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The Lost Ryū
Kohei Fujiwara has never seen a big ryū in real life. Those dragons all disappeared from Japan after World War II, and twenty years later, they've become the stuff of legend. Their smaller cousins, who can fit in your palm, are all that remain. And Kohei loves his ryū, Yuharu, but...
...Kohei has a memory of the big ryū. He knows that's impossible, but still, it's there, in his mind. In it, he can see his grandpa – Ojiisan – gazing up at the big ryū with what looks to Kohei like total and absolute wonder. When Kohei was little, he dreamed he'd go on a grand quest to bring the big ryū back, to get Ojiisan to smile again.
But now, Ojiisan is really, really sick. And Kohei is running out of time.
Kohei needs to find the big ryū now, before it's too late. With the help of Isolde, his new half-Jewish, half-Japanese neighbour; and Isolde's Yiddish-speaking dragon, Cheshire; he thinks he can do it. Maybe. He doesn't have a choice.
...Kohei has a memory of the big ryū. He knows that's impossible, but still, it's there, in his mind. In it, he can see his grandpa – Ojiisan – gazing up at the big ryū with what looks to Kohei like total and absolute wonder. When Kohei was little, he dreamed he'd go on a grand quest to bring the big ryū back, to get Ojiisan to smile again.
But now, Ojiisan is really, really sick. And Kohei is running out of time.
Kohei needs to find the big ryū now, before it's too late. With the help of Isolde, his new half-Jewish, half-Japanese neighbour; and Isolde's Yiddish-speaking dragon, Cheshire; he thinks he can do it. Maybe. He doesn't have a choice.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2022
23 people are currently reading
2676 people want to read
About the author
Emi Watanabe Cohen
6 books50 followersEmi Watanabe Cohen writes children's fiction involving Jewish and/or Japanese folklore, complicated families, and a dash of improbable magic. She is a graduate of Brandeis University's Creative Writing program.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
June 15, 2022
It’s been twenty years since the bombs fell on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The big ryū disappeared soon after the war. Ten year old Kohei is convinced that if he can find them, he’ll be able to make Ojiisan, his grandfather, smile again.
Kohei lives with Ojiisan, who spends his time drinking and being angry, and his Mama, whose subscribes to what is referred to as ‘shikata ga nai’, meaning “there’s nothing to be done - move on, carry on, and don’t brood over things that can’t be helped.” This is a really polite way of saying she doesn’t actually ever deal with anything.
Kohei’s father died when he was three years old. Although I didn’t get to meet him, his words resonated with me.
I knew I’d love Yuharu, Kohei’s little ryū, as soon as I discovered she was fluent in sarcasm, but I loved all of the ryū I met. They have unique personalities and quirks, and they talk! I definitely need one to adopt me.
Even though I wanted to dragon-nap Yuharu, the standout character for me was Isolde, Kohei’s new neighbour. She’s yearning to find a place where she can feel like she belongs. She’s capable of standing up for herself when she needs to and she has a heart of gold. She’s also wise beyond her years.
The lasting impact of this trauma is clearly shown by what the characters talk about and what they don’t, what emotions are expressed and which remain hidden. Despite the difficulty of many of the issues that arise for the characters, there is also hope.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
Kohei lives with Ojiisan, who spends his time drinking and being angry, and his Mama, whose subscribes to what is referred to as ‘shikata ga nai’, meaning “there’s nothing to be done - move on, carry on, and don’t brood over things that can’t be helped.” This is a really polite way of saying she doesn’t actually ever deal with anything.
Kohei’s father died when he was three years old. Although I didn’t get to meet him, his words resonated with me.
‘Do not quit. You must keep trying to make things better, Kohei, because there are always good things you can do.’While the blurb piqued my interest in this family, I’ll be honest: I was mostly here for the dragons. The little ryū were absolutely adorable.
I knew I’d love Yuharu, Kohei’s little ryū, as soon as I discovered she was fluent in sarcasm, but I loved all of the ryū I met. They have unique personalities and quirks, and they talk! I definitely need one to adopt me.
Even though I wanted to dragon-nap Yuharu, the standout character for me was Isolde, Kohei’s new neighbour. She’s yearning to find a place where she can feel like she belongs. She’s capable of standing up for herself when she needs to and she has a heart of gold. She’s also wise beyond her years.
‘Because talking helps. Things always seem simpler when you say them out loud. And eventually, you stop talking, and you realise that if your sentence can end, so can your troubles.’While the dragons were everything I’d hoped they’d be, at its heart this book is about the legacy of war. Although the children in this book haven’t personally experienced war, their parents and grandparents have.
