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Thirty Minutes Over Oregon: A Japanese Pilot's World War II Story – A Moving True Story Picture Book About the Historic Bombing and Apology for Kids
An Orbis Pictus Honor Book for Outstanding Nonfiction 2019
In this important and moving true story of reconciliation after war, beautifully illustrated in watercolor, a Japanese pilot bombs the continental U.S. during WWII—the only enemy ever to do so—and comes back 20 years later to apologize.
The devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, drew the United States into World War II in 1941. But few are aware that several months later, the Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita dropped bombs in the woods outside a small town in coastal Oregon. This is the story of those bombings, and what came after, when Fujita returned to Oregon twenty years later, this time to apologize.
This remarkable true story, beautifully illustrated in watercolor, is an important and moving account of reconciliation after war.
In this important and moving true story of reconciliation after war, beautifully illustrated in watercolor, a Japanese pilot bombs the continental U.S. during WWII—the only enemy ever to do so—and comes back 20 years later to apologize.
The devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, drew the United States into World War II in 1941. But few are aware that several months later, the Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita dropped bombs in the woods outside a small town in coastal Oregon. This is the story of those bombings, and what came after, when Fujita returned to Oregon twenty years later, this time to apologize.
This remarkable true story, beautifully illustrated in watercolor, is an important and moving account of reconciliation after war.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2018
7 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Marc Tyler Nobleman
101 books73 followersAward-winning author of books for all ages, including one that changed history and inspired the first documentary based on a nonfiction picture book.
I've had the privilege of speaking at schools and conferences in 30+ states and almost 20 countries.
I've had the privilege of speaking at schools and conferences in 30+ states and almost 20 countries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
July 3, 2025
The story of Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita and his secret mission to drop bombs in Oregon is examined in this wonderful book that shows the healing power that forgiveness can have. There are so many tales like this that we never hear about; tales that prove that even in war humanity can still be considered. Highly recommended.
November 8, 2019
It's little-known stories like this that bring wars to life. Because we come to know real-life humans who lived and loved and feel regret. The book begins with a one-paged prologue about the bombing of Pearl Harbor followed by the bombing of Tokyo which was memorialized in the book (and film) called Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. "This is the story of what happened next..." On September 9, 1942, a Japanese pilot named Nobuo Fujita was catapulted into the air from a submarine off the coast of Brookings, Oregon. He flew his plane over the forest of Oregon, hoping to ignite a fire that would burn it all to the ground. He attempted two bombings, no one died, and the fire did not really ignite. Years later, in 1962, the Brookings Jaycees invited Fujita to their Memorial Day festival. After years of sorrow and regret, it was a shock for him to be invited to a place that he intended to harm. But this visit was just the beginning of forgiveness and healing. This story is so thought provoking and empathy-inducing! There's a detailed author's note in the back matter where we find out more about World War II and more about Fujita -- including the fact that he was known as the "only foe to bomb America." The beautiful, soft illustrations in this book were executed in watercolor and mixed media.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
September 24, 2018
This is everything I want in a kids' history picture book. Honest, thought provoking, great story and great lesson. I want all kids to love learning about history and I think books like this can do that.
I'll read everything by this author and illustrator now please.
I'll read everything by this author and illustrator now please.
December 18, 2018
Another case of, "Why hadn't I heard of this before?" Such a fascinating story. The only thing that disappointed me was the typography; I wish the letters had been a bit more bold, and in some cases, larger. Sometimes the spacing did not make sense to me, and the words were overwhelmed by the illustrations.
