Soul Lanterns

January 15, 2021
Nozomi and her friends find a way to share heartbreaking survivor stories of the Hiroshima bombing. Every Aug. 6, in Hiroshima, Japan, colored lanterns are set afloat down the river, shining in the night. Twenty-five years after the bombing, 12-year-old Nozomi and her family release lanterns honoring the souls lost to it: two for her aunts who never grew up, one for her father's first wife, and a fourth one. For the first time, Nozomi questions whom her mother releases the unnamed lantern for. A few days later, when she sees her art teacher at the cemetery, she learns his fiancee died in the bombing. Nozomi's curiosity grows, and she begins to hear the heartbreaking stories of those lost to the bomb as well as those left to grieve them. Nozomi and her friends decide to share the survivors' experiences through their art. Bringing these little stories to light creates a significant impact, helping others learn and remember what happened and find peace and compassion. Kuzki pens an honest look at the tragic effects and aftermath of the atomic bomb, whether it be one day or 25 years after. Even though they are fictional, the stories of loss, regret, loneliness, and grief are powerful and emotional. Scattered throughout are haunting tanka, Japanese poems, that were published in newspapers following the bombing. Originally written in Japanese, it is beautifully translated, with Japanese words woven in throughout. An evocative story that will move your soul. (author's notes) (Historical fiction. 10-14)

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March 1, 2021

Gr 5-8-Even though the bombing of Hiroshima happened 25 years ago, 12-year-old Nozomi is discovering that the trauma of that day still lingers. At the annual Lantern Floating Ceremony to remember those who were killed, an older woman seemingly mistakes Nozomi for her mother. This puzzling encounter prompts Nozomi to wonder about her mother's possible ties to the stranger. Shortly after, Nozomi's art teacher becomes seriously ill and leaves school to convalesce. These situations lead to Nozomi and her friends' increasing awareness of the long-term emotional and physical effects of the bombing. They dedicate their upcoming art club project to learning more about the experiences of their families and neighbors on that fateful day. Subsequent chapters focus on individual narratives told by survivors about losing loved ones during the bombing. These are devastating accounts, full of sorrow for lives cut short and regret at words unspoken. Opening up about their loss and sharing their stories are cathartic for the survivors, unveiling new layers of understanding and compassion from the young listeners. Told with sincerity and respect, this moving work honors the past while emphasizing a message of peace for the future. VERDICT This gut-wrenching tale of the Hiroshima bombing from a Japanese perspective is a tender and honest exploration of empathy in the aftermath of unimaginable pain and grief.-Sophie Kenney, Aurora P.L., IL

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