Overview

On August 6, 1945, everything changed for the people of Hiroshima. Based on true accounts from survivors, this powerful historical novel recounts how an unexpected act of generosity helped the children of Hiroshima's Honkawa Elementary School rebuild their lives and spark a friendship between the peoples of Japan and the United States. A wonderful and powerful book that brought back the most unbelievable and painful memories of my childhood. The main character, Hana-chan, and I share many things, especially her sadness and longing for the mother and sister she lost in the bombing of Hiroshima. But the pain of her loss is beautifully balanced by the stories of the children huddled around a cold stove in their leaky classroom, their friendship and vitality, and the gifts they later receive from America. To this day I remember the colorful American marbles they sent and how badly I wanted some. This story has kept our memories alive again. Despite the terrible events of World War II, a beautiful friendship bloomed between Japan and America. I am certain that this book will contribute to world peace. - Toshimi Ishida, survivor of the bombing of Hiroshima, former student of Honkawa Elementary School. An eloquent tale of the human consequences of the war and shows the undying strength of human love even in the face of hardship and conflict. - Harriet Fulbright, former executive director of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

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9781455625505

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Shizumi Shigeto Manale was born in Hiroshima three years after the end of World War II. She is an internationally renowned dancer, choreographer, director, and film producer. Her documentary film, Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard, has been screened at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the Embassy of the United States in Tokyo, and the National Press Club. The former artistic director of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, Manale has been honored with the County Executive's Award for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities from Montgomery County, Maryland; the ACE award for excellence in dance and drama; and the President's Volunteer Service Award. Manale lives with her husband in Silver Spring, Maryland. Richard Marshall's distinguished career has included posts as the former head speechwriter for the Human Rights Bureau and the US delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Commission; the chief editor for the United States Agency of International Development (USAID); and a reporter covering issues such as United States-Soviet Union relations and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. A four-time recipient of the US Department of State's Meritorious Honor Award, Marshall won the National Association of Government Communicators Blue Pencil Award. He resides with his wife in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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