Place to Belong, A

Following internment in the US during World War II, twelve-year-old Hanako and her family flee the US and move to Japan to live with her grandparents outside of Hiroshima. There, Hanako tries to fit in to a culture not quite her own as she deals with the aftermath of the atomic bombing and its impact on the city. Through these struggles Hanako discovers her own strength and place in the world as she learns the importance of family and the sacrifices they make for each other. This engaging novel deals with human rights, poverty, family, belonging, Japanese culture, and the impact of World War II. Suitable for class read-aloud, response activities, literature circles, and class or school libraries.