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Heart of a Champion
Ten-year-old Kenny (Kenji in Japanese) worships his older brother, Mickey (Mitsuo), a baseball hero whose outstanding performance on the Asahi baseball team has given him fame and popularity. Despite Kenny's suspected heart condition, he is determined to practice secretly with Mickey so he, too, can one day try out for the Asahi. But world events soon overtake life in this quiet community. When Japan attacks Pearl Harbor in 1941, everything for Kenny and his family spirals out of control: schools are closed, businesses are confiscated, fathers are arrested and sent to work camps in the BC interior and mothers and children are relocated to internment camps. When Mickey is arrested for a small act of violence, Kenny manages to keep his family's spirits up, despite the deplorable conditions in camp. Coming across a "vacant" field covered with scrap wood, broken shakes and torn tar paper, Kenny gets permission to clear it and convert it into a baseball field. One by one, the boys in the camp pitch in, and the work gives purpose to their long days. Kenny's persistence, hard work and big dreams shape the teen he is to become in this story of happiness found despite all odds.
257 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2016
11 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Schwartz
38 books14 followersEllen Schwartz was born in Washington, DC, and now lives with her family in Burnaby, British Columbia. In addition to writing books, she has published dozens of magazine articles and adult short stories. Her stories for children have been published in children’s magazines and teaching anthologies.
In addition to her work as an author, Ms. Schwartz and her husband run a communications consulting company. She works as a corporate writer, and teaches creative writing at Simon Fraser University and Douglas College. Before becoming a writer, Ms. Schwartz taught special education and the primary grades, and worked as an environmental educator.
In addition to her work as an author, Ms. Schwartz and her husband run a communications consulting company. She works as a corporate writer, and teaches creative writing at Simon Fraser University and Douglas College. Before becoming a writer, Ms. Schwartz taught special education and the primary grades, and worked as an environmental educator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 15, 2017
Despite the fact I believe this is an important topic, the Japanese interment, to have represented in children's literature, I didn't love this book. I found the storyline mediocre and rather superficial.
Kenny and his family are subjected to discrimination after Japan bombs Pearl Harbor and a growing distrust of Japanese-Canadians takes over Canada. They were forced from their home and moved to an internment camp, where they lived in poor conditions. Young Kenny rose to the challenges his family faced and found a way to bring joy to the camp.
A few concerns I have over this book:
- I think the cover is a disservice to the book. The emphasis on the cover is baseball, probably tuning off those children not keen on sports, but yet the book isn't truly about baseball.
- There is an over-emphasis on Kenny's "heart condition". As many as 25% of children have a heart murmur, so it is very likely that some of the children reading this will have one. The book is written like this is a debilitating condition and physical activity should be avoided. That is completely inaccurate and very disappointing this is being woven into current children's literature.
- I think the level of Mickey's "shame" and "dishonor" with his outburst is ridiculous. He barely did anything, but yet the emphasis placed on this was completely out of proportion.
Short-listed for the 2018 MYRCA.
Kenny and his family are subjected to discrimination after Japan bombs Pearl Harbor and a growing distrust of Japanese-Canadians takes over Canada. They were forced from their home and moved to an internment camp, where they lived in poor conditions. Young Kenny rose to the challenges his family faced and found a way to bring joy to the camp.
A few concerns I have over this book:
- I think the cover is a disservice to the book. The emphasis on the cover is baseball, probably tuning off those children not keen on sports, but yet the book isn't truly about baseball.
- There is an over-emphasis on Kenny's "heart condition". As many as 25% of children have a heart murmur, so it is very likely that some of the children reading this will have one. The book is written like this is a debilitating condition and physical activity should be avoided. That is completely inaccurate and very disappointing this is being woven into current children's literature.
- I think the level of Mickey's "shame" and "dishonor" with his outburst is ridiculous. He barely did anything, but yet the emphasis placed on this was completely out of proportion.
Short-listed for the 2018 MYRCA.
