Thank you for the opportunity to read this title. Unfortunately, I will not be able to purchase it for my school library.

(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Ten-year-old Kenny (Kenji in Japanese) worships his older brother, Mickey (Mitsuo), a baseball hero whose outstanding performance on the Asahi baseball team has given him fame and popularity. Despite Kenny's suspected heart condition, he is determined to practice secretly with Mickey so he, too, can one day try out for the Asahi. But world events soon overtake life in this quiet community. When Japan attacks Pearl Harbor in 1941, everything for Kenny and his family spirals out of control: schools are closed, businesses are confiscated, fathers are arrested and sent to work camps in the BC interior and mothers and children are relocated to internment camps. When Mickey is arrested for a small act of violence, Kenny manages to keep his family's spirits up, despite the deplorable conditions in camp. Coming across a "vacant" field covered with scrap wood, broken shakes and torn tar paper, Kenny gets permission to clear it and convert it into a baseball field. One by one, the boys in the camp pitch in, and the work gives purpose to their long days. Kenny's persistence, hard work and big dreams shape the teen he is to become in this story of happiness found despite all odds.

I am two minds about this book:

On the side of positive - a really well-told story, a story of hope and resilience at the time of Japanese Canadian internments during World War 2. The details are dulled-down a bit for younger readers, the story seems to still hold all the gravitas it deserves. Using a background of baseball to tell the story, this story is certainly one to grab hold of your heartstrings and not let go. Culturally diverse, sympathetic and heartwarming, this is a brilliantly written book.

Doesn't sound like a downside, right? Well, for me, it felt a little like it was written solely for the Canadian market. I felt like some things were taken for granted as known about the history and more emphasis was point on the feel-good story. I felt a little isolated reading it. Had to look up things about that time along the way. Also, I found the "white American woman writing a Japanese Canadian story just a little off-putting. I am not sure this is her story to tell, if you know what I mean.

Overall, a very good book for middle grade readers, especially in Canada - but the themes of this book will translate perfectly around the world.


Paul
ARH