January 22, 2019
Another instance of learning something new & fascinating from a children’s book! Had no idea that a Japanese pilot dropped bombs over Oregon In WWII. Also want to learn more about balloon bombs that are mention endnotes. (Library)
October 6, 2018
I first heard about Thirty Minutes Over Oregon way back in 2011, when I did a post for Marc Tyler Nobleman about the possibility of getting it published. His post,Picture Book for Sale, is still online and quite interesting to read, in case you are interested. Thirty Minutes Over Oregon begins September 1942, less than a year after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, when a Japanese pilot named Nobuo Fujita flew a small plane that had been catapulted from a submarine in the Pacific Ocean over to Oregon. The goal was to drop two 168 pound bombs into the Oregon woods to start a fire that would burn the woods and any nearby towns and cities. The mission was so hush-hush, not even Nobuo's wife could know about it.
The bombs didn't start much of a fire, but imagine how the people in Brookings, Oregon felt when they realized that a Japanese plane has entered American airspace right over their heads. And twenty days later, Nobuo again flew into American airspace, in the same plane carrying two bombs. Though nothing came of this second attempt either, the Japanese still claimed victory.
The war ended in 1945 with the US bombing of Japan. Lucky for Nobuo who had been ordered to make a kamikaze attack on an American warship. Instead, he returned home and opened a hardware store.
Fast forward to 1962. The people of Brookings decided to track down and invite Nobuo Fujita as their Memorial Day guest of honor and thinking it would be a wonderful symbol of reconciliation between American and Japan. Not everyone in the US thought it was a good idea, but to everyone's surprise, Nobuo accepted the invitation, not without some fear and reservation, however. Was it a trick, would he be arrested and tried as a war criminal?
The 1962 visit showed the positive value of reaching out to a former enemy in peace. Nobuo was a friendly, respectful man, who had lived with the guilt of his attempted bombings of Brookings. His initial visit there began a lasting relationship between Nobuo and the people of Brookings, including an invitation extended to three high school students to visit Japan at his expense. Nobuo also donated large amounts of money for a town library for children's books. After he died in 1997, some of Nobuo's ashes were also scattered in the area where he had dropped his bombs.
As always, Nobleman has done his research on the only enemy bombing with the United States during WWII. And he has taken that research and written an compelling and emotional work of nonfiction. His text is simple and clear, and complimented by Melissa Iwai's beautifully rendered watercolor and mixed-media illustrations. Iwai has captured the gentle humanity of both the citizens of Brookings and of Nobuo and his family.
The message for us to take away from this little known WWII event and its aftermath is that a soldier is doing his job even if he is the enemy. What is important is how we reconcile after a war in order to heal and move on. That is the important legacy that Nobuo and the people of Brookings have demonstrated and that Nobleman has so poignantly captured in this picture book for older readers.
This book is recommended for readers age 7+
This book was borrowed from a friend
The bombs didn't start much of a fire, but imagine how the people in Brookings, Oregon felt when they realized that a Japanese plane has entered American airspace right over their heads. And twenty days later, Nobuo again flew into American airspace, in the same plane carrying two bombs. Though nothing came of this second attempt either, the Japanese still claimed victory.
The war ended in 1945 with the US bombing of Japan. Lucky for Nobuo who had been ordered to make a kamikaze attack on an American warship. Instead, he returned home and opened a hardware store.
Fast forward to 1962. The people of Brookings decided to track down and invite Nobuo Fujita as their Memorial Day guest of honor and thinking it would be a wonderful symbol of reconciliation between American and Japan. Not everyone in the US thought it was a good idea, but to everyone's surprise, Nobuo accepted the invitation, not without some fear and reservation, however. Was it a trick, would he be arrested and tried as a war criminal?
The 1962 visit showed the positive value of reaching out to a former enemy in peace. Nobuo was a friendly, respectful man, who had lived with the guilt of his attempted bombings of Brookings. His initial visit there began a lasting relationship between Nobuo and the people of Brookings, including an invitation extended to three high school students to visit Japan at his expense. Nobuo also donated large amounts of money for a town library for children's books. After he died in 1997, some of Nobuo's ashes were also scattered in the area where he had dropped his bombs.