June 30, 2021
My son told me I had to read it and I'm glad I did. It takes place in my old neighbourhood and the main characters go to the same school as my own children... until they are sent off to the BC interior during WWII. The main family is Japanese and this book highlights the unjust and shameful episode in Canada's history of interning Canadian citizens because of their race. Because this is a book written for 10-13 year olds, it's not as depressing as it could be, but it doesn't candy coat or hide many of the awful things that happened to innocent people from my neighbourhood. The structure is a familiar one with some characters that will look very similar to others in popular books and movies: the bully who eventually gains respect for the protagonist, the unreasonable (and racist) older man in charge who begrudgingly learns to appreciate what the kids are up to (but he still doesn't like it), the white man who follows the rules but "has a heart of gold". These tropes are there, but I can forgive them because of the target age range and also the exposure to the world of Japantown before the war and the internment camp during it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2017
Heart of a Champion
by Ellen Schwartz
2016
A LibraryThing Early Reviewers book.
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese forces bombed Pearl Harbor. War was declared between Japan and Canada. Not long after, Japanese Canadians on the West Coast were sent to internment camps, since they were "Enemy Aliens". In this book, the story of a Japanese Canadian family is told through their relationship with baseball. It is baseball that shapes the dreams of the two boys in the family, and baseball, in the end, that pulls the family and the entire internment camp together as a means of survival.
This is a well written and researched young adult piece of historical fiction. I knew it did it's job when I was raging at the universe that Canada, that bright county up North, had also participated in the imprisoning of it's citizens with Japanese blood. Evil and hatred knows no bounds, I guess.
Never again.
3 1/2 stars.
by Ellen Schwartz
2016
A LibraryThing Early Reviewers book.
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese forces bombed Pearl Harbor. War was declared between Japan and Canada. Not long after, Japanese Canadians on the West Coast were sent to internment camps, since they were "Enemy Aliens". In this book, the story of a Japanese Canadian family is told through their relationship with baseball. It is baseball that shapes the dreams of the two boys in the family, and baseball, in the end, that pulls the family and the entire internment camp together as a means of survival.
This is a well written and researched young adult piece of historical fiction. I knew it did it's job when I was raging at the universe that Canada, that bright county up North, had also participated in the imprisoning of it's citizens with Japanese blood. Evil and hatred knows no bounds, I guess.
Never again.
3 1/2 stars.
February 6, 2017
The internment of Japanese Canadians during WII. Yes, I knew the term, and the basic facts. But I didn't know the story. This is the story. What an embarrassing and shameful part of our history. Quite tame for younger readers, and so full of hope. The human spirit, as shown by the Sakamoto family, is able to persevere through unimaginable hardships. I was encouraged to seek out other stories.
August 18, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Ten-year-old Kenny (Kenji in Japanese) worships his older brother, Mickey (Mitsuo), a baseball hero whose outstanding performance on the Asahi baseball team has given him fame and popularity. Despite Kenny's suspected heart condition, he is determined to practice secretly with Mickey so he, too, can one day try out for the Asahi. But world events soon overtake life in this quiet community. When Japan attacks Pearl Harbor in 1941, everything for Kenny and his family spirals out of control: schools are closed, businesses are confiscated, fathers are arrested and sent to work camps in the BC interior and mothers and children are relocated to internment camps. When Mickey is arrested for a small act of violence, Kenny manages to keep his family's spirits up, despite the deplorable conditions in camp. Coming across a "vacant" field covered with scrap wood, broken shakes and torn tar paper, Kenny gets permission to clear it and convert it into a baseball field. One by one, the boys in the camp pitch in, and the work gives purpose to their long days. Kenny's persistence, hard work and big dreams shape the teen he is to become in this story of happiness found despite all odds.
I am two minds about this book:
On the side of positive - a really well-told story, a story of hope and resilience at the time of Japanese Canadian internments during World War 2. The details are dulled-down a bit for younger readers, the story seems to still hold all the gravitas it deserves. Using a background of baseball to tell the story, this story is certainly one to grab hold of your heartstrings and not let go. Culturally diverse, sympathetic and heartwarming, this is a brilliantly written book.
