On the Horizon

By Lois Lowry

Book Overview

From two-time Newbery medalist and living legend Lois Lowry comes a moving account of the lives lost in two of WWII's most infamous events: Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. With evocative black-and-white illustrations by SCBWI Golden Kite Award winner Kenard Pak.

Lois Lowry looks back at history through a personal lens as she draws from her own memories as a child in Hawaii and Japan, as well as from historical research, in this stunning work in verse for young readers.

On the Horizon tells the story of people whose lives were lost or forever altered by the twin tragedies of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. Based on the lives of soldiers at Pearl Harbor and civilians in Hiroshima, On the Horizon contemplates humanity and war through verse that sings with pain, truth, and the importance of bridging cultural divides. This masterful work emphasizes empathy and understanding in search of commonality and friendship, vital lessons for students as well as citizens of today's world. Kenard Pak's stunning illustrations depict real-life people, places, and events, making for an incredibly vivid return to our collective past.

In turns haunting, heartbreaking, and uplifting, On the Horizon will remind readers of the horrors and heroism in our past, as well as offer hope for our future.

This unique and deeply personal account connects two sides of a global conflict through the stories of the people who lived it.

Personal History: Based on the author's own childhood memories of living in Hawaii before the war and Japan after, adding a unique, firsthand perspective to historical events.Parallel Stories: Follows the lives of American sailors on the USS Arizona and Japanese civilians in Hiroshima, drawing powerful parallels between their shared humanity.Empathy and Understanding: A masterful lesson on finding common ground and the importance of looking beyond conflict to recognize our connection to one another.Illustrated History: Features stunning and evocative black-and-white illustrations by Kenard Pak that bring the real-life people and events of the past to life.Middle Grade Nonfiction: An essential and accessible introduction to World War II, perfect for readers ages 10-12, as well as for classroom and family discussions.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0358129400
• ISBN13: 9780358129400
• Release Date: April 2020
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 0.71 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7