As always, Nobleman has done his research on the only enemy bombing with the United States during WWII. And he has taken that research and written an compelling and emotional work of nonfiction. His text is simple and clear, and complimented by Melissa Iwai's beautifully rendered watercolor and mixed-media illustrations. Iwai has captured the gentle humanity of both the citizens of Brookings and of Nobuo and his family.
The message for us to take away from this little known WWII event and its aftermath is that a soldier is doing his job even if he is the enemy. What is important is how we reconcile after a war in order to heal and move on. That is the important legacy that Nobuo and the people of Brookings have demonstrated and that Nobleman has so poignantly captured in this picture book for older readers.
This book is recommended for readers age 7+
This book was borrowed from a friend
January 29, 2019
This book promised to be about a little-known historical event that happened in my hometown state, so I snapped it right up. I enjoyed reading about one man's quest for peace. I especially loved the part where Nobuo planted a new tree in place of the one that was damaged. (I lived in Oregon for several years, so I kinda chuckled when it said It's the truth. XD)
Please note, if you are reading this book with young children, there are a couple mentions of kamikaze missions and at one point the main character is contemplating traditional Japanese suicide for a shamed person.
Altogether, this was an interesting read, and the illustrations were quite enjoyable. ;)
Please note, if you are reading this book with young children, there are a couple mentions of kamikaze missions and at one point the main character is contemplating traditional Japanese suicide for a shamed person.
Altogether, this was an interesting read, and the illustrations were quite enjoyable. ;)
July 26, 2019
I had NO IDEA this ever happened. This book gives me hope for humanity, when you get to the outreach, forgiveness and love that came from this. It probably would have not ended half so well if he had actually accomplished his missions and hurt or killed people, but thankfully it didn’t go there. Still, we need to all be as forgiving and gracious to those who were our enemies and who are legitimately asking forgiveness. This is just a beautiful story and is now one of my “keepers”. The artwork is gentle and beautiful too. It really adds to the feel of the story. 5, seriously you need to read this book, stars. So uplifting!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2020
Thirty Minutes Over Oregon is a biography on World War II Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita. This book is a complex picture book and I would recommend it to grades 3-6 based on the content it covers. Nobuo Fujita flies over Brookings, Oregon to the Oregon Woods to drop bombs and prove to the United States that Japan could in fact bomb the continental United States after Pearl Harbor. This book really covers a part of the World War II conflict between the United States and Japan that not many people know about. These bombings happened twice within twenty days of each other and concluded with the same results, no real damage. Nobuo Fujita retired to Tokyo and never spoke about the bombings until 1962 when Brookings, Oregon invited him to be the guest of honor at their Memorial Day parade. Nobuo accepted and came to the United States to offer an apology for his actions and to gift his family’s prized possession, a sword that had been passed down for generations. If they did not accept his apology, he commit seppuku which is a traditional Japanese suicide by a person overcome with shame.
I would use this book to do a lesson around mental health, respect, and not holding grudges for children. Since Nobuo felt a great deal of shame for his actions in World War II and felt that the town of Brookings would not forgive him for his actions. I would use this book to show that even though two opposing nations were at conflict with one another, they set aside their differences years later to honor and accept the peace between the two nations. Nobuo was going to perform seppuku, but he was forgiven and shown kindness to carry on and live on. I would also use this book to emphasize friendship and strong bonds. Later after Nobuo’s visit to the United States, he wanted to host Americans in Japan. His wish came true twenty-three years later when he sponsored a few high school students and showed them around. This friendship between Nobuo and the town of Brookings continued until his death when a representative from Brookings flew to Japan to make him and honorary citizen. The friendship led Brookings citizens to spread some of Nobuo’s ashes over the bombing site. I want to show children that no matter the differences people and nations may have, we can all set aside our differences, forgive each other, and create friendships and strong bonds between one another.
This book is a WOW book for me because I love reading about war stories and war heroes. I am more into those touchy subjects that some people do not like to talk about, like World Wars, 9/11, etc. I loved this book and how it portrays a deeper meaning than just two nations at war with each other and trying to out-bomb one another. It may be a short complex picture book, but it will help students gain a better understanding of our nation and Japan, and the conflict that occurred between these two nations. This is also a WOW book because it covers an event that many do not read about or remember about World War II. Definitely recommend this book to everyone!