Doesn't sound like a downside, right? Well, for me, it felt a little like it was written solely for the Canadian market. I felt like some things were taken for granted as known about the history and more emphasis was point on the feel-good story. I felt a little isolated reading it. Had to look up things about that time along the way. Also, I found the "white American woman writing a Japanese Canadian story just a little off-putting. I am not sure this is her story to tell, if you know what I mean.
Overall, a very good book for middle grade readers, especially in Canada - but the themes of this book will translate perfectly around the world.
Paul
ARH
Ten-year-old Kenny (Kenji in Japanese) worships his older brother, Mickey (Mitsuo), a baseball hero whose outstanding performance on the Asahi baseball team has given him fame and popularity. Despite Kenny's suspected heart condition, he is determined to practice secretly with Mickey so he, too, can one day try out for the Asahi. But world events soon overtake life in this quiet community. When Japan attacks Pearl Harbor in 1941, everything for Kenny and his family spirals out of control: schools are closed, businesses are confiscated, fathers are arrested and sent to work camps in the BC interior and mothers and children are relocated to internment camps. When Mickey is arrested for a small act of violence, Kenny manages to keep his family's spirits up, despite the deplorable conditions in camp. Coming across a "vacant" field covered with scrap wood, broken shakes and torn tar paper, Kenny gets permission to clear it and convert it into a baseball field. One by one, the boys in the camp pitch in, and the work gives purpose to their long days. Kenny's persistence, hard work and big dreams shape the teen he is to become in this story of happiness found despite all odds.
I am two minds about this book:
On the side of positive - a really well-told story, a story of hope and resilience at the time of Japanese Canadian internments during World War 2. The details are dulled-down a bit for younger readers, the story seems to still hold all the gravitas it deserves. Using a background of baseball to tell the story, this story is certainly one to grab hold of your heartstrings and not let go. Culturally diverse, sympathetic and heartwarming, this is a brilliantly written book.
Doesn't sound like a downside, right? Well, for me, it felt a little like it was written solely for the Canadian market. I felt like some things were taken for granted as known about the history and more emphasis was point on the feel-good story. I felt a little isolated reading it. Had to look up things about that time along the way. Also, I found the "white American woman writing a Japanese Canadian story just a little off-putting. I am not sure this is her story to tell, if you know what I mean.
Overall, a very good book for middle grade readers, especially in Canada - but the themes of this book will translate perfectly around the world.
Paul
ARH
October 28, 2017
I received an advance copy of Heart of a Champion by Ellen Schwartz in exchange for an unbiased review. This book is written for a young adult audience and it was very well written. The story is set in Canada during WW II with the main characters are Canadian citizens of Japanese descent. As WWII progressed, the citizens with Japanese background began to quickly lose their rights, and then were eventually sent to internment camps. The author managed to use a historical event with a tough topic in a way that would still interest young adults. We were still able to experience the harsh reality they lived in, but saw the hope in their lives while the children built a baseball field, and brought hope to all of their families.
I have visited Manzanar, a location of a former Japanese internment camp. At that National Historic Site, the harshness of how citizens of the United States were forced to live was brought to life for me. This book did an excellent job representing those internment camps. This book can easily be used as part of a history curriculum for middle school students. It would hold their interest, without being inappropriately graphic, and give a strong understanding of how rights can be stripped from citizens of a country so easily.
I have visited Manzanar, a location of a former Japanese internment camp. At that National Historic Site, the harshness of how citizens of the United States were forced to live was brought to life for me. This book did an excellent job representing those internment camps. This book can easily be used as part of a history curriculum for middle school students. It would hold their interest, without being inappropriately graphic, and give a strong understanding of how rights can be stripped from citizens of a country so easily.
