Summary:
Shorty and his family, along with thousands of Japanese Americans, are sent to an internment camp after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Fighting the heat and dust of the desert, Shorty and his father decide to build a baseball diamond and form a league in order to boost the spirits of the internees. Shorty quickly learns that he is playing not only to win, but to gain dignity and self-respect as well.
My review:
This story is told in first person which makes this book a winner from the get-go. It is a story that needs to be told because unfortunately, it is one of those stories that should have never happened anywhere and is a blight for my country.
Baseball has always been something that everyone can relate too. It has always brought people together to laugh, cheer, live in excitement and the moment and to forget for awhile that they are all different.
I enjoyed the fact that baseball was something that allowed the people in the camp to survive and feel free, even if it was only for a few innings. I loved the resilience of those in the internment camp but also the determination to be seen as a person who has feelings and worth. That determination carried over for the young boy when he went back to his real life again/
This book was brilliantly written and it is no wonder that it is also an award winner. I would be amiss if I gave this book anything other than 5 stars! This book should be in every classroom and home.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ with yours. ~Naila Moon
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1 comment:
Hi Naila. Baseball was a big part of my childhood. I always loved it even though I played it miserably. It's also a strong cultural connection Americans have with the Japanese.
Nice review.
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