Under the Blood-Red Sun by Graham Salisbury

Tomi was born in Hawaii. His grandfather and parents were born in Japan, and came to America to escape poverty. World War II seems far away from Tomi and his friends, who are too busy playing ball on their eighth-grade team, the Rats. But then Pearl Harbor is attacked by the Japanese, and the United States declares war on Japan. Japanese men are rounded up, and Tomi’s father and grandfather are arrested. It’s a terrifying time to be Japanese in America. But one thing doesn’t change: the loyalty of Tomi’s buddies, the Rats.

PRESENTATION

Japanese American Tomi just wants to fit in, but in the polarized climate of Honolulu just prior to the United States entering WWII, “Japs” are anything but trusted. It doesn't help that his immigrant Grandfather is fiercely patriotic, displaying his Japanese flag and samurai sword whenever he gets the chance. When Pearl Harbor is bombed, this implicit mistrust becomes explicit, and Tomi's father and grandfather are sent to internment camps. Tomi must now be the man of the house, but he's still dealing with bullies and misunderstanding close to home. Salisbury's ability to capture the fear of the time period against a backdrop of breathtaking beauty and normal teen concerns make this novel one of my favorite works of historical fiction. Recommended for reluctant readers of all stripes as well as middle grade and teen readers interested in one boy's account of the events of Pearl Harbor during WWII.

If you want a peak into Hawaii and Hawaii during WW2 as a Japanese American kid look no further. Another added bonus is the use of Pidgin (Hawaiian Creole English) which is really the language of the islands hahaha! I've really enjoyed this book. If you get the chance to listen to the audiobook its great!