Release Date: March 2014Genre: Historical novel written in verse
When and Where: 1942 America, following the attack on Pearl Harbor
Protagonist: Marina Masako Tagawa, aged 13
The Story: When the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor and waves of nationalism and suspicion sweep across America, Marina Tagawa and her family are forced to abandon their home and are relocated to an internment camp because of their Japanese roots. Proud to be an American and distraught to be treated as an enemy, Marina struggles to accept her family's treatment by fellow Americans. Told in verse, Dust of Eden reveals the painful and harsh realities of individuals forced to reside in Japanese Internment camps during World War II.
Reaction: Dust of Eden is beautifully and starkly written, and the child's voice shines through the narrative poetry in a way that highlights a child's innocent view of the world that is shattered by the ugly realities of prejudice. Despite the ugliness of how the Japanese Americans are treated, Dust of Eden also shows how finding beauty, even in impossible circumstances, is anything but impossible. Dust of Eden is a thought-provoking, lyrical, and painful read.
If You Liked... Out of the Dust, Monster, or Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, then Dust of Eden should be another book on your bookshelf!
Rating: 5 stars
Teacher Notes: There is a shortage of high-quality, meaningful, and authentic voices in historical fiction, and Dust of Eden is an excellent addition to a classroom library or book group. This is a quick, subtle read that would be appropriate in a wide span of grade levels, from elementary through middle school, and could be used for a variety of purposes, including interdisciplinary instruction between English Language Arts and Social Studies.
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