The book Weedflower portrays Japanese Americans around the time of World War II in an accurate way. Many children, as well as adults, are unaware of how Japanese Americans were treated during this time. The book is a great work of historical fiction to be used in the classroom. Sumiko makes the most of her situations in life and finds outlets through flowers and a garden. The book focuses on her garden a lot when she is at the Japanese internment camp. Just like Sumiko’s flowers, she finds a hope in survival. She meets a Mohave boy and they develop a unique friendship. Weedflower is a great story to use as a read aloud in an upper elementary grades classroom. Fifth graders for example would love this book and feel a strong connection with Sumiko.
My favorite quote from Weedflower said by Sumiko’s cousin, Bull:
"In the world of change, you accept the changes that can't be helped. You suffer so you can learn, and you learn so you can be a better person in your next life."
I agree that this book is a great work of historical fiction that could be used in the classroom. People need to learn what happened to Japense Americans. I agree that many studnets in the upper grades could feel a connection to Sumiko.
ReplyDeleteThis book certainly is an excellent work of historical fiction. I loved the importance and significance of flowers in the story. I also really like the quote you included, it's very powerful.
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