February 19, 2018
This is a youth/kids book, but I enjoyed reading it as a adult. Because it's a kids book, the language is quite simple and so is the character interaction. However, it still does a good job of developing themes and I was drawn in by the characters.
The first major theme in this book is the development of Kenji from an insecure boy who is coddled by his parents to a strong and self reliant boy. Any kid reading this book will come away understanding that you can take control of your circumstances and improve.
The second major theme is Japanese internment camps during WWII. I knew that these existed before, but reading a book where the characters (even those born in Canada) were moved to these camps really brought out how unjust it was. Again, this became a lesson on survival in hard circumstances.
My ten year old daughter recommended this book to me but it's definitely relevant for older readers also. It is one of the Manitoba Youth Readers Choice Awards (www.myrca.ca) books.
The first major theme in this book is the development of Kenji from an insecure boy who is coddled by his parents to a strong and self reliant boy. Any kid reading this book will come away understanding that you can take control of your circumstances and improve.
The second major theme is Japanese internment camps during WWII. I knew that these existed before, but reading a book where the characters (even those born in Canada) were moved to these camps really brought out how unjust it was. Again, this became a lesson on survival in hard circumstances.
My ten year old daughter recommended this book to me but it's definitely relevant for older readers also. It is one of the Manitoba Youth Readers Choice Awards (www.myrca.ca) books.
January 5, 2025
I first read this book in elementary school, and am now revisiting it as I apply for university. This is one of the most memorable books that I read during my childhood--as a kid, it opened my eyes to the history of Canada's oppression against marginalized groups other than Indigenous peoples. Now, I appreciate the way the characters tackle conflict and have naive confidence to do anything and everything. Though the book isn't perfect with some of its cultural and linguistic references, they don't take away from the story at all. Some of these inaccuracies even make the story more accessible (i.e. easier to empathize with) to its intended audience of Canadian elementary school students.
In a genre oversaturated with tragic WW2 stories, this book stands out for its themes of resilience through community and exploration of lesser-known historical events. This remains one of my favourite books.
In a genre oversaturated with tragic WW2 stories, this book stands out for its themes of resilience through community and exploration of lesser-known historical events. This remains one of my favourite books.
May 8, 2017
In the early 1940's, Kenny's older brother, Micky, plays baseball for the Asahi team in Vancouver, BC. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, and its declaration of war against Canada and other countries, anti Japanese sentiment grew. Through Kenny and his family, readers see what happened and the impact it had on his family as they eventually end up in an internment camp. Kenny, who always been considered frail because of a suspected heart murmur, ends up coming into his own, and showing his family, his community, and himself, what he is really capable of.
I'm conflicted about this book. While it's well enough written, it is about the Asahi baseball team and Japanese internment. It's written by a white woman who teaches creative writing. It feels all wrong to me that she is even telling this story that isn't really hers to tell.
I'm waiting for feedback from some Japanese Canadians friends before I approve this book.
This is the feedback I got from my friend.
"Looks like she researched the Asahi's. she drops Japanese words and foods but she isn't Japanese Canadian. My grandparents and their generation didn't hug - not even family members. And they wouldn't have put up with a kid refusing to get better because he brought shame to his family. Kids of my dad's generation wouldn't have dared to wallow in self pity. Just the act of defiance would have been considered shameful. They did as they were told or they got cuffed or yelled at. The author doesn't know much about Japanese dance either. It's not like ballet - you rarely if ever wear geta to dance. You don't wear kimonos to practice either. The kimonos were made of silk and weren't washable. You also don't wear kimonos for the Obon dances. It's in the summer so one wears yukata which is made of cotton. Since you dance outside, you wear footwear."
I'm not recommending this one.
I'm conflicted about this book. While it's well enough written, it is about the Asahi baseball team and Japanese internment. It's written by a white woman who teaches creative writing. It feels all wrong to me that she is even telling this story that isn't really hers to tell.
I'm waiting for feedback from some Japanese Canadians friends before I approve this book.
This is the feedback I got from my friend.
"Looks like she researched the Asahi's. she drops Japanese words and foods but she isn't Japanese Canadian. My grandparents and their generation didn't hug - not even family members. And they wouldn't have put up with a kid refusing to get better because he brought shame to his family. Kids of my dad's generation wouldn't have dared to wallow in self pity. Just the act of defiance would have been considered shameful. They did as they were told or they got cuffed or yelled at. The author doesn't know much about Japanese dance either. It's not like ballet - you rarely if ever wear geta to dance. You don't wear kimonos to practice either. The kimonos were made of silk and weren't washable. You also don't wear kimonos for the Obon dances. It's in the summer so one wears yukata which is made of cotton. Since you dance outside, you wear footwear."
I'm not recommending this one.
February 14, 2018
In Heart Of A Champion 10 year old boy Kenny wants to be a baseball star like his older brother Mickey. The problem is Kenny can't play because of heart problems.
The change of Kenny from a weak boy to a hero is amazing and inspiring. Through his perspective all readers will learn about an important part of history that isn’t taught. Kenny, Mickey, and a lot of Japanese-Canadian people love baseball. Although this isn't a sports novel of play-by-play games it is a really nice inspiring story. I recommend this book for 9-13 year old readers who love historical fiction. I also recommend this novel if you like the I Survived series, Jake Maddox, and Matt Christoper books.
The change of Kenny from a weak boy to a hero is amazing and inspiring. Through his perspective all readers will learn about an important part of history that isn’t taught. Kenny, Mickey, and a lot of Japanese-Canadian people love baseball. Although this isn't a sports novel of play-by-play games it is a really nice inspiring story. I recommend this book for 9-13 year old readers who love historical fiction. I also recommend this novel if you like the I Survived series, Jake Maddox, and Matt Christoper books.
July 31, 2021
Very moving fictionalized account of internment through a young boy's eyes.Kenny is a great character who is focused on his own personal journey to become a baseball player, in spite of the historical events he is living through. A few historical inaccuracies: mainly, the scene portraying ten-year-old Kenny getting a registration card, and the establishment of a school in New Denver in fall 1942, when actually the children lost almost a year of school due to the uprooting. But the overall impacts of the internment are well portrayed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2018
A bit of a slow start for me, but well worth the read. I think this is a novel that captures a glimpse into what internment was like here in BC and this honestly makes me want to read more. It's heartbreaking to think about what Japanese Canadians went through, but this is definitely a story or perseverance and triumph for the main character. Wonderful characterization of all the relationships in Kenny's life and how the situation changes these relationships as well as his view of himself.
October 17, 2018
This is a very sweet book and the evolution of Kenny, the young protagonist, is heart-warming. My only issue is that things are a bit too tidy when the story shifts to the internment camp. There's no mention of illness, or the many difficulties that families must have faced - they are present in the beginning, but then glossed over once the baseball theme begins to re-emerge. Overall, I enjoyed it.
October 12, 2023
My son was assigned this book as a novel study in school and I was curious to know what he was reading as well as helping him with his school work. I ended up flying through it. It’s a short read. But so sweet and heart warming. At the same time it is sad and upsetting, what our Canadian ancestors did to Japanese Canadians only 80 years ago. Definitely recommend this short, informative, beautiful story.
September 21, 2024
I’m like immune to giving five star reviews because I always really love a book but i never want to give it five stars because even though I loved it I’m gaslighting myself into thinking I didn’t like it enough. But this book was so good, the first part of the books was good and then the middle got sad and then it was good again. I don’t really know what to say apart from the fact that I liked it so this isn’t the most helpful review. :O
June 17, 2021
I really loved this book. It was one of my favourites even though I'm not a baseball player. I actually had to read this book for school but I was shocked at how good it was. It was definitely a slow burn beginning but it ended up being awesome. (For some reason I imagined the characters as the two boys from big hero 6, I'm not sure why, but it really helped my imagination.)
