The Sky We Shared

by Shirley Reva Vernick Narrated by Sophie Oda, Sandy Rustin

Overview

In southern Japan, Tamiko spends her time writing in her diary, dreaming of making theatrical costumes, and praying her brother Kyo makes it back from the war. She wishes she could be brave like him and help the war effort.

In rural Oregon, Nellie spends her time lying in the grass, studying the stars, and wishing for her pa to return from the war. She also wishes the boy next door, Joey, would talk to her again like he used to.

Soon the girls' lives become inextricably linked.

Tamiko and her classmates are brought to a damp, repurposed theater to make large paper balloons to help the military.

No one knows what they are for.

Nellie and her classmates ration food, work in salvage drives, and support their community.

No one knows what's coming.

Based on Japan's Project Fu-Go during the last stretch of World War II, The Sky We Shared uses the alternating perspectives of Nellie and Tamiko to depict the shared tragedies of two countries at war.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

* "Vernick's absorbing historical WWII novel alternates between the perspectives of two teenage girls... Both girls just want the war to be over, and both think deeply about the complexities of blame, guilt, forgiveness, and compassion while navigating their own country's racist propaganda." — The Horn Book, starred review

* "Vernick's moving prose renders both voices with empathy. Balanced narratives and steady pacing effectively highlight an often-overlooked period in both Japanese and American history." — Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A central, meaningful message about the flimsiness of hatred emerges, and the barbarities of the war are revealed in an uncommon, important way." — Foreword Reviews

"Highly relevant to today's world... This book could easily be used as a companion to lessons about World War II in the classroom." — School Library Connection

Delaware Diamonds Awards Nominee 2024 - Diamond State Literacy Association

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178398678
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	05/09/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

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