Thursday, March 17, 2011

Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

Kira-Kira is a novel told in the point-of-view of it's narrator, a young Japanese-American girl, Katie. At first, Katie and her family (her mother, father, and older sister, Lynn) live in a small town in Iowa and own a small Asian store. Upon the store going out of business, Katie and her family abruptly move to Georgia where they begin to struggle even deeper with fiances and discrimination because of their race. Soon, Lynn developes severe anemia. And Katie, who shares a close bond with her sister, begins to spend almost all of her time with her. Katie's family move into a small house (to accommodate their now-larger family, with the addition of Sammy, Katie and Lynn's baby brother). This makes Lynn feel a lot better, despite her illness. After an incident involving Sammy getting caught in a bear trap on the property on Mr. Lyndon (the owner of the hatchery that Katie's parents work at), things turn worse for Lynn and she now becomes fatally ill. Katie stuggles to keep her sister happy and healthy, and deal with family and issues in society.

1.) What are the possible the reasons for the discrimination against Japanese-Americans?

2.) Do you think its capable for a young girl like Katie to be able to handle the responsibilites that she faces within the novel?

15 comments:

Sarah N. 7-8 said...

1. I think that with any culture, race, religion, or any differences there are stereotypes and discrimination. I think that people had a stereotype about the Japanese and not understand their culture, which is a reason for the discrimination.

2. I think that it is difficult for anyone to take on that kind of burden. I think that Katie shouldn't let her sisters illness control her life, but she should do what she can to make her happy.

Ashlyn W. 7-8 said...

1. I agree with Sarah. I think that with any race, culture, and so on, there are different stereotypes. I think that these discriminations are found no matter where you are. Like Sarah said, it probably did come from misunderstandings of the Japanese.

Kyle N.1-2 said...

1. I guess it always boils down to people's views. Some people are just racist, some are not. I hate to say it but there always has been and there always will be. So I agree with both Ashlyn and Sarah.

2. I think some people are capable. Many people show great responsibility for taking care of those less fortunate, and even a young girl can handle these kind of responsibilities, but it's not easy.

Lisa T. 1-2 said...

1. Everyone is different, and there will always be people who can't accept what they don't understand or aren't familiar with.
2. I definitely believe it's possible, because challenges are a part of life and it's not always fair. However, I do think it's tough for a young girl to have to grow up fast and take responsibilities that so many people her age can't even comprehend.

Sarah H 1-2 said...

No matter where you go poeple are going to discriminate against people who are different. I think the Japanese-Americans are discriminated against smimply because they are different.

Morgan O 7-8 said...

Possible reasons for discrimination against Japanese Americans are simple reasons such as the fact that they look different, have a different culture, or speak a different language. I don't know what time this book took place in but if it was around the time of world war 2 Japanese Americans were discriminated against because of the tension taking place between the U.S. and Japan.

Ashley B. 1-2 said...

I think that it is possible for a young girl to handle.. I think it also will depend on her outlook of all the issues. If she is able to keep a brave face through it all, I think she would become stronger.

Jacob C. 1-2 said...

1. Any race or culture can easily be discriminated against. Mostly discrimination comes from ignorance or possibly fear of a certain culture or way of life.

2. I think anyone, even adults, would struggle with a situation like Katie's. It may be harder for Katie to deal with it, however, at her young age.

Heather B. 1-2 said...

1.) I think discrimination against any group of people is based on a lack of knowledge and understanding.

2.) I think young people, especially when in difficult situations, have the ability to deal with difficult situations, though it may be trying at times.

Monica J. 1-2 said...

1. The fact that the Japanese look different and have different customs and beliefs they are discriminated against.
2. I think she can handle the responsibility if she found the strength within her to obtain the will power and able to control and be mature enough to have that responsibility.

Avi D. 7/8 said...

1. I believe that no one is truly racist. They just make jokes about already help stereotypes. Japanese Americans are discriminated against by older people from their memories about WWII and Pearl Harbor.

Josh R. 1-2 said...

Depending on peoples views of foreigners and change, there may be many reasons for discrimination, including a misunderstanding of somebodies way of life.

Sevgim A.1-2 said...

2. No I think Katie can't do all the things she is responsible for. Most people can't handle all the responsibilities in life, so a little girl probably can't handle all of the responsibilities given to her.

Sara D. 7-8 said...

1) I agree with everyone, there is racism everywhere, not just in America. However, this particular situation was probably due to people remembering the incident at Pearl Harbor and our struggle with Japan in WWII.

Mrs. Sherwood said...

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