First published to critical acclaim in 1986, Naomi_s Road is the story of a girl whose Japanese-Canadian family is uprooted during the Second World War. Separated from their parents, Naomi and her brother Stephen are sent to an internment camp in the interior of British Columbia. For the young girl growing up, war only means that she can no longer return to her home in Vancouver, or see her parents. Told from a child_s point of view and without a trace of anger or malice, Naomi_s Road has been praised as a powerful indictment of the injustice of war and the government_s treatment of Japanese-Canadian citizens, both during and well after World War II. This new edition is based on an expanded version of the story published in Japan. In it, Kogawa brings in more of the extended family and answers the question so often asked by fans of the original book: What happened to Naomi_s mother? With a historical note and a new ending, cover, and interior drawings by popular children_s illustrator Ruth Ohi, this book will be an absolute must for owners of the original as well as a whole new generation of young readers.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Kogawa, who wrote the adult book Obasan, begins this with a letter to children, explaining the background for Naomi's storythat Canada was at war with Japan and so all Japanese-Canadians were placed in internment camps. Naomi and her brother first go to a camp and then to a farm; their mother has gone to Japan to nurse an ailing relative and isn't allowed to return to Canada. Naomi's point of view is singularly childlikefor her, war means missing her parents and not understanding why another girl, Mitzi, dislikes her. The writing is gently lyrical; when her father returns from a long absence and holds Naomi, "We are quiet as moon song. As quiet and still as resting swans. Into this quiet I fall like a lost feather returning." This is not a novel that bears malice for the injustices of the war, but relates instead a tale of unquenchable human spirit, undaunted by prejudice and unable to let go of hope. Ages 8-11.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6 This fictionalized work is drawn from Kogawa's adult book, Obasan (Godine, 1982). Naomi, the narrator of the story, relates her memories as a Japanese-Canadian child during World War II. After Pearl Harbor, five-year-old Naomi and her brother Steven are taken first to an internment camp and then to a farm in Alberta. The family is reunited after the war, when they endure new hardships, but Naomi now is able to see the world without bitterness or rancor. This gentle story is told in lyrical language and is similar to Shizuye Takashima's A Child in Prison Camp (Tundra, 1971), as both are quiet statements of a family's struggle to overcome a brutal and painful time in their lives. Kogawa's book is on an easier reading level than Sheila Garrigue's The Eternal Spring of Mr. Ito (Bradbury, 1985), which deals with the internment of an elderly man and his family, but both are suitable for the same age level. Gould's ink illustrations lack the sensitivity of the text. Children would probably not read this book on their own, so it would be best read aloud to a class studying this period of history. Lorraine Douglas, Winnipeg Public Library, Manitoba, Canada
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Grandmother previewing book for grand daughter,
By Lt Governor "Lt Governor" (Kent, Wa) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Naomi's Road (Paperback)
I bought this book for my 8 year old grand daughter. I generally read books before I give them to the kids. I've read other books by Kogawa and always thoroughly enjoy them. This book is no exception but: I'm not sure the loss of her mother, father, grandparents, doll, friends, etc isn't a little heavy for an eight year old. My gr.daughter reads/comprehends above her age level but I think it's a little heavy for her yet. Probably by age 10 or 11 children have a better emotional grasp for themselves and of the world.
Excellent story, wonderfully well written. Even teens and adults would enjoy this well sensitive, emotional book. Coleen from Kent, Wa
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Naomi's Road,
A Kid's Review
This review is from: Naomi's Road (Paperback)
Naomi's Road
Author:Joy Kogawa. This book takes place in 1940's. Canada is at war with Japan. Naomi and her brother, Stephen go from Vancouver to an internment camp in the interior of British Columbia and then to a farm in Alberta. Join Naomi on her quest to seek hope and understanding of the world around her. Review by:Frances
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