Dash (Dogs of World War II)

Gr 3-6--After Pearl Harbor, life changes for fifth grader Mitzi Kashino and her family, as it did for all Japanese American citizens across the US during that time. Family and friends are shunned, bullied, fingerprinted, and even incarcerated for visiting Japan. Relocation from Seattle, WA to Camp Harmony, and ultimately to Minidoka, ID, causes the loss of jobs, school, homes, cars, and personal possessions. Pets were not allowed in the camps, and this is where Mitzi's dog Dash becomes the linchpin in Larson's story. Recognizing the injustice, neighbor Mrs. Bowker does not hesitate to foster Dash for the Kashino family, and she regularly sends letters "from" Dash to Mitzi. The other interned residents anticipate news from the dog, which effectively lifts spirits and encourages a sense of community. Although not as detailed as Winifred Conkling's Sylvia and Aki (Tricycle Press, 2011), both titles complement one another as fictionalized stories of actual events, and share the theme of courage and dignity in the face of injustice. Dash fills a niche between picture books like The Bracelet by Uchida Yoshiko (Penguin, 1993) and Barbed Wire Baseball by Marissa Moss (Abrams, 2013) and works for older audiences such as Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata (S. & S., 2006) and Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston (Houghton Mifflin, 1973). Larson's latest is historical fiction at its best.--Sharon Lawler, Texas Bluebonnet Award Committee

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

As she did in Duke (2013), Larson centers this trenchant novel on a child dealing with hardships on the home front during WWII, including separation from a beloved dog. Inspired by real-life wartime events, the novel vividly communicates the emotional and physical ordeals endured by Japanese-Americans evacuated to relocation camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. A pall descends early in the story, as 11-year-old Mitsi Kashino contends with classmates' slurs and snubs, including some from her two best friends. After learning of her family's impending relocation, Mitsi is devastated to discover that her one steadfast ally, her dog Dash, cannot accompany them. Asking a neighbor to take care of Dash, "Mitsi thought she had cried out all her tears, but a couple more leaked out." Reprising the narrative conceit used in Duke, Larson incorporates correspondence between the girl and Dash, whose letters are the work of a surprising ghostwriter. Despite the hurdles Mitsi faces, hope, resourcefulness, and a new friend help this relatable heroine triumph. Ages 8-12. Agent: Jill Grinberg, Grinberg Literary Management. (Aug.)

Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for DUKE

"Exceptionally well-crafted and emotionally authentic." —KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review
"[An] incisive tale of loyalty, patriotism, sacrifice, and bravery." —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review
"Larson weaves a wonderfully genuine attachment between boy and dog and thoughtfully examines Hobie's conflicted emotions as Duke gets partnered with a battle-bound Marine." —SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
"A good example of how bravery comes in all shapes, sizes — and breeds." —BOOKLIST

Praise for DEAR AMERICA: THE FENCES BETWEEN US

"Larson deftly folds historical detail into Piper's lively diary entries, which describe her friendships, first romance, and school dramas as well as her view of the subsequent internment of Japanese Americans and the prejudice against sympathizers." —BOOKLIST
"Larson does an excellent job recreating the tension Piper feels. . . . [a] well-researched novel." —VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES

Praise for HATTIE BIG SKY

A Newbery Honor Recipient

"[An] engaging historical novel . . . [Larson] creates a richly textured novel full of memorable characters." —BOOKLIST, starred review
"Larson . . . create[s] a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered." —SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, starred review
"Refreshing." —BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS