Dash

Dogs of World War II

by Kirby Larson

New from Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson, the moving story of a Japanese-American girl who is separated from her dog upon being sent to an incarceration camp during WWII.Although Mitsi Kashino and her family are swept up in the wave of anti-Japanese sentiment following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mitsi never expects to lose her home -- or her beloved dog, Dash. But, as World War II rages and people of Japanese descent are forced into incarceration camps, Mitsi is separated from Dash, her classmates, and life as she knows it. The camp is a crowded and unfamiliar place, whose dusty floors, seemingly endless lines, and barbed wire fences begin to unravel the strong Kashino family ties. With the help of a friendly neighbor back home, Mitsi remains connected to Dash in spite of the hard times, holding on to the hope that the war will end soon and life will return to normal. Though they've lost their home, will the Kashino family also lose their sense of family? And will Mitsi and Dash ever be reunited?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction, Historical, Animals, Dogs, World War II

Unknown Binding

First published August 26, 2014

About the author

Kirby Larson went from history-phobe to history fanatic while writing the 2007 Newbery Honor Book, HATTIE BIG SKY. Her passion for historical fiction is reflected in titles such as THE FENCES BETWEEN US, THE FRIENDSHIP DOLL, as well as the sequel to HATTIE BIG SKY, HATTIE EVER AFTER, and her two latest titles, DUKE--which was nominated for 5 state Young Reader Choice awards as well as being a finalist for the Washington State Book Award-- and DASH--which has garnered two starred reviews, a NAPPA Gold Award and a Capitol Choices nomination. She will have two new books out in 2016 -- watch for them!

In 2006, Kirby began a collaboration with her good friend Mary Nethery resulting in two award-winning nonfiction picture books: TWO BOBBIES: A TRUE STORY OF HURRICANE KATRINA, FRIENDSHIP AND SURVIVAL, and NUBS: THE TRUE STORY OF A MUTT, A MARINE AND A MIRACLE.

Kirby lives in Kenmore, Washington with her husband, Neil, and Winston the Wonder Dog. When she’s not reading or writing Kirby enjoys beach combing, bird watching, and traveling. She owns a tiara and is not afraid to use it.

Reviews

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last year, Kirby Larson introduced us to Hobie Hanson and his dog Duke. Hobie somewhat reluctantly volunteered Duke to be part of the country's Dogs for Defense program. This year, Larson introduces us to Mitsi Kashino and her dog Dash.

It's January 1942, one month after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. So far, things haven't been very different for Mitsi, 11, and her family, Japanese Americans living in Seattle, Washington. But on the first day back to school, after the Christmas holidays, all that suddenly changes. First, Mitsi's two best friends aren't at their usual meeting place, and at school they give her a cold shoulder. Other classmates also ignore her in class and at recess. On the way home from school in the rain, she is surrounded by a group of high school boys, who trip her causing her to fall and who tear up and kick everything in her school bag into puddles. Luckily, a new neighbor, Mrs. Bowker comes along and breaks it up.

Change becomes even more apparent. Cameras and radios had to be turned into the government, some of the Japanese men are being taken away by the FBI and even Mitsi's grandmother, Obaachan, must register as an alien because she was born in Japan. Getting to know Mrs. Bowker seems to be one part of Mitsi's life that is pleasant, that and the comfort of her beloved little dog Dash.

But then April comes and with it the news that the Kashino family, along with all the other Japanese American families living in Seattle are to be sent to an internment camp for the duration of the war. Each family member can being just one suitcase. Naturally, Mitsi assumes she can bring Dash with her, but when she finds out that no pets are allowed in the camp, she is devastated. What can she do with Dash to keep him safe? Knowing that Mrs. Bowker lives alone, and might want some company, Mitsi asks her if she would be willing to take care of Dash temporarily. Luckily, kind-hearted Mrs. Bowker agrees.

Losing everything, including her dog and her two best friends was a hard blow for Mitsi. Now, Mitsi and her family must adjust to their new life behind a barbed-wire fence, surrounded by soldiers with rifles watching their every move. One bright spot for Mitsi are the wonderful letters she receives from Dash, telling her about life with Mrs. Bowker. But even that isn't quite enough to pull Mitsi out of the depression she falls into. But a new best friend just might do the trick.

I have always believed that every persons experience of World War II is similar but different from everyone else. And each novel I read reflects that. Dash is based on a true story and much of what Mitsi does is taken from that story, giving the novel its sense of reality.

Dash spends a lot of time what life was like between the bombing of Pearl Harbor and life in an internment camp. It would seem that it took a while after the initial shock of the bombing on December 7, 1941 for people began to be aware of such anti-Japanese feelings that they could turn on old friends and neighbors so vehemently, as it did with Mitsi and the kids she went to school with. In that respect, Larson gives the reader a good picture of what it was like.

Larson also gives a good depiction of the internment camps, which were really fit only for the horses many of them were meant to house, and life was always dirty and unpleasant. She really conveys the sense of betrayal, loneliness and the fear of the family coming apart that Mitsi experiences on top of losing everything she has known her whole life.

I like the way Larson shows the reader that even in times of great distress and hardship, good things can happen and in the end this is a story about the strength of family, the value of true friendship and learning to appreciate what is really important.

Dash will be of special interest to anyone who is a dog lover, or has an interest in WWII history on the home front.

This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was obtained from the publisher

This review was originally posted on The Children's War

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if this historical novel wasn't based on a true story, I'd believe it was. This story rings true on every level: friendship, scapegoating and bullying, fear, family, peer pressure, loss. The larger truths about wartime jingoism and community reactions is depicted with all the pain and realism necessary to make history come alive generations later.

At the bottom, throughout the heart, and at the end of this story is the universal truth and love of a girl and her dog.

The author note explaining the real basis of this story will thrill young readers.

[Oak Lawn Public Library - Youth Services · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Dash
Author: Kirby Larson
Lexile Level: 570
Pages: 243
Recommendations & Comments: One of the great things about historical fiction books is that they take events that seem long ago and far away, and they make them immediate and personal. Dash is inspired by a true story about a girl separated from her beloved dog. What's keeping them apart is one of the worst chapters from America's past, when it imprisoned its own Japanese-American citizens during World War II. It's bad enough reading about it as history, but Larson's story about Mitsi and her family is full of telling details. The fear that turns classmates and friends into bullies. The loss of treasured possessions from their home. The constant dust, mud, heat, and cold of the desert camps.

All of which sounds like it could be a downer, but it's not. Although they have plenty of setbacks, Mitsi and the others also band together to help each other, drawing strength from kindness and from their own skills. Her father helps people build furniture from scrap. Her grandmother knits clothes with other women, and her brother makes deliveries. Mitsi is sometimes frustrated, miserable, and lonely, but with help she finds ways to make friends and brighten others' lives. If only she could be with Dash again...
Stars 4 out of 5
Reviewed By: Mr. Tom



Lexile Level: 570
Pages: 243
Stars: 4 out of 5
Summary: Muddy walkways, no privacy, baking hot sun, no privacy, bad food, no privacy, smelly latrines with 10 toilet holes - definitely NO PRIVACY; but the very worst thing is NO PETS allowed. This is the life of Mitsi Kashino and her Japanese/American family after World War II begins.
Once Japan attacks Pearl Harbor the United States government fears that anyone of Japanese ancestry might be a spy for the country of Japan, therefore, all Japanese/Americans living on the west coast of the United States are round up and forced to move to internment camps.
Mitsi is forced to leave her school and friends, but hardest of all is leaving behind her beloved dog, Dash, not knowing if she will ever see him again.
Recommendation or Comments: Good character development in a compelling story of life in an internment camp through the eyes of a 12 year old girl.
Would you recommend it to be on the Official Newbery List? Yes
Reviewed By: Michèle Freese

[Jerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great World War II story told from the perspective of a Japanese American girl living in Seattle. After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, everything changed for Mitsi. Her friends abandoned her, classmates were skeptical of Japanese students, and people on the street were openly hostile.

But, as Mr. Rogers always pointed out, in the midst of a crisis, look for the helpers. Thankfully Mitsi had a widowed neighbor that turned out to be just such a person.

As Japanese American’s rights were taken away, with them ultimately being told to move to internment camps, the fate of Mitsi’s dog, Dash, was in the balance, as dogs weren’t allowed in internment camps, but to Mitsi and her family, Dash wasn’t a pet, but a beloved family member.

The deterioration of Japanese-Americans rights, along with the conditions of internment camps are central to the plot. The resilience of people and the power of family are also strong themes in the novel, which is the second ‘war dog’ story by this author.

This historical fiction YA story, based on the true story of Mitsi Kashino, is informative and will be an interesting read for World War II buffs, dog lovers, and fans of historical fiction.

[Tarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the midst of World War II, the unimaginable is happening to Mitsi Kashino, as the fear of Japanese-Americans takes over. It starts at school, and causes trouble with Mitsi's friends... and then suddenly, her family is being uprooted and sent to a internment camp.

Her life in the camp, honestly, seemed pretty bright compared to what I would have imagined on my own. Of course, the author wanted to make the story nice enough that children will enjoy it, and mostly think happy thoughts about Dash. Still... don't know whether to believe that dessert comes with every supper served, that there was a canteen where you could buy treats anytime you wanted... and other fun stuff.

There were other elements that I hadn't thought of before about the internment camps that I find more believable. Such as meeting at the fence to do jobs on the inside for people on the outside, and vice versa. (Still I was surprised at Mitsi earning so much money, so quickly.) And also I hadn't thought about before how they could mail out money to their relatives to buy special items to be send to families in the camp.

The parts of the plot about Dash are pretty cute. Well, except that Mitsi had to leave him behind when her family moved. But the letters back and forth between Mitsi and Dash? What a darling idea. I can get behind that one, I guess because I'd secretly love to write pretend letters to my dog.

Overall? This book is alright. Not a favorite book though, and generally I like most children's historical fiction. It's more of a fluffy view of the war, and not a gritty view. Still, it's nice for young readers (probably 3rd to 5th graders).

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book; I was not required to post a positive review.

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Kirby Larson is a great writer and I loved the premise for this book but I completely hated the ending. The story is about a Japanese American girl living with her extended family in California at the beginning of World War 2. She has a little dog, Dash, that she loves to pieces. After Pearl Harbor, her friends abandon her and even start bullying her. When her family is sent to an internment camp, she leaves her dog with a neighbor who promises to look after him. The book goes into great detail about what life was like in the camps, but at the end of the book, she gives us this sparkly gift wrapped ending. The dad is happy making beautiful furniture out of scraps of lumber he's scavenging! The brother stands up to the camp bully! The girl's new best friend's dad comes back after years of interrogation (apparently completely untraumatized)! And she gets her dog back because the kind commandant of the camp lets her! Oh those resourceful Japanese! Really? It just seemed super condescending.

[Mississippi Library Commission · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Magnolia Award nominee is based on a true story. Mitsi and her family are swept up in the anti-Japanese sentiment of World War II and are forced to move to an internment camp. Mitsi has to leave her beloved dog Dash with a neighbor because animals aren't allowed. Her worry about her dog added to the unbearable conditions at the camp-- filth, drudgery, and inhumanity--make this story an excellent introduction to American history and race relations for middle schoolers.

[Vicki Cose · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book from the perspective
of the Japanese people who resided
in the US during WWII who were sent
to camps. An enduring story of
survival and how pets are
important to people's lives.

[Jessica Fether · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading this to my third graders a few days ago. I personally would give it 4 stars, but my students loved it. So, the 5 star rating is for them. :)

[Marielle Waller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really well written because I cried more than once. I cried all throughout the book, beginning, middle, and the end. Some of the characters, both small and large, made me very angry, but that is how you know that this book has been written well.
This time period, Pearl Harbor, I didn't really know much about. All I really knew was that it happened, and afterwards no one could really trust any Japanese Citizen, even if they were Japanese-American, leading to the Japanese incarceration camps. My school never really went into major detail about the bombing of Pearl Harbor with is being an event that happened during World War II, it was talked about for a day, and then we moved on to how America responded to the bombing. With the historical fiction books, I didn't really plan for which one I was going to read, it was really based upon which book the library had checked in. So, I didn't do much research about Pearl Harbor before reading it, but I had a little bit of background knowledge from high school. Similar to my post about the book called, "Sachiko", I just learned how hard it was for these Japanese people, both Japanese and Japanese-American to go on through their daily lives, worrying about what will happen to their business, what will happen to them at school, or if they can walk home from school without being chased by American students, and bullied for the way you look, even though Pearl Harbor had nothing to do with you. Students in high schools learn how Pearl Harbor impacted America and the Americans, but not how it impacted the Japanese-Americans living in the country at the time. In American history, we are taught how Pearl Harbor changed American during WWII, but we never talk about how all of these major events changed the ones who have to suffer the consequences of being the same race as those who have done the wrong. America, no matter what went wrong, always seems to be portrayed as the victim in Earth's history, and no one seems to care or sympathize for the ones who are really suffering. As I said in my informational text review, I love learning about WWII, so after reading this, I do want to go learn more about Pearl Harbor, and learn more about the Japanese side of Pearl Harbor, rather than the American's side. These characters were extremely relatable. It can be a little hard to relate to a fifth grader, but I can't imagine going through what Mitsi and her family went through, especially without Mitsi's best friend, Dash. My dogs are my life, and if I was ever to be taken from them, I don't know what I would do. They are the reason I do anything, and they're always there for me when I need them, and when Mitsi was away from Dash, he couldn't be there when she needed him most. The children at Mitsi's elementary school, were so cruel and so harsh to her all because she was Japanese-American, and it just reminds you how cruel children can be. The character, Patty, with everything she said, she is the perfect example of how children are growing up to fast, and how they want to be adults by the time they are 11 years old. These characters are very relatable because I've seen so much of the way that Mitsi has been treated in real life, but it's not with children, it's adults who treat other adults the same way these children act towards Mitsi.

[Teegan Hite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dash, by Kirby Larson, tells the story of Mitsi, a young Japanese American girl, who is taken to live in an internment camp with her family after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This book is considered historical fiction because the story is fictional, but the historical setting and context are real. This allows readers to learn about this time in American history through the eyes of a young Japanese American girl.
Before reading this book, I had some background knowledge about World War II and the effects it had on life for different groups of people living in the United States. In high school, I read a book, which also explained the story of a person who was taken to live in an internment camp in the United States. This gave me some background knowledge about the historical context of this time period. However, I also briefly research Japanese internment camps in the United States, so I could refresh my memory.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book, as the author created a compelling story with the circumstances Japanese Americans really did face after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I enjoyed how this story is told through the perspective of a young girl because it shows how children, who were taken to internment camps in the United States, actually felt and what they experienced. I believe this aspect of the story will make this book more relatable and easier to understand for younger readers. Thus, the book would be great to use in a classroom where the students are learning about World War II and specifically the internment camps in the United States.
As Kirby Larson crafts this story of Mitsi and her beloved dog, Dash, who she must leave behind, Larson helps the reader learn more about this time in American history, but she also makes her reader want to learn more. As I read the book, the story made me wonder more about other people's stories of their experiences in interment camps, including how much they suffered and the hardships they faced. It also made me consider the great fear the people in the United States must have felt, as they made decisions to establish these camps.
Dash, by Kirby Larson, is not only an interesting story to read, but it helps readers learn more about the effects of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the United State's involvement in World War II. As readers follow the story, they feel the pain Mitsi experienced when she is betrayed by her friends and when she has to leave Dash behind because pets are not allowed at the camps. The readers also experience the hardships and unpleasant circumstances, which were experienced by people who were forced to live in interment camps. However, the overall story does not focus on these negative experiences to cause readers to feel bad about what happened during this time in American history, but the book conveys a message of hope and shows readers the importance of making the best out of whatever circumstances you are in.

[Sydney Valerio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dash, by Kirby Larson was a novel that I really enjoyed reading. History is always something that has been something that really interested me, and being able to read about it in a novel like this makes it all the more interesting. Sometimes reading about history can be boring, and you can’t really get into the book or relate. Although I can’t relate to this story completely, having a young girl as the main character is something that gives the reader something to relate to. Even if you weren’t around for the attacks on Pearl Harbor and World War II, you can try and put yourself into the shoes of this young girl getting separated from her dog which is something many people can relate to.

Mitsi Kashino was just a young girl when the attacks happened, and she never expected something like this to happen to her. She never expected to lose her home, let alone her dog Dash. Being a girl myself, and having pet dogs, I can’t imagine going through a traumatic event such as World War II and losing my pets. I found Mitsi to be very inspiring as her and family never gave up no matter what was thrown at them, and she would stop at nothing to try and be re connected with her dog again. I enjoyed the aspect of the story where Mitsi’s neighbor back home would write her letters, and act as if her dog Dash was writing them to her. It added a really personal aspect, and helped Mitsi and her family get through this hard time in their life. It gave them hope that hopefully they would be able to go back to their life and their beloved pet.

I really enjoyed reading this story, and I think that it would be perfect for a classroom of young students that are learning about history. The author takes such an important event in history and makes it into this novel that students can relate to and feel connected to while they are still learning history. Most people, especially myself have a soft spot for dogs, so being able to learn about history and read about a dog is something I think many people would enjoy.

[Jeremy Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When choosing this book, I immediately thought of "Farewell to Manzanar" because both books discuss Japanese incarceration camps in the US. "Dash" by Kirby Larson, follows a young Japanese-American girl (Mitsi) who is separated from her dog (Dash) when she is sent to an incarceration camp. The book starts a month after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. As a Japanese-American, Mitsi faced ridicule from her fellow classmates and friends who treat her differently and is also bullied by a group of high school boys who trip her and destroy her school bag and the work inside it. Once hysterics start gripping the nation, Mitsi and her family are alienated from society and eventually are sent to live in a Japanese internment camp. this is where Mitsi sends her dog to live with her neighbor. Like most children and adults sent to these camps, Mitsi becomes depressed until she meets a new friend. Without giving too much away, I think this book is great for students wanting to know more about this time period. The fact that "Dash" is based on a true story gives this book a sense of realism which is easy to connect to. Mitsi's feelings of betrayal, loneliness, depression, and fear of her family being torn apart are all aspects not commonly found in children's books and can be humbling. From the harsh living conditions inside the camp to the feelings of occasional joy felt by Mitsi, Farmer successfully delivers a historically accurate depiction of the hardships of this era, as well as the little things that make it bearable. For example, the letters Mitsi receives from her dog, Dash, shows young readers how even in times of hardship good things can happen. "Dash" is a book about strength of family, the value of friendship, and appreciating the little things in life, which sometimes can be the only thing keeping it together. Definitely geared towards 5th grade but will certainly be on my bookshelf.

[Brooke Cavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Dash" by Kirby Larson, is about a girl and her dog during World War Two and their journey being a part due to the war. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor, forced America to create interment camps for Japanese-citizens including the young girl named Mitsi Kashino. With interment camps; Japanese-Americans were only allowed to bring things they could carry, so unfortunately for Mitsi she had to leave her beloved dog,Dash,behind. Throughout the whole book Mitsi and her neighbor who kindly took Dash in, were writing back and forth, responding with Dash's point of view. This really helped Mitsi stay connected with her dog and the world beyond the fence. Mitsi and her family struggled a lot with the transition between being free compared to fenced in but overall at the end brought the family closer and connected them with their Japanese roots. I really enjoy this book from taking a huge part in history and using it for a story between a girl and her dog. This book would be really great in a 5th or 4th grade class based on how it has really good historic facts but at the same time has a really cute story that goes with it. Would extremely recommend this book to other students and teachers! I personally knew a lot before reading this book based on Pearl Harbor and treatment of Japanese-American being a huge topic in history, that many history classes teach. While reading I did look up facts presented in the book to check for credibility, this was mostly for treatment of the Japanese during this time period. This book made it more interesting to me, due to how the author used a human to dog relationship compared to human to human relationship. It made me think differently on this whole time period due not thinking on what happens to the animals that are left behind.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: This book was selected from genre-based list, and is being reviewed as part of online course work; the review may reference other books from that genre-based list which I did not choose to read, or books read for previous weeks.
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While historical fiction is not a favorite genre of mine, I did enjoy this book quite a lot. It wasn't quite "I can't put it down" good, but it definitely wasn't a chore to finish either. It was a easy read which felt and was formatted very much like a youth book. I was surprised to find that it was loosely based on an actual Japanese-American girl who really wrote to General DeWitt asking to bring her dog with her to the internment camp where she and her family were being sent. All the details of the book, however, were fictional yet realistic creations.

Though fiction, this book (much like last week's In the Shadow of Liberty) can be used to introduce a younger audience to another uncomfortable fact of United States' history: the internment of Japanese-Americans during the later years of World War II. The book's main character is an eleven year old girl, around the same age of readers the book is aimed towards. This book could also be used to open a classroom discussion on racism, but without the use of adult slurs sometimes found in other books.