December 22, 2018
This is an amazing book especially for students in Grades 5-7. The internment of Japanese-Canadians is an unknown and not talked about part of Canada’s history, and it provokes some interesting discussions with and perspective taking from students.
March 7, 2017
This is a good book because it is about a boy who try's and never gives up!
September 25, 2017
Uplifting.
October 14, 2017
As heart warming a story as you can get considering the subject matter. Much like obi-san, this novel will be an important addition to school curriculums across Canada.
April 28, 2018
Read this book-it's very inspirational.
February 17, 2022
Good book
June 7, 2023
It was a very good book. Heart of a champion by Ellen Schwartz is a big filled with sadness, humor, happiness, and sports. I enjoyed it very much
April 6, 2024
I wish this book had more readership, it’s a story and, more importantly, a history worth learning about.
March 15, 2017
Heart of a Champion follows the story of a Japanese-Canadian family who are caught up in the events of WWII. Kenji (Kenny) has an older brother, Mickey whom he idolizes for his skills in baseball and who plays for the Asahis. When the family is forced to move into the internment camps, Kenny must face many challenges. Since Kenny has a heart murmur, he is unable to do any physical activity but life in the camps doesn't allow for his health problems to run his life. This coming of age story is a great read for middle grade students who love baseball, are interested in WWII history and for teachers who are looking for more diversity in the books they present to children.
April 8, 2016
Kenny Sakamoto has always lived in the shadow of his brother, Mickey...the hero-athlete on the Vancouver Asahi baseball team. Kenny knows his brother is destined for greatness with his sweet swing, eagle eye, and deft maneuvers. Kenny longs to play too, but a possible heart murmur is keeping him from the game.
But as WWII is becoming increasingly dangerous and enemies are encroaching on Allied land, whispers and rumors are making it difficult to keep worry away. Everything changes in the blink of an eye when Japan attacks Pearl Harbor and the United States and Canada are pulled into the war on an ever-increasing scale. Yet, most distressing to the Sakamotos and other Japanese-Canadian families is the mistrust and prejudice shown to them by their own countrymen. They are loyal to Canada and are Canadian citizens, yet their heritage is making life difficult. Kenny's father is ripped away from the family and sent to a work camp in the Interior. Subsequently, Kenny's siblings and mother are also relocated to an internment camp, far away from the place they once called home.
They are forced to live in make-shift cabins, without running water, electricity, or any other standard amenities. Mickey almost immediately creates a scene, destroying government property and breaking his hand in the process. He is sent away to heal, but has also caused the camp, but especially his family, shame. Now it is up to Kenny to head up the household and help out in any way he can. Life seems bleak...eventually though, Kenny and his mom find a way to make the best of a horrific situation as they wait patiently for Kenny's brother and father to make their way home.
Kenny uses his instincts and skill to organize the camp's young people to help families by gathering supplies and building much needed storage. More importantly, though, he finds a way to convert a dusty field into a baseball diamond so the boys have an outlet for pent up energy. In his own way, Kenny is a champion.
The Heart of a Champion is a fictionalized account of the atrocious treatment of Japanese Canadians during WWII as they were sent to live in internment camps. There are quite a few novels based on the treatment of Japanese-Americans and/or Japanese Canadians during WWII. This storyline follows some of them without offering any new insights. Yes, undeniably, the atrocities were unfathomable, but for me, it would have been beneficial to read and learn about another aspect of the times.
Some other books on the subject:
Diamond in the Desert
Baseball Saved Us
Under the Blood-Red Sun
House of the Red Fish
Thin Wood Walls
The Lucky Baseball
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Tundra Books, and Ellen Schwartz for this ARC.
But as WWII is becoming increasingly dangerous and enemies are encroaching on Allied land, whispers and rumors are making it difficult to keep worry away. Everything changes in the blink of an eye when Japan attacks Pearl Harbor and the United States and Canada are pulled into the war on an ever-increasing scale. Yet, most distressing to the Sakamotos and other Japanese-Canadian families is the mistrust and prejudice shown to them by their own countrymen. They are loyal to Canada and are Canadian citizens, yet their heritage is making life difficult. Kenny's father is ripped away from the family and sent to a work camp in the Interior. Subsequently, Kenny's siblings and mother are also relocated to an internment camp, far away from the place they once called home.
