Title: Dash
Author: Kirby Larson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Review (via Goodreads): New from Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson, the moving story of a Japanese-American girl who is separated from her dog upon being sent to an incarceration camp during WWII.
Although Mitsi Kashino and her family are swept up in the wave of anti-Japanese sentiment following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mitsi never expects to lose her home -- or her beloved dog, Dash. But, as World War II rages and people of Japanese descent are forced into incarceration camps, Mitsi is separated from Dash, her classmates, and life as she knows it. The camp is a crowded and unfamiliar place, whose dusty floors, seemingly endless lines, and barbed wire fences begin to unravel the strong Kashino family ties. With the help of a friendly neighbor back home, Mitsi remains connected to Dash in spite of the hard times, holding on to the hope that the war will end soon and life will return to normal. Though they've lost their home, will the Kashino family also lose their sense of family? And will Mitsi and Dash ever be reunited?
My review: As a fan of Larson's other books, as well as a fan of historical fiction, I couldn't wait to read this book. While there are many books on WWII, few are written from the perspective of Japanese American families and what they endured during the war. It was a fresh viewpoint on history while also including themes that contemporary readers can relate to--changing friendships, bullying, moving, and the love of a family pet. I know that students will love Dash and the friendship that Mitsi has with her dog. The fact that this book is based on a true story is icing on the cake!
*ARC provided by NetGalley