I would use this book to do a lesson around mental health, respect, and not holding grudges for children. Since Nobuo felt a great deal of shame for his actions in World War II and felt that the town of Brookings would not forgive him for his actions. I would use this book to show that even though two opposing nations were at conflict with one another, they set aside their differences years later to honor and accept the peace between the two nations. Nobuo was going to perform seppuku, but he was forgiven and shown kindness to carry on and live on. I would also use this book to emphasize friendship and strong bonds. Later after Nobuo’s visit to the United States, he wanted to host Americans in Japan. His wish came true twenty-three years later when he sponsored a few high school students and showed them around. This friendship between Nobuo and the town of Brookings continued until his death when a representative from Brookings flew to Japan to make him and honorary citizen. The friendship led Brookings citizens to spread some of Nobuo’s ashes over the bombing site. I want to show children that no matter the differences people and nations may have, we can all set aside our differences, forgive each other, and create friendships and strong bonds between one another.
This book is a WOW book for me because I love reading about war stories and war heroes. I am more into those touchy subjects that some people do not like to talk about, like World Wars, 9/11, etc. I loved this book and how it portrays a deeper meaning than just two nations at war with each other and trying to out-bomb one another. It may be a short complex picture book, but it will help students gain a better understanding of our nation and Japan, and the conflict that occurred between these two nations. This is also a WOW book because it covers an event that many do not read about or remember about World War II. Definitely recommend this book to everyone!
April 9, 2022
A true and interesting story about redemption, forgiveness, and resolution.
April 17, 2019
Thirty Minutes Over Oregon: A Japanese Pilot's World War 2 Story (2018) by Marc Tyler Nobleman is an amazing and personal story about one war pilots journey and how, "war pride had shriveled into guilt." "Fifteen miles off the Oregon coast, on September 9, 1942, Nobuo Fujita strode across the slippery deck of a submarine." Nobuo was about to drop a bomb on Brookings, Oregon in effort of the war. He had a sword for good luck, which he carried with him on his plane rides. The goal was for Nobuo to drop a bomb in the Oregon woods and start a fire. The bombs were dropped but the fires did not spread. Japan declared victory and returned home. Nobuo lived a quiet life until Brookings wanted Nobuo to return and be their guest of honor and attend their annual Memorial Day festival. Two decades later, high school students from Brookings visited Japan and Nobuo. Their differences from the war are what brought them close together.
The twin text I decided to compare Thirty Minutes Over Oregon was, Write to Me: Letters from Japanese American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind (2018) by Cynthia Grady. This book is about Miss. Breed, a librarian, who sends books, postcards, "seeds for planting, thread for sewing, and soap for washing" to Japanese Americans who were moved into internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The children of Miss. Breed's library would send her postcards describing, "what they saw around them, living conditions, and how they spent their days. When the war ended, families either went to other part of the country for a fresh start or went home to pick up were they left off.
My rational for combining these two books are the fact that these books both focus on WW2 and how the Japanese culture was a threat as seen by the United States government. One book focuses on what happened years ago and the power of what an apology can do to bring people together, who had at one time been at war with one another. The main character, Nobuo in the book Thirty Minutes Over Oregon brought his family sword back to Brookings. "This time, however, it was not for luck." "If the people accepted the apology he planned, he would gift the sword to the town." The next book reflects on the power of what writing and reading can do to show somebody cars. Both books represent how people are more alike one another and have less differences than we think. Miss. Breed was the light that helped many Japanese children get through the war by simply writing to her. "They wrote about beauty. They wrote about fear. They all waited for peace."