They are forced to live in make-shift cabins, without running water, electricity, or any other standard amenities. Mickey almost immediately creates a scene, destroying government property and breaking his hand in the process. He is sent away to heal, but has also caused the camp, but especially his family, shame. Now it is up to Kenny to head up the household and help out in any way he can. Life seems bleak...eventually though, Kenny and his mom find a way to make the best of a horrific situation as they wait patiently for Kenny's brother and father to make their way home.
Kenny uses his instincts and skill to organize the camp's young people to help families by gathering supplies and building much needed storage. More importantly, though, he finds a way to convert a dusty field into a baseball diamond so the boys have an outlet for pent up energy. In his own way, Kenny is a champion.
The Heart of a Champion is a fictionalized account of the atrocious treatment of Japanese Canadians during WWII as they were sent to live in internment camps. There are quite a few novels based on the treatment of Japanese-Americans and/or Japanese Canadians during WWII. This storyline follows some of them without offering any new insights. Yes, undeniably, the atrocities were unfathomable, but for me, it would have been beneficial to read and learn about another aspect of the times.
Some other books on the subject:
Diamond in the Desert
Baseball Saved Us
Under the Blood-Red Sun
House of the Red Fish
Thin Wood Walls
The Lucky Baseball
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Tundra Books, and Ellen Schwartz for this ARC.
February 24, 2017
It was so so sad but the ending was amazing!!!!
January 8, 2017
In my historical ignorance, I had not realized that there were similar internment camps for Japanese-Canadians as there were for Japanese-Americans during WWII. I was fortunate to have my ignorance removed by this compelling book. Ten-year old Kenji (Kenny) Sakamoto idolizes his older brother Mitsuo (Mickey) who plays baseball for the Vancouver Asahi team. His heart's desire is to play baseball on one of the junior teams, but a possible heart murmur leaves him sidelined. His baseball dreams fade after the bombing of Pearl Harbor makes anyone of Japanese descent a suspect of espionage, and the Sakamotos and others in British Columbia are rounded up and moved to primitive camps. Kenny's father is sent to one place while the rest of the family is moved elsewhere. While the Sakamotos' friends, the Bernsteins, keep their possessions secure, the bleak conditions at the camp cause Mickey to express his frustrations in a violent act. Readers will cheer for Kenny and his mother as they find their way in this strange new world and as Kenny envisions a baseball field fashioned from a lumber dumping ground. As he starts cleaning the area, one board at a time, and then others join him, he becomes a leader in his own right. While he might not be the baseball player that his brother was, he is a son of whom his parents can be proud. The bits about baseball are woven into the historical narrative seamlessly, allowing readers to see the beginnings of prejudice toward the Japanese early in the book and then detect its growth and eventual removal of the Japanese families. Young readers will enjoy tracing Kenny's growth and applaud his determination to save his brother and his persistence in trying to make something good out of something bad.
May 1, 2016
A surprising, heart-warming story about what it means to have heart even in the face of adversity.
At first glance, I thought that this was more of a dramatic, historical fiction of Japanese internment camps during World War II. It's not often that the focus of a WWII book is from the Japanese perspective living in North America (so that's including Canada, which is where the book takes place). I didn't realize that it was aimed towards younger kids. I was pleasantly surprised at the sophistication of the writing, and the trust that the writer puts into her readers. She assumes that the reader is smart enough to know what it means to have a separate Japanese name and an English name. She assumes readers don't need to be explained what shoyu and rice cakes are. And she understands that readers, especially young readers, are wise enough to know what discrimination looks like. I find too many books aimed at children get too preachy or too simplified in their exposition, not giving the readers themselves time to formulate their own opinions. Schwartz gives her readers that freedom.
