About This Book

From Newbery Honor award-winning author Laurence Yep comes this boldly written, fictionalized account of the bombing of Hiroshima, seen through the eyes of 12-year-old Sachi. This riveting piece of historical fiction tells the poignant story of a young girl and a city destroyed by war — and healed by the courage to rebuild and survive.

Twelve-year-old Sachi's life is forever changed when the U.S. drops the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945. Sachi's city is destroyed and she later moves to the U.S. to be treated for her devastating injuries. As a backdrop to Sachi's story, Yep chronicles the development of nuclear weapons, the actual attack and aftermath, the politics of the nuclear arms race, and the anti-nuclear movement. The text is factual, but easy to read and fascinating.

Readers ages nine to 13 will be captivated by the story of humankind's most feared weapon, its impact on Japanese society, the nation's of the world, and the efforts to control its use. Thoughtful class discussions are sure to follow.

About the Authors or Illustrators

Laurence Yep

Renowned author Laurence Yep discovered and began writing science fiction in high school. He believes that teenagers identify with the "strangers," or aliens, in his work. Sweetwater and Dragonwings are two of Yep's titles.

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