Thirty Minutes Over Oregon: A Japanese Pilot's World War II Story

Nobleman (Fairy Spell) tells the little-known story of the only airplane bombing of the U.S. mainland during WWII--from a plane launched from a submarine via catapult. The book focuses on Nobuo Fujita, the Japanese pilot who flew the missions. Initial pages detail the September 1942 bombings of Oregon timberland, one early in the morning and one at night, in hopes of igniting a forest fire. The second half of the book describes later reconciliation visits between the pilot and residents of the tiny coastal town of Brookings: "Nobuo donated thousands of dollars to the town, specifically so that the library could buy children's books that celebrate other cultures." He also hosted high school students from Brookings, planted a tree at the bomb site, and, after he died, even had some of his ashes spread there: "A flutist played a solo combining the national anthems of Japan and America." Pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations by Iwai (So Small! Yosemite) deftly convey the story's many emotions. Full-color spreads and vignettes match a clear narrative that pays tribute to a change of heart and the importance of cultural understanding. Ages 6-9. (Oct.)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 2-5--In this moving tale of war and reconciliation Nobleman relates the experiences of Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita, who flew two bombing missions over Brookings, OR, in 1942 (causing little damage and no loss of life) and returned to the scene 20 years later at the town's invitation to deliver a formal apology. What began as a then-controversial stunt intended to promote local tourism turned into something more profound--a warm lifelong relationship, with exchanges of visits and gifts until his death in 1997. Iwai matches the account's measured, matter-of-fact language with quiet watercolor scenes of a distant plane and a subdued explosion, of the dignified Fujita and his postwar family (who knew nothing of his missions until the invitation arrived), and of townsfolk welcoming him with a parade and ceremonies. Rather than adding a typical (and tedious) recap at the end, the author closes with a note on what drew him to this episode and an appreciation of the spirit shown on both sides, but particularly Fujita's: "He went from fighting to uniting. Which took more courage?" VERDICT A worthy addition for younger middle graders.--John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, NY

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

An Orbis Pictus Honor Book for Outstanding Nonfiction 2019

"A thought-provoking meditation on the power of forgiveness."—The New York Times Book Review

"Nobuo's story of reconciliation, not only for him, but for Japan and the U.S., is powerful and poignant....The story captures a side of World War II readers may not have seen before. A must-read story of a lesser-known World War II event and its aftermath."—Kirkus

"Full-color spreads and vignettes match a clear narrative that pays tribute to a change of heart and the importance of cultural understanding."—Publishers Weekly

"This quiet story is less about war than the toll it takes on those who fight, the possibility of reconciliation, and the value of understanding other cultures. The fluid, emotionally resonant ink-and-watercolor illustrations create period scenes effectively while capturing the tone of the text. A war story with a heartening conclusion."—Booklist

"Nobleman knows just the right tone to strike with this story, and he unfolds its events with a storyteller's flair."—The Horn Book Magazine