The main characters are likable and have enough depth to them to keep them interesting. However, many of the side characters are simple, one-dimensional, predictable characters. I guess it's what's to be expected in a short book as Heart of a Champion, though I still would have liked to be pleasantly surprised more than once. Heart of a Champion tugs at the heartstrings, and will probably make you tear up a few times. And that's what makes this a great read.
I'd recommend for any reader of any age.
**I received this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers giveaway for an honest review.**
At first glance, I thought that this was more of a dramatic, historical fiction of Japanese internment camps during World War II. It's not often that the focus of a WWII book is from the Japanese perspective living in North America (so that's including Canada, which is where the book takes place). I didn't realize that it was aimed towards younger kids. I was pleasantly surprised at the sophistication of the writing, and the trust that the writer puts into her readers. She assumes that the reader is smart enough to know what it means to have a separate Japanese name and an English name. She assumes readers don't need to be explained what shoyu and rice cakes are. And she understands that readers, especially young readers, are wise enough to know what discrimination looks like. I find too many books aimed at children get too preachy or too simplified in their exposition, not giving the readers themselves time to formulate their own opinions. Schwartz gives her readers that freedom.
The main characters are likable and have enough depth to them to keep them interesting. However, many of the side characters are simple, one-dimensional, predictable characters. I guess it's what's to be expected in a short book as Heart of a Champion, though I still would have liked to be pleasantly surprised more than once. Heart of a Champion tugs at the heartstrings, and will probably make you tear up a few times. And that's what makes this a great read.
I'd recommend for any reader of any age.
**I received this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers giveaway for an honest review.**
August 27, 2016
Though this book is clearly written for a pre-teen age bracket, I still found it deeply moving and a fabulous introduction to historical fiction and Canadian history.
Centering around the Sakamoto family, a Japanese-Canadian family living in Vancouver in 1941, the plot is focused particularly on the 10-year-old middle child, Kenny. For a book for younger children, it was a surprisingly sophisticated look at a very dark time in Canada's history. I had to stop several times as the rights of Japanese-Canadians, even ones born in Canada like Kenny's family and schoolmates, are revoked and they are eventually sent to an internment camp.
Heart of a Champion has a simple plot involving Kenny's love of baseball and that served as a strong theme for the book. The characters are simple as the perspective is heavily Kenny's, so there are petulant bullies and confusing adults, but that is part of the charm. Schwartz managed to capture the mindset of Kenny perfectly - he's a compelling mix of the naive bravery of childhood and the sad reality of their situation.
I also really liked that the Sakamoto family's closest friends were the Bernsteins, a Jewish family that had fled Europe a few years before. The closeness between their families adds a few welcome dimensions; the friendships are heartwarming and the parallels in minority experience aren't missed.
All in all, I'd recommend this book to anyone, of any age.
**I received this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers giveaway for an honest review.**
Centering around the Sakamoto family, a Japanese-Canadian family living in Vancouver in 1941, the plot is focused particularly on the 10-year-old middle child, Kenny. For a book for younger children, it was a surprisingly sophisticated look at a very dark time in Canada's history. I had to stop several times as the rights of Japanese-Canadians, even ones born in Canada like Kenny's family and schoolmates, are revoked and they are eventually sent to an internment camp.
Heart of a Champion has a simple plot involving Kenny's love of baseball and that served as a strong theme for the book. The characters are simple as the perspective is heavily Kenny's, so there are petulant bullies and confusing adults, but that is part of the charm. Schwartz managed to capture the mindset of Kenny perfectly - he's a compelling mix of the naive bravery of childhood and the sad reality of their situation.
I also really liked that the Sakamoto family's closest friends were the Bernsteins, a Jewish family that had fled Europe a few years before. The closeness between their families adds a few welcome dimensions; the friendships are heartwarming and the parallels in minority experience aren't missed.
All in all, I'd recommend this book to anyone, of any age.
**I received this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers giveaway for an honest review.**
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