My Brother, My Sister, and I [Mass Market Paperback]

Yoko Kawashima Watkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1996

Thirteen-year-old Yoko and her older brother and sister live in abject poverty in Japan at the end of World War II. When the clog factory warehouse they call home is destroyed by fire, their lives become even more desperate, particularly when Yoko's sister, Ko, is injured and must be hospitalized and her brother, Hideyo, is accused of murder. "Beautifully direct and emotionally honest."--Publishers Weekly, starred review.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

PW's starred review praised this fictionalized memoir of a refugee childhood in post-WWII Japan as "beautifully direct and emotionally honest." Ages 11-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up-In this moving sequel to So Far from the Bamboo Grove (Lothrop, 1986), Yoko Watkins continues her family saga. In extreme poverty, the Kawashimas-13-year-old Yoko, her 17-year-old sister, and her 21-year-old brother-struggle to survive as refugees in post-World War II Japan. After a slow start, this autobiographical novel gains momentum as the young people lose their wretched temporary home and are accused of burning a warehouse and committing a double murder. With the aid of new friends and personal aplomb, they find clues that clear their names and lead to the discovery of the true culprits. Along the way are fascinating details of how they make do and manage to preserve their dignity; the cruelty and humiliation Yoko endures in school; the interesting friendship they share with a Burakumin (outcast) couple; and an emotional reunion with their POW father, during which they must tell him that their mother died six years ago. The style here is a great improvement over the previous book, though some stilted dialogue still intrudes. The author is at her best in narration, skillfully building suspense and getting readers sympathetically involved in Yoko's difficulties and triumphs.
John Philbrook, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse (April 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689806566
• ISBN-13: 978-0689806568
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #228,848 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > Other
  • #27 in Books > Teens > Biographies
  • #96 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Memoirs

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!, July 7, 2009

By 

Yoonjung L. Kim (Hawaii) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: My Brother, My Sister, and I (Mass Market Paperback)

This book has a lot of events happening such as escping from Korea, being refugees, injured badly, being bullied at school and losing parents. That is surely a lot for a 13 year-old girl. But, Yoko overcame all the hardships and managed herself well. I was so happy to see the Kawashimas reunion with their Father. I was even happier with their achievements in life. It taught me a good value of life.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Book, Greatly Enjoyable, July 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: My Brother, My Sister, and I (Mass Market Paperback)

Being assigned "My Brother, My Sister, and I" as summer reading, I didn't start this book with a positive mind. As I continued reading, I noticed the fast pace and events that would keep you on your toes. This book does a fabulous job illustrating Yoko's emotions, feelings and ideas throughout her stuggles and triumphs. Definitely a "5-Star" rating!

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars moving sequal, May 26, 2000

By 

Maryland Miss "reader" (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Brother, My Sister, and I (Mass Market Paperback)

I recently reread this book in preparation for teaching my class of seventh graders. One must read Far From the Bamboo Grove before reading this one. It is heartwrenching to see the twists and turns in the life of the Kawashimas. But as brother Hideyo says," ... the Kawashima children can become a few drops of water in the ocean and make ripples that will spread humanity." My students are in awe of this family's struggle to survive. They are more appreciative of their lives and their parents. Yoko Kawashima Watkins is our hero. This is a book that will not be forgotten.