Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I enjoyed this historical fiction set in Japan between two youths--one a young woman and the other a pilot training essentially to be a kamakaze pilot. The two fall in love and share the love of music as well. Their paths separate again but eventually find their way back when the war is over. The book was hard at points to understand based in the use of Japanese frequently used throughout. The cultural stipulations also played a role in the character and plot development. An OK read by this author for me.

This book explores an area of World War II not easily accessible to middle school and above readers, Japan's role in the war, told from the point of view of teenagers involved in the war effort. It is a fascinating window into the culture of worshipping the Emperor, being willing to die for your country/beliefs at such an early age. A great addition to a collection of historical fiction for our middle school.

The Blossom and the Firefly is the poignant and heartbreaking tale of Hana and Taro, two young souls who meet on the edge of life and death in the final days of World War II.

Hana should have died, but now she serves the Tokko pilots, young men, barely out of boyhood who are dedicated to serving their country and Emperor with everything, including their lives. Taro has two different dreams, one of a life of music, while the other demands he honor is family's legacy and become a pilot.

Smith offers a deeply empathetic and human look at this snapshot in history. Go ahead and put it next to other World War II era favorites such as Code Name Verity, and Salt to the Sea. This book takes hold and never lets go, never diminishes or doubts the sacrifice that young people give in times of war, no matter which side they may stand.

It's beautiful, melancholy, and tragic. Yet hope remains, and sounds out as clear as the sound of stringed instruments on a rainy day.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview this ARC of The Blossom and the Firefly.

I'm sorry to say that I made it about 35% before this became a DNF for me. It's rated really well, and probably for good reason. But different books vibe with different people, and I could not get into this one. The chapters felt a bit scattered, I just couldn't keep track and where they were in location and life. Admittedly, being less familiar with Japan and it's history probably contributes to that, but be that as it may, this just wasn't for me.

Sherri L. Smith writes fantastic historical fiction books. The story of Hana and Taro in The Blossom and the Firefly was beautifully and emotionally told. The changing perspectives of the story keeps the reader engaged. It is obvious the author studied this time period well because the historical events are accurate and you get a good sense of what life was like for the Japanese during WWII. I feel like this book is geared to upper middle school/high school and even adults.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a chance to read and review this text.

This book just made my heart melt. I was enthralled by the plot line and I never wanted it to end. I will be recommending this book to my library teens because they need to read this. I will also be purchasing it for my libraries YA collection.