[Amanda Ramirez · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's never easy having to leave your best friend behind. This book demonstrates how even though it is rough, it is still possible. Before starting this book I was expecting it to be sad and harsh, but it was just the opposite. Yes, there were some sad moments, but Mitsi, the main character, managed to stick through these times and overcome them. That is one lesson that can be taken from this book. Students can gain some insight about WWII and learn how sticking through hard times pays off and that if they keep their patience, things might just work out in the end.
When people think of conservation camps, they think the worse. This book does not bring out the worse or at least it does not seem like it. This could be because it is told from the perspective of a young girl. I thought this was neat because kids do not realize how bad things really are, yet they still understand a fraction of the crisis. This book can help adults gain a grasp about what kids notice and go through during a crisis they may not fully understand.
Since this book is not very informational about WWII, I believe younger kids like third graders could understand enough of this book. They probably would not understand how WWII played an effect in it, but they could definitely wrap their head around the story line. Before reading the book, I did not have much information about WWII. I did understand that the book took place after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After reading the book I became curious on why Japanese-Americans had to join these camps and decided to do a little bit of research on it. There is nothing I could say that was bad or that I didn't like about this book.

[Emily Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Dash, was written by Kirby Larson. Dash tells the story of a young girl, Mitsi, and her journey back to her dog, Dash. The story is set during the attack on Pearl harbor. Mitsi and her family are Japanese and are sent to "concentration" camps. Although these concentration camps are not the same as the ones Jews were sent to under Hitler's rule, they are equally worse.

When Mitsi gets word of their family be relocated she seeks out her neighbor to care for her dog Dash. She is taken away from her friends and her dog. She also faced a backlash from her classmates after the attach on Pearl Harbor. However, during her time at the first camp and the second, she finds solace in reading and writing letter to her neighbor and her dog.

I think this book would be great for a younger age to help them realize what war time actually looked liked. It is hard to portray all the fine details, but this book helps students understand that the things they loved most may not fit in the one suitcase they are allowed to bring with them to a concentration camp. I think this book is amazing and ends perfectly. - You'll have to read for yourself!!

[Cheryl Meibos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really looks like a dog book from the cover, but it is really more about the Japanese internment during World War II. Well done.

[A Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good descriptions. Cool names

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Japanese American girl who is separated from her beloved dog upon being sent to an incarceration camp during WW11. This one pulled at my heart strings.

[Lexi Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet but sad story about a girl in the interment camps after Pearl Harbor. A group of my students are reading this in class

[Cayla Callies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I liked how it discussed history with also having characteristics students can relate to. I feel students would also enjoy this book, while being educational and enjoyable to read. Overall, a great book!!!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of a time in my family history, not that long before I was born, when my Grandfather's family stopped speaking German. World War I was the reason, and there was a lot of social and political pressure that forced the change. Adults may want to read The Great Adventure by Theodore Roosevelt to grasp the antipathy toward German-Americans and their language. It is an issue that comes up in Dash in the character of Mrs. Bowker. The detainment of German-Americans did happen, but it was not at all like the scope of the round-up of Japanese-Americans in 1942.

A young girl, Mitsui Kashino, and her family are suddenly uprooted and moved to an internment camp far from Seattle, then even farther to the high desert of Idaho. There are some things Mitsi won't miss, like the way her classmates and former friends have begun treating her after Christmas break, 1941. What she will miss is her dog, Dash. The family is only permitted to take what they can carry, and no pets.

The story of how Mitsi copes with the loss of her pet and makes a life for herself behind the barbed wire fences of the camps is a glimpse into a one part of the American experience at the beginning of WW-II. This story also conveys an essential aspect of the American spirit, the opportunity we have for making amends for what we have done and moving on with each other. Mrs. Bowker found a small way to not repeat the same mistake she had made in WW-I, and Mitsi found a way to stop being angry about a lot of injustices, and one of her former classmates---well you'll just have to read it to find out just how much difference a small act of kindness can make.

This was the most recent breakfast read aloud with my 9 year old Grandson. During this past week, the anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942 by FDR, gave us a special way to remember Dash. My Grandson and I both thought this was a really good story.

[Deseree Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was nothing like I thought it would be! I truly enjoyed it. It gave me a look on the inside of how it was for little kids during World War II when the Japanese had to go to camps.

What I love about this story is that dog, Dash, and the way he made Mitsi more optimistic on life and gave her hope. I though that the lady that took in Dash for her was so kind to do that, and it gave Mitsi a sense of comfort knowing that he was in a good home while she was taken away from hers. This book gave a child's perspective on how it was going through all that in a way that other children can understand and empathize with and I think that is really important. It made history interesting and I feel young students would actually really enjoy it; mainly because of the dog which is a good way to keep history kid friendly!

I thought it was really sweet that Mitsi's friend back home had been writing letters to her as Dash without her knowing. She felt like she had lost her best friend so it was sweet that she was writing her through her dog's eyes.