The lasting impact of this trauma is clearly shown by what the characters talk about and what they don’t, what emotions are expressed and which remain hidden. Despite the difficulty of many of the issues that arise for the characters, there is also hope.
Things that hurt were able to heal.Thank you so much to Allen & Unwin for the opportunity to read this book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
August 10, 2022
I could nitpick holes in the world-building, but this was an exquisite exploration of intergenerational trauma and belonging.
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Kohei (mc) is Japanese; Isolde (sc) is Japanese Polish-American & Jewish; Japanese setting & scs.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Kohei (mc) is Japanese; Isolde (sc) is Japanese Polish-American & Jewish; Japanese setting & scs.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
February 18, 2022
I cried at least ten times reading this book.
It's so beautifully written, and the journey Kohei and Isolde go on is adventurous, heartfelt, and at many times painful and difficult. This is the kind of book that hits you right in the heart, complete with dragons. I highly recommend it!
It's so beautifully written, and the journey Kohei and Isolde go on is adventurous, heartfelt, and at many times painful and difficult. This is the kind of book that hits you right in the heart, complete with dragons. I highly recommend it!
May 26, 2022
love me some little children's books about intergenerational trauma and kids dealing with Big Feelings in the best way they can
June 19, 2022
I’m crying too much to write a worthy review - I might try later - but suffice it to say that this is my new favourite middle fiction title. What an incredibly special book.
January 7, 2023
C/W:
The Lost Ryū was a moving story about intergenerational trauma and making sense of family legacies. The ryū and Western dragons were wonderfully woven into the story. They were well-developed characters, plot devices, and key elements of the world all in one. I loved our two main characters Kohei and Isolde. Both of them grow a lot over the course of The Lost Ryū and learn so much about how they view their roles within society and their families.
The Lost Ryū is a middle grade book that works on multiple levels for different ages of readers. I look forward to reading more books from Watanabe Cohen.
Thank you to Netgalley and Levine Querido for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Lost Ryū was a moving story about intergenerational trauma and making sense of family legacies. The ryū and Western dragons were wonderfully woven into the story. They were well-developed characters, plot devices, and key elements of the world all in one. I loved our two main characters Kohei and Isolde. Both of them grow a lot over the course of The Lost Ryū and learn so much about how they view their roles within society and their families.
The Lost Ryū is a middle grade book that works on multiple levels for different ages of readers. I look forward to reading more books from Watanabe Cohen.
Thank you to Netgalley and Levine Querido for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2022
This is a beautiful, beautiful little book. If I could give it more stars I would. It is soft and gentle like a lullaby yet raw and powerful like a cathartic cry. It deals with trauma and intergenerational trauma in post WWII Japan in such a lyrical and beautiful way. And there’s dragons and they are beautiful. There’s no big action scenes or quests but there is such emotional depth and rawness and beauty, you won’t regret reading it.
July 20, 2022
I think I missed a few things in this book because I found my self asking why something was happening a few times. There was still world-building type detail coming out in chapter 7 and a little more at the very end. I think some editing in the set up of the two families would have helped. The scene with the friends at school is never settled and I could imagine a middle grade reader being perplexed by the friendships not mending.
July 23, 2022
A bittersweet yet touching book that mixes intergenerational trauma resulting from war with dragon questing, a genius idea I'm very much loving. In this story, set some twenty years after the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we come to know a little boy of ten named Kohei, whose big objective in life is to heal his PTSD-suffering grandfather, and he thinks he can achieve that if the finds the big Ryu, or Japanese dragons, who are now gone from the country.
Ojiisan is an alcoholic and depressive with anger issues, due to trauma it's implied he carries over from WWII, and Mama is a rather defeated and passive woman that constantly repeats there's nothing to be done about it. But Kohei can remember his father's words to never quit, never lose hope. How can he if he was a toddler when his dad died? The big Ryu, apparently, he can also remember even though he shouldn't because they disappeared before he was born.
But Kohei is an enterprising and decided boy, very valiant and willing to do anything to help his beloved grandfather and mother. When he meets Isolde Carter, an American expat girl that has a dragon that speaks Yiddish (that was funny!), Kohei convinces her to go with him on a quest to some islands off the coast of theirs to search for the big Ryu. Will he find them and make Ojiisan smile at last? You'll have to read to find out!
I loved Kohei's character, his selflessness and optimism, and I liked Isolde, too. The dragons, especially Yuharu, are the real spotlight stealers, though. Sarcastic, wise, loyal, and so darling; they are like what your pupper would be if it could talk, with the same unconditional love and with a distinctive personality that complements their human companion's. The writing is simple, and the plotline itself isn't all that complex, but despite its simplicity, it touches all the right buttons and makes you think and smile.