The interactive strategy I would use to bridge the two texts would be a K-W-L chart. I know that both books are about WW2, that the people on opposite sides are the Americans and the Japanese. What I want to know would be, "Why would the people of Brookings want to have an opposition war pilot be their guest of honor?" The book mentioned that they wanted to boost tourism but what if they plan turned into a disaster? What I learned was how the honor of a war pilot's duty turned to guilt and how that pilot was welcomed as a guest of honor when he returned to his battle site. An apology can right a wrong and create lasting bonds between cultures. I also learned how the power of writing can shed light on what is happening all around us. Miss. Breed would write articles in the newspaper referencing what the children had written to her. "Miss Breed wanted people across the country to know about the treatment of Japanese Americans on the West Coast." Japanese Americans were treated as such because of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and out of fear it would happen again.
Citations:
Grady, Cynthia (2018) Write to Me: Letters from Japanese American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.
Nobleman, Marc (2018) Thirty Minutes Over Oregon: A Japanese Pilot's World War 2 Story. New York, NY: Clarion Books.
The twin text I decided to compare Thirty Minutes Over Oregon was, Write to Me: Letters from Japanese American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind (2018) by Cynthia Grady. This book is about Miss. Breed, a librarian, who sends books, postcards, "seeds for planting, thread for sewing, and soap for washing" to Japanese Americans who were moved into internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The children of Miss. Breed's library would send her postcards describing, "what they saw around them, living conditions, and how they spent their days. When the war ended, families either went to other part of the country for a fresh start or went home to pick up were they left off.
My rational for combining these two books are the fact that these books both focus on WW2 and how the Japanese culture was a threat as seen by the United States government. One book focuses on what happened years ago and the power of what an apology can do to bring people together, who had at one time been at war with one another. The main character, Nobuo in the book Thirty Minutes Over Oregon brought his family sword back to Brookings. "This time, however, it was not for luck." "If the people accepted the apology he planned, he would gift the sword to the town." The next book reflects on the power of what writing and reading can do to show somebody cars. Both books represent how people are more alike one another and have less differences than we think. Miss. Breed was the light that helped many Japanese children get through the war by simply writing to her. "They wrote about beauty. They wrote about fear. They all waited for peace."
The interactive strategy I would use to bridge the two texts would be a K-W-L chart. I know that both books are about WW2, that the people on opposite sides are the Americans and the Japanese. What I want to know would be, "Why would the people of Brookings want to have an opposition war pilot be their guest of honor?" The book mentioned that they wanted to boost tourism but what if they plan turned into a disaster? What I learned was how the honor of a war pilot's duty turned to guilt and how that pilot was welcomed as a guest of honor when he returned to his battle site. An apology can right a wrong and create lasting bonds between cultures. I also learned how the power of writing can shed light on what is happening all around us. Miss. Breed would write articles in the newspaper referencing what the children had written to her. "Miss Breed wanted people across the country to know about the treatment of Japanese Americans on the West Coast." Japanese Americans were treated as such because of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and out of fear it would happen again.
Citations:
Grady, Cynthia (2018) Write to Me: Letters from Japanese American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.
Nobleman, Marc (2018) Thirty Minutes Over Oregon: A Japanese Pilot's World War 2 Story. New York, NY: Clarion Books.
November 16, 2018
When remembering the United States and World War II most people think of the battles and the losses in the European, the Mediterranean, African and Middle East and Pacific theaters. Rarely does a group of islands off the southern coast of Alaska become a part of the discussion. There were Japanese and American forces located in several places in the Aleutian Islands. (One of the many American soldiers stationed there for more than a year was my dad.) It was a strategy to place troops there to prevent an invasion from this sector. After the events at Pearl Harbor on Hawaii on December 7, 1941 this was a concern for both countries.
One of the little-known stories originating from this and other areas north and west of the United States takes place in Oregon. Thirty Minutes Over Oregon: A Japanese Pilot's World War II Story (Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, October 9, 2018) written by Marc Tyler Nobleman with illustrations by Melissa Iwai chronicles specific events in 1942. Decades later the tale continued.
