Kira-kira

by Cynthia Kadohata

Book Overview

kira-kira (kee ra kee ra): glittering; shining Glittering. 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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0439799414
• ISBN13: 9780439799416
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Scholastic Press
• Length: 244 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A touching story

"Kira-Kira" is not like most other books; instead of a linear narrative with a clear plot, conflict, climax, and resoloution, this story reads in a more sprawling, nonlinear way. I had heard that it felt like a memoir, and this is definitely true; the first-person narrative only adds to the feeling. Yet still, as main character Katie recounts her life as a young Japanese American growing up in Georgia in the early '60s, the events along the way are at times very funny, often sad, and always captivating. The main theme is Katie's relationship with her sister Lynn, as the two girls alternately come together and drift apart, but "Kira-Kira" also touches on poverty, discrimination, and coming of age. It's a wonderful book, whether you're looking for a meaty read for younger kids or a breezy one for teens.

My Side of Kira-Kira!

Kira-Kira (kee'ra kee'ra): means glittering; shining in Japanese. Kira-Kira is a spectacular book thanks to the author, Cynthia Kadohata. Glittering. That's how Lynn Takeshima, Katie Takeshima's older sister, always makes everything seem. The sky and how deep it is but see-through at the same time. Even peoples eyes and how they sparkle in their beautiful color. The stars and how they glisten and shine among the moon. All kira-kira. So basically, Lynn is a very calm, magical, and mellow person. Katie, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. She is a very out-going and risk-taking kind of girl, but when she gets out of hand, Lynn is always there to get her off the curb, and back on the road. The Takeshima family went through hard times. After Lynn had died of a severe illness, the whole family had fallen apart. Katie was twelve when Lynn had died and she was very depressed for a long time. So it was up to Katie to get over her depression and remind her family and herself, that there is always something glittering- kira-kira -in the future. All of this drama and adventure that had happened to the Takeshima family had taken place during the 1950s in the Deep South of Georgia. Love and hope is the theme of this book. It taught you that when you have a time in your life of frustration or difficulties, you just get a good grip and hang on tight. Just never let go. That's exactly why I like, no, love this book. They just never gave up on hope.

Kira-Kira

I had read this book in 5th grade (currently in 6th) and enjoyed every bit of it. Everyone thinks this book is for teens but to me it was fine. It's true the book does get a bit depressing, still it goes at a good pace and its not boring at all. Newberys never lie, i reccomend this book for 9 up though

Beautiful, Funny, and Sad

I read this in one day. I couldn't put it down. The writing is beautiful, the characters are likeable, and the sense of time and place are authentic. This is a wonderful story of a Japanese-American family and its struggle with prejudice, poverty, and disease. The book has humor and sadness, but ultimately it left me feeling joyous. I loved it.