I recevied an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ojiisan is an alcoholic and depressive with anger issues, due to trauma it's implied he carries over from WWII, and Mama is a rather defeated and passive woman that constantly repeats there's nothing to be done about it. But Kohei can remember his father's words to never quit, never lose hope. How can he if he was a toddler when his dad died? The big Ryu, apparently, he can also remember even though he shouldn't because they disappeared before he was born.
But Kohei is an enterprising and decided boy, very valiant and willing to do anything to help his beloved grandfather and mother. When he meets Isolde Carter, an American expat girl that has a dragon that speaks Yiddish (that was funny!), Kohei convinces her to go with him on a quest to some islands off the coast of theirs to search for the big Ryu. Will he find them and make Ojiisan smile at last? You'll have to read to find out!
I loved Kohei's character, his selflessness and optimism, and I liked Isolde, too. The dragons, especially Yuharu, are the real spotlight stealers, though. Sarcastic, wise, loyal, and so darling; they are like what your pupper would be if it could talk, with the same unconditional love and with a distinctive personality that complements their human companion's. The writing is simple, and the plotline itself isn't all that complex, but despite its simplicity, it touches all the right buttons and makes you think and smile.
I recevied an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2021
This is such a beautiful story of family, the stories that make us who we are, multigenerational pain and secrets, friendship, and. . . DRAGONS.
Kohei Fujiwara has always planned to go on an epic quest to find a big ryū, one of the giant dragons that disappeared from Japan after World War II. Only small dragons remain, like his chatty and protective companion, Yuharu. But in Kohei's mind, he holds a strong, mysterious memory of his grandfather gazing up at a big ryū in wonder. He's always thought that if he could find a big ryū, then his troubled grandfather might be happy again. As his grandfather's health slips, he must complete his quest sooner than he'd thought.
Kohei absolutely stole my heart, and I became so invested in his journey, I had a hard time putting this book down. Isolde, his new half-Japanese half-Jewish neighbor accompanied by a Yiddish-speaking dragon of her own, is a strong, endearing character in her own right. I really enjoyed her journey, as well as the way her and Kohei's friendship developed. I would have loved to be friends with them!
I also appreciate the way the mother and the grandfather were handled. They were not perfect people but the sensitivity and insight in which they were written, and the way the family's secrets slowly unfolded made them believable and understandable.
The magic system is lovely and natural, and the use of both Eastern and Western dragons was well-done, creative, and supported the story well.
I absolutely loved this book and will be recommending to the students and teachers at my school.
*I read an E-ARC of this book, prior to publication.
Kohei Fujiwara has always planned to go on an epic quest to find a big ryū, one of the giant dragons that disappeared from Japan after World War II. Only small dragons remain, like his chatty and protective companion, Yuharu. But in Kohei's mind, he holds a strong, mysterious memory of his grandfather gazing up at a big ryū in wonder. He's always thought that if he could find a big ryū, then his troubled grandfather might be happy again. As his grandfather's health slips, he must complete his quest sooner than he'd thought.
Kohei absolutely stole my heart, and I became so invested in his journey, I had a hard time putting this book down. Isolde, his new half-Japanese half-Jewish neighbor accompanied by a Yiddish-speaking dragon of her own, is a strong, endearing character in her own right. I really enjoyed her journey, as well as the way her and Kohei's friendship developed. I would have loved to be friends with them!
I also appreciate the way the mother and the grandfather were handled. They were not perfect people but the sensitivity and insight in which they were written, and the way the family's secrets slowly unfolded made them believable and understandable.
The magic system is lovely and natural, and the use of both Eastern and Western dragons was well-done, creative, and supported the story well.
I absolutely loved this book and will be recommending to the students and teachers at my school.
*I read an E-ARC of this book, prior to publication.
July 19, 2022
This is a lovely story of friendship and redemption. Kohei is a young Japanese boy in 1960s Osaka and becomes friends with Isolde, who is American, half-Japanese and Jewish. They both have small dragons, as is normal in their world, but are in search of the lost large dragons that disappeared some years back. Kohei remembers his grandpa happy back during the days of those large ryu and is determined to find one to bring happiness to his grandpa as his health deteriorates. What they find are family secrets that have been buried with the large dragons that disappeared just after the war. The writing is so vivid and the characters’ voices are so distinct. A must-read for all ages.
April 13, 2022
I received this as an ARC for Full Circle Bookstore in OKC.
