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Kira-Kira | 
 enlarge | Author: Cynthia Kadohata
Publisher: Aladdin
List Price: $6.99
Buy Used: $2.06
You Save: $4.93 (71%)
New (43) Used (33) Collectible (1) from $2.06
Rating:  163 reviews
Sales Rank: 13857
Media: Paperback
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Pages: 272
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.2 x 0.9
ISBN: 0689856407
EAN: 9780689856402
ASIN: 0689856407
Publication Date: December 26, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Condition: We ship books out daily M-F. We process orders by the next business day to ensure the fastest delivery possible. We list the majority of our books in "Good" condition. If this book had any major flaws, it would be listed in "Acceptable" condition. Easy returns if you are unhappy with book. PLEASE NOTE: We ship immediately, however the Post Office controls delivery speed. In a hurry? Please choose EXPEDITED SHIPPING. Proceeds benefit non-profit Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties.
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Amazon.com Review
In Cynthia Kadohata's lively, lovely, funny and sad novel -- winner of the 2005 Newbery Medal -- the Japanese-American Takeshima family moves from Iowa to Georgia in the 1950s when Katie, the narrator, is just in kindergarten. Though her parents endure grueling conditions and impossible hours in the non-unionized poultry plant and hatchery where they work, they somehow manage to create a loving, stable home for their three children: Lynn, Katie, and Sammy. Katie's trust in, and admiration for, her older sister Lynn never falters, even when her sisterly advice doesn't seem to make sense. Lynn teaches her about everything from how the sky, the ocean, and people's eyes are special to the injustice of racial prejudice. The two girls dream of buying a house for the family someday and even save $100 in candy money: "Our other favorite book was Silas Marner. We were quite capitalistic and liked the idea of Silas keeping all that gold underneath the floorboards." When Lynn develops lymphoma, it's heartbreaking, but through the course of her worsening illness, Katie does her best to remember Lynn's "kira-kira" (glittery, shining) outlook on life. Small moments shine the brightest in this poignant story; told beautifully and lyrically in Katie's fresh, honest voice. (Ages 11 to 14) --Karin Snelson
Product Description
kira-kira (kee ra kee ra): glittering; shiningGlittering. That's how Katie Takeshima's sister, Lynn, makes everything seem. The sky is kira-kira because its color is deep but see-through at the same time. The sea is kira-kira for the same reason. And so are people's eyes. When Katie and her family move from a Japanese community in Iowa to the Deep South of Georgia, it's Lynn who explains to her why people stop on the street to stare. And it's Lynn who, with her special way of viewing the world, teaches Katie to look beyond tomorrow. But when Lynn becomes desperately ill, and the whole family begins to fall apart, it is up to Katie to find a way to remind them all that there is always something glittering -- kira-kira -- in the future.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 158 more reviews...
 Love it Like Crazy November 26, 2008
Michelle Stimpson
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommended it to all my friends - they, too, loved it. The voice is awesome, the plot is serious enough to keep a reader concerned, and I also learned some things about the Japanese-American experience. Entertaining, interesting, and educational - not much more to ask for!
Bittersweet August 29, 2008
Rema Hariharan
This is a wonderful story about relationships, prejudice , and loving the person inside yourself. An enchanting story indeed.
 Not-for-bedtime-story August 4, 2008
Patrick Yamada (South Central Orange County, CA USA)
I still read my 8-year old bedtime stories. This gives me the chance to spend extra time with her, as well as to introduce her to books she wouldn't choose for herself but would nevertheless enjoy (e.g. Gogol's "Evenings on a Farm in Dikanka").
I bought "Kira Kira" with the intention of reading at bedtime, but reading it myself made me decide to put it on the shelf for a least another few years. No, I don't believe in shielding my children from all grief and sadness. However, dumping depressing stories on my daughter as she drifts off into dreamland seems sadistic. It's not that the book is not engaging or well written, it's that the book is not appropriate for an 8-year old. I'll suggest it to her when she's a teen.
Beautiful literature!! July 23, 2008
P. George
I decided to read this book in college during a Children's Literature course. It was my first award winner since childhood, so I wasn't sure what to expect. All I can say is WOW!!! Several of other college students also read the book and had the same reaction. It's absolutely beautifully written, witty, and a down-right awesome book. Now as a teacher, I have recommended this book to several of my students! You just can't go wrong with reading this book.
 Disappointing April 30, 2008
L. B. Robinson
0 out of 4 found this review helpful
I expect more from a book with this great award. It had a lot of unnecessary adult content that was totally uncalled for in a book marketed to children. The sisters love for each other was sweet and their relationship was portrayed well, but that was not enough to make this a good book.
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