Under the Blood-Red Sun

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.