  | Bowl full of peace : a true story Author: Stelson, Caren Barzelay | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Six-year-old Sachiko and her family suffered greatly after the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, and in the years that followed, the miraculous survival of a ceramic bowl became a key part of Sachiko's journey toward peace.
| Illustrator: | Kusaka, Akira |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.60 Points: .5 Quiz: 509059 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (03/01/20)
School Library Journal (03/01/20)
Booklist (+) (03/15/20)
The Hornbook (+) (00/07/20)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 03/01/2020 Gr 2–5—Stelson's picture book describes a family who gathered for an evening meal and served their food in a special bowl inherited from their grandmother. No matter how much or how little food the bowl held, father, mother, sisters, and brothers all offered thanks. Living in Japan in the 1940s, six-year-old Sachiko Yasui became accustomed to wartime food shortages. When air-raid sirens announced the arrival of bombers, the family quickly sought shelter. On August 9, 1945, there was no warning, and the bomb that fell on Nagasaki had devastating consequences. Sachiko's youngest brother was killed instantly, and her other two brothers perished a short time later. Sachiko, her parents, and her sister became ill. They recovered and eventually returned to Nagasaki. As they started to rebuild their home, they were amazed to find Grandmother's unbroken bowl in the wreckage. When radiation slowly caused the deaths of Sachiko's family members, she realized she must use her voice to work for peace. The untarnished bowl is an effective symbol of hope. Digitally painted illustrations convey devastation and sorrow but are not graphic. VERDICT This book, written by the same author as the Sibert Honor–winning Sachiko, introduces the topic of nuclear war to a younger audience. A useful resource that could be tied to the International Day of Peace.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 03/15/2020 *Starred Review* This nonfiction picture book about a Japanese family’s resilience before and after the Nagasaki bombing maintains a sensitive touch without straying from its terrible truth. Sachiko’s family has always shared meals served out of her grandmother’s green bowl. As war disrupts their daily lives, they always take the time to sit at the table and say “Itadakimasu” (“We humbly receive this food”). One day, while Sachiko is playing outside, a nuclear bomb drops on her city. Every year on the anniversary of the bombing, she fills the green bowl with ice, watching it melt to remember her family's experience, and decades later, she still shares her story with others, advocating for peace. Stelson’s spare, lyrical text is heartrending. Kusaka’s digital illustrations have a textured feel, using muted browns and greens for times of peace, and incorporating reds and oranges in times of war. As the family strives to rebuild, the palette lightens again. Soft lines lend a sense of reverence and remembrance, elevating the evocative narrative to even greater heights. Back matter includes author and illustrator notes, which further explain the background of WWII and the impact of the nuclear bomb—plus photographs of Sachiko and her family and further reading suggestions. A powerful entry point for discussing the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the importance of peace and disarmament. Stunning. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.
Booklist - 03/15/2020 - Copyright 2020 Booklist.
