't hear much about.
—carmensmeets
A sad wartime survival story about family and friendship.
—jerine
A bit of history that everyone should know.
—momosan