My full review: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
One of the little-known stories originating from this and other areas north and west of the United States takes place in Oregon. Thirty Minutes Over Oregon: A Japanese Pilot's World War II Story (Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, October 9, 2018) written by Marc Tyler Nobleman with illustrations by Melissa Iwai chronicles specific events in 1942. Decades later the tale continued.
My full review: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
December 6, 2018
What a beautiful story! After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, the American people were at odds with the Japanese. Most people know of the major bombings enacted by the Japanese. But did you know that a Japanese pilot, Nobuo Fujita, dropped bombs on a small coastal town in Oregon? This story explores the impact of this bombing, as well as Nobuo Fujita's apology given years later. I absolutely adored this story! I am a big fan of this time period in history, so this suited me well! The Japanese pilot's apology continued for years. He worked with public works programs in the town's community and worked with their schools. The fact that he gave back to a place he harmed is oddly beautiful. The watercolor illustrations are gorgeous and help hold the reader's attention. I highly recommend this story. it will definitely be added to my own personal library!
October 6, 2018
A fascinating true story about a Japanese pilot who bombed Oregon, hoping to start massive wildfires, during World War II. When the war was over, a group of Americans decided to invite the man who had attempted to ruin their homes back to their town for a reconciliation. The man accepts the invitation, nervously. A deep forgiveness and friendship begins, paving the way for future cultural understanding. (FYI: a mention of the Japanese honor-suicide practice, seppuku, is mentioned). The pilot later decides that, if he had known more about people overseas, he may not have viewed them so negatively. Overall, it's a fascinating story that highlights the importance of forgiveness and of cross-cultural understanding.
November 7, 2018
Thirty Minutes Over Oregon is such an amazing true story - a singular Japanese pilot takes two secret trips over Oregon to drop bombs in hopes of starting catastrophic wildfires. They don't catch, but in the decades following, the pilot and nearby Oregon town strike up a friendship that transcends war and culture.
Definitely too intense for the age group I normally serve, but would be an absolutely wonderful addition to a middle school or late elementary. It has mentions, obviously, of bombings, war, seppuku, etc. Kids may have questions about what a war looks like in America - I could see the most nervous, younger ones having a hard time processing the idea that America can be a war zone, and especially on the west coast. Still, this story should not be missed!
Definitely too intense for the age group I normally serve, but would be an absolutely wonderful addition to a middle school or late elementary. It has mentions, obviously, of bombings, war, seppuku, etc. Kids may have questions about what a war looks like in America - I could see the most nervous, younger ones having a hard time processing the idea that America can be a war zone, and especially on the west coast. Still, this story should not be missed!
February 25, 2019
In 1941, a Japanese fighter pilot catapulted off an enemy ship in the Pacific and dropped bombs in the wood outside a small town in Oregon. This was so surprising to the people of Oregon that they assumed it was a forest fire from natural causes. When the pilot, Nobuo Fujita, did it a second time, people became suspicious and upon closer inspection found traces of shrapnel.
The story unfolds years later when, in an act of peace and reconciliation, the town locates Fujita in Japan and invites him back to a celebration of their town. Fujita accepts the invitation, not totally knowing how he will be received when he gets to America. An encouraging story.
The story unfolds years later when, in an act of peace and reconciliation, the town locates Fujita in Japan and invites him back to a celebration of their town. Fujita accepts the invitation, not totally knowing how he will be received when he gets to America. An encouraging story.
October 9, 2018
Most of us know the story of Pearl Harbor and how it pulled the United States into World War II. However, a lesser known story from World War II is told in Thirty Minutes of Oregon. The book tells the story of Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita. Pilot Fujita made not one but two bombing run for Japan following Pearl Harbor. But that's only part of the story, the real heart of this story is in the reconciliation after the war. This is a must add for every classroom library. Engaging non-fiction at its best.