Throughout her time at the camp, she made the best of it. She had friends, helped others out, did good deeds and spent a lot of time with her family, especially her brother, Ted. I think this book also implies the importance of family needing to stick together in hard times.

I really liked this book. It did not have the happy ending of her returning to her home, because that was not reality for the history part of it. But she did end up getting to have Dash with her and that was good enough.

[Julia Nashif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Scholastic, for this free book to review!

Things I liked:

1. Misti. She really is a likable protagonist. Usually when I read a book that deals with pets, the main character is over dramatic and lame, but not Mitsi. She's a sweet child who's separated from her dog/only friend.

2. The story begins after the bombing, when Mitsi comes back to school after Christmas break. In the other books I've read about the Japanese incarceration the characters just skipped school. Dash shows what happened to those who kept going.

3. The writing style. I could feel Mitsi's emotions despite having zero relatablity to her.

Things that were meh:

1. Why did Mitsi feel like her family was falling apart? It's not the end of the world if your brother and grandma make new friends. When your brother begins stealing things, sure, but before that? It shouldn't have been a big deal.

2. The time transitions were confusing. I couldn't tell if a scene was happening a minute, a day, or weeks after the previous one.

3. What happened to the Japanese men who were separated from their families? Was it so horrible that it can't be explained in a children's book?

Would I read other books by Kirby Larson? Possibly. I'd buy this book for a tween girl who loves dogs, although for myself, I'd probably order other Kirby Larson books from the library.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is definitely a place for this 5th/ 6th grade historical fiction text on the Japanese internment. This is can be paired with "Baseball Saved Us" as an explanation of racial discrimination which occurred so recently in our history. It was easy to see the situation from the main characters eyes. An 10 year girl who was trying to make sense of her friends, her neighborhood and then an interment camp.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't my favorite, although if you like dogs, you might like it better. It does tell the story about a Japanese descent family who are relocated after the Bombing of Pearl Harbor--a sad time in America's history. I felt it too easily glossed over the hardships of these families who has to give up their homes and belongings to live in horrible conditions. The story seems geared to elementary age students, so maybe that is why the hardest part for the protagonist is leaving her dog. Somehow, even though there seems no way for the people to earn money, they always seemed to have lots of money to send mail or buy treats. Even the thievery of the teens is no biggie--they steal hundreds of dollars, but all is forgiven at the end with no legal issues.

I didn't love it, but it is nice that his time period did get some mention in a book about World War 2--it wasn't about the Germans. I just felt like it was too simplistic. Again, probably geared towards elementary students, but an opportunity was missed.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read full review on Redeemed Reader

Larson is a talented author, but her treatment of the Japanese-American experience is not as strong as it might be. Camp conditions are portrayed clearly, but the end of the book leaves Mitsi’s family settling in, happy for small victories (such as their new ability to keep their pets). The camps are not condoned, but perhaps the picture would be more effective if there weren’t quite so many loose ends tied up so neatly. Still, this is a worthy addition to the genre of middle-grade WWII novels, not least because it does treat the Japanese-American experience in the camps on our soil. A suitable read for younger readers who are just beginning to learn about this troubling period in history, Dash will work well alongside other Holocaust stories for the eight- to ten-year-old crowd and should prompt some thought-provoking questions in its young readers.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh boy. This book, loosely based off a true story, is a tear-jerker where it needs to be. I really loved reading it. The characters were realistic, and the emotions incredibly authentic. Larson did her research when writing this book, and it shows. I would highly recommend it for that audience and still recommend it for older people as well. I at first was a little off-put by the ending, which did seem a little too happy for the situation, but the author's note at the end justified the largest concern I had, and the rest were believable on their own, particularly given that this book is aimed at a relatively young audience and discussing a very difficult part of American history to speak frankly about. Given that, while a bit whiplash-inducing, the relatively neat and happy ending makes a certain amount of sense.

[La La · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly loved this book. It was written like old style Middle Grade books used to be written; think Little House on the Prarie. The beginning leading up to the internment camps was a little long. I think some of the former best friends mishaps could have been combined, and the gardening scenes could have been shorter. Some of it felt like filler to me; other than that the story was pretty much perfect.

I requested the eARC on Netgalley a couple of months ago and it is still sitting there. A fellow blogger sent me her physical ARC (thanks Celeste Pewter), so I could read it, and get it reviewed before it published.

I did finally get approved for the NetGalley eARC, after the publication date, in return for an honest review.