#1 - Historial Fiction

Dash

Author: Kirby Larson

Credit: Kirby Larson

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Larson, Kirby. Dash. New York: Scholastic Press, 2014. ISBN 978-0545416368

PLOT SUMMARY

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II, young Mitsi Kashino, and her family is sent to an incarceration camp. Mitsi is separated from her beloved dog, Dash. With the help of a neighbor, Mitsi remains connected to Dash in a unique way. Will the war ever end, will the Kashino family be able to return home and Mitsi see her beloved dog again?

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Kirby Larson writes a beautiful historical fiction novel about a Japanese-American family forced into an incarceration camp after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Larson brings realistic characters to life in Dash. For example, you have Mitsi and her family is forced into an incarceration camp, forced to leave their homes, jobs and only allowed to take what they can carry on their backs. The young girl is devastated when she finds out her beloved pet can't go with her. Larson does another fantastic job of creating a unique situation and having Mitsi's neighbor write letters to Mitsi composing them from Dash's point of view. These events change Mitsi's  outlook on life in the camp. The plot and the setting of Dash are true events of our history and what happened to Japanese-American's and their families in the United States. Larson does an unbelievable job of telling accurate facts through the Kashino family. The theme of the story is how one strong family pulls together through adversity and comes out strong in the end. This is displayed all throughout the book. For example, Mitsi shows courage by leaving her beloved pet with her neighbor, leaving her home for the camp, etc. There are many examples of courage throughout the book. 

At the end of the book, Larson includes an "Author's Note" that adds factual information about our U.S. history about the War Relocation Camps after Pearl Harbor is bombed. Of the families, one of them was called "Mitsi Shiraishi" who loved her dog Chubby. Larson goes on to give factual information about the real Mitsi and Chubby. I had the privilege of meeting Kirby Larson at my school last year, and she talked about how she had to change the name of her book to Dash, because her book publisher didn't think children would buy a book called Chubby; thus they came up with the name Dash. Larson has created several War themed books around animals, thus adds to the style of writing. 

AWARDS AND REVIEWS

* Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award

* NAPPA Gold Award

* State Young Readers Choice Award Nominations

* Mississippi Magnolia Award

* New Hampshire Book Award

* Tennessee Volunteer State Award

* Virginia Reader’s Choice Award

* "This emotionally satisfying and thought-provoking book will have readers pulling for Mitsi and Dash." - Kirkus Review

* "An incisive tale of loyalty, patriotism, sacrifice, and bravery." - Publishers Weekly.

* A good example of how bravery comes in all shapes, sizes, and breeds." - Booklist

CONNECTIONS

Activities to use with this book:

* Research Japanese War Relocation camps, create a Prezi/PowerPoint to share with the class.

* Research Pearl Harbor, World War II, and the Atomic Bomb.

* Research why animals were not allowed in camps per the General and share with the class.

Book Connections:

* Duke - ISBN 978-0545416382

* Liberty - ISBN 978-0545840712

* Two Bobbies - ISBN 978-0802797544

* Blog created for the purpose of TWU, Children's Literature Course #5603, and for the love of reading!