Weedflower

Weedflower is one of the books which I can honestly say I can't wait to share with my students. It has such strong emotion for a children's literature book. I think it is very important for this peace of history to be known to children. As we discussed in class there are so many people who don't even know this even occurred in our history. There are many other stories that are set around World War II but I can't think of any that can connect with so many different groups of children. Stories on Anne Frank and the novel Night are too disturbing for children. Even the older aged children who read those stories and understand them, can not really connect with them. But Sumiko is written by Cynthia Kadohata in a way that is very easy to relate with. She is just a young girl but she, because of her struggles, stands out and has to fight against many different things. There are many categories that can interest a children into reading this story. The boys who love military stories could be interested in the war aspect of this novel. The children who move around and leave their friends because their parents make them will be able to understand how Sumiko feels to leave her home. Sumiko is an orphan and lives with other members of her family. She isn't invited to peoples houses, many children face prejudice today. This list goes on and on. Needless to say I really enjoyed this story.