Soul Lanterns
Soul Lanterns by Shaw Kuzki, published by Random House Children’s Books on March 15, 2022, is a poignant narrative that centers on a young Japanese girl named Nozomi, who grapples with the historical impact of the Hiroshima bombing. At twelve years old, Nozomi participates in an annual lantern-floating ceremony, where families honor lost loved ones by releasing paper lanterns into the river. Through her experiences, she uncovers complex stories of loss and resilience, particularly when she notices her mother releasing a lantern without a name.
In this edition, readers will find an exploration of themes such as family, multigenerational connections, and the historical context of military events. As Nozomi and her friends embark on a project to share their loved ones’ experiences, they foster a deeper understanding of compassion within their community. Soul Lanterns offers insights into the cultural history of Japan while addressing the universal need for peace, making it a significant read for those interested in juvenile fiction that reflects on historical events and personal narratives. This edition contains 176 pages and is presented in English.
Official synopsis Publisher
The haunting and poignant story of a how a young Japanese girl’s understanding of the historic and tragic bombing of Hiroshima is transformed by a memorial lantern-floating ceremony.
A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of the Century
Twelve-year-old Nozomi lives in the Japanese city of Hiroshima. She wasn’t even born when the bombing of Hiroshima took place. Every year Nozomi joins her family at the lantern-floating ceremony to honor those lost in the bombing. People write the names of their deceased loved ones along with messages of peace, on paper lanterns and set them afloat on the river. This year Nozomi realizes that her mother always releases one lantern with no name. She begins to ask questions, and when complicated stories of loss and loneliness unfold, Nozomi and her friends come up with a creative way to share their loved ones’ experiences. By opening people’s eyes to the struggles they all keep hidden, the project teaches the entire community new ways to show compassion.
Soul Lanterns is an honest exploration of what happened on August 6, 1945, and offers readers a glimpse not only into the rich cultural history of Japan but also into the intimate lives of those who recognize–better than most–the urgent need for peace.
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