November 11, 2018
This is a fascinating children's picture book about the time during World War II that an enemy plane dropped bombs on mainland USA. ( There were also a few balloon bombings, one of which killed six civilians.) The bombing raids ( there were two) were ultimately not successful as they did not start the forest fires that they were supposed to. After the war, the pilot went back to his family in Japan, and life went on until years later when someone had the idea to track down the pilot and invite him to visit! What happened next is a lesson for all of us!
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November 6, 2019After the attack of Pearl Harbor in 1942 during WWII, a Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita managed to drop a few bombs off the coast of Oregon, the northwest coast of the United States. Twenty years later, he was invited back to the small town and eventually reconciled with his past and war. Not only did he apologize for what he had done during the war, he also sponsored high school students to visit his hometown in Japan. Fujita's amazing personal experience leads to a peaceful friendship between two nations.
November 30, 2018
I loved this book! Marc Tyler Nobleman did a wonderful job bringing history to life in this story. I wish it had been published 20 years ago when grandchildren would still have had the opportunity to discuss WWII with their grandfathers, who were WWII veterans. My only suggestion is one I often repeat, authors and publishers please include maps so that children can learn how to understand them!
December 3, 2018
This Oregonian had no idea. I've seen bunkers along the coast, knew about a Japanese ship that shelled an area of northern coast, but knew nothing about this Japanese pilot and his missions. Good narrative nonfiction for elementary students, sharing a different story of war, from the introducton of the pilot Nobuo setting forth his first mission to bomb Oregon to his death. The watercolor illustrations pair well with this story of reconciliation, forgiveness and hope for a more peaceful world.
December 16, 2018
What an incredible and moving story! Initially about a crazy plan by the Japanese, carried out by a dutiful young pilot but shifting to the heart of the story by telling about what happened after the war.
Forgiveness, reconciliation and the wonderful ability of a town full of people to put hatred and fear behind them and look to the importance of seeing the heart and humanity of all people. Beautiful and inspiring!
Forgiveness, reconciliation and the wonderful ability of a town full of people to put hatred and fear behind them and look to the importance of seeing the heart and humanity of all people. Beautiful and inspiring!
October 20, 2018
This is the first time I'd heard about mainland bombing that happened in Oregon back in 1942. This narrative non fiction story offers the perspective of the Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita from the initial orders he received, the actual bombing and post-war happenings that allowed him to reconcile his actions in a positive way that united both countries.
November 28, 2018
Junior Library Guild sure knows how to pick nonfiction books about little-known stories! This book is about the man who bombed Oregon during World War II, and was later able to come over and apologize for it. Beautifully illustrated, this book is a gem that teaches about some almost-forgotten history and about forgiveness.
December 29, 2018
I never knew about this event. I thought the Japanese had only invaded AK and HI. The illustrations were amazing and how the story unfolds is just beautiful. The connection the town had with the Japanese man years after was just heartfelt. The research behind it was also in the book and I am just amazed!
November 3, 2018
A moving story of a Japanese pilot tasked with dropping bombs over Oregon during World War II and the long term consequences of following that order. Elementary and up. Love teh healing on both sides of the story.
January 3, 2019
This children’s book (I’d say target age range is 5-10 with a 3rd-ish grade reading level) is a nice soft intro to WWII history, especially interesting for Oregon natives. It’s a sweet story and I love that it’s totally true!
January 8, 2019
Such an interesting story that I bet so few have heard. I love how once enemies became friends and that the pilot donated money to the library in the US. "He wondered if WW2 would have been different had his generation grown up reading books." My library has digital copy of the text.
January 12, 2019
A fascinating story from World War II. It's the story of a Japanese pilot who bombed the Oregon coast after Pearl Harbor. In subsequent years, the town connected with him. Incredible story of regret, forgiveness and the ability to come together peacefully. Great illustrations, too!
April 10, 2019
What a fascinating and beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption. My students will be initially hooked by the history, but I’m totally going to use this as part of our social-emotional curriculum!
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