So Far From The Bamboo Grove By Yoko Kawashima Watkins

So Far From The Bamboo Grove is a historical fiction novel that is told from the perspective of a Japanese girl named Yoko during World War II and post war time. Yoko and her family must leave Korea because Korean soldiers are killing anyone with Japanese connections. This novel paints vivid pictures of hope and determination with its descriptive text. While reading this book I became engrossed in the time period and felt as though I was traveling with Yoko. I believe that this book along, with the book entitled The Year of Impossible Goodbyes, would be a great set to include in the classroom. Both of these books represent a different view point of the war. Although I enjoyed both books, in some ways I enjoyed So Far From The Bamboo Grove More. Yoko is faced with many hardships such as death, injuries, hiding and other tragedies but she never gives up hope. I also liked that this book had a strong theme of family. My family has made me who I am today. Also, Yoko’s family is one aspect that helped her survive and gave her hope in a hard time. Although this book introduces controversial concepts I believe that it should still be added in the classroom. I believe that many students will be able to connect to the characters and also build an emotional connection to the time period and literature.