Emi Watanabe Cohen has weaved a beautiful, complex story for young readers who are struggling with their emotions and the little lies that adults tell them to cushion them from harsh realities of the world. Right away, the writing pulled me in, as Kohei's emotions jump right down your throat and grab you. He is living with his mother in an apartment complex and wants so badly to connect with his grandfather by their love of big dragons. As the story continues when Kohei goes on a quest to find the lost Big Ryū with his new neighbor and friend, we and Kohei learn the real reason why the Big Ryū have gone from this world.
Utterly heartbreaking in moments. There are so many layers to this book. It's about war and trauma, but it's also about family. It's about generations. It's about emotions. It's about making new friends and getting over old prejudices. I was just so captivated by Emi's storytelling, by this world which so expertly mixes one of the biggest tragedies in our world with a fantastical element. Such an important, moving book, and one that will stay with me for a long while.
Emi Watanabe Cohen has weaved a beautiful, complex story for young readers who are struggling with their emotions and the little lies that adults tell them to cushion them from harsh realities of the world. Right away, the writing pulled me in, as Kohei's emotions jump right down your throat and grab you. He is living with his mother in an apartment complex and wants so badly to connect with his grandfather by their love of big dragons. As the story continues when Kohei goes on a quest to find the lost Big Ryū with his new neighbor and friend, we and Kohei learn the real reason why the Big Ryū have gone from this world.
Utterly heartbreaking in moments. There are so many layers to this book. It's about war and trauma, but it's also about family. It's about generations. It's about emotions. It's about making new friends and getting over old prejudices. I was just so captivated by Emi's storytelling, by this world which so expertly mixes one of the biggest tragedies in our world with a fantastical element. Such an important, moving book, and one that will stay with me for a long while.
September 29, 2022
Actually i love a book with a dragon story within, and this one is pretty good. I honestly felt enjoyed to start, but the more story went on, i felt it slow-paced, it didn't make me bored in the mid, tho. that's why i still could have finished it.
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Though the journey of Kohei and Isolde to the ancestral home of ryu (dragon) was amazing but i feel that i still need more wow atmosphere that should have made me more impressed and higher strung, i need the mystery of dragons disappearance should be more forward.
.
Yet regardless of that, i pretty love the journey Kohei, Isolde and their cute dragons had been through for finding the big ryu to reveal the ancestral home of dragons and who truly Kohei's father was and what secret project his father had run before his death. Moreover, sense of heartwarming that made me delightful in the end.
Instagram : @edirbooks
.
Though the journey of Kohei and Isolde to the ancestral home of ryu (dragon) was amazing but i feel that i still need more wow atmosphere that should have made me more impressed and higher strung, i need the mystery of dragons disappearance should be more forward.
.
Yet regardless of that, i pretty love the journey Kohei, Isolde and their cute dragons had been through for finding the big ryu to reveal the ancestral home of dragons and who truly Kohei's father was and what secret project his father had run before his death. Moreover, sense of heartwarming that made me delightful in the end.
Instagram : @edirbooks
March 22, 2022
An Enchanting and Beautiful Book
Emi Watanabe Cohen crafts a world that is stunning and real at the same time. I felt instantly transported to post-war Japan through the eyes of Kohei, a complex and ultimately heartwarming character. I can’t say enough good things of the boy’s journey to learn his family history, but what I can say is that his conclusions are powerful and ring true.
The Ryu, wondrously described, are the dragon companions of humans in this world. Cohen breathed life into these characters to make them feel so real. I find myself wishing I had a Ryu by my side as I write this review!
Please do yourself a favor and look into this book. You will not be disappointed!
Emi Watanabe Cohen crafts a world that is stunning and real at the same time. I felt instantly transported to post-war Japan through the eyes of Kohei, a complex and ultimately heartwarming character. I can’t say enough good things of the boy’s journey to learn his family history, but what I can say is that his conclusions are powerful and ring true.
The Ryu, wondrously described, are the dragon companions of humans in this world. Cohen breathed life into these characters to make them feel so real. I find myself wishing I had a Ryu by my side as I write this review!
Please do yourself a favor and look into this book. You will not be disappointed!
October 11, 2022
Beautiful story exploring intergenerational and post-war trauma within a Japanese family and a Japanese-Jewish family, made accessible to young readers via dragons!
I do feel bad because the writing did not do it for me. I found it dry and difficult to engage with, which is such a shame because I feel like this is such an important story!
I do feel bad because the writing did not do it for me. I found it dry and difficult to engage with, which is such a shame because I feel like this is such an important story!
January 3, 2023
There’s something incredibly poignant about this book and the way it’s told through the eyes of a child. I picked this up never having heard of it before (mainly drawn in by the stunning artwork and the fact that it had a Japanese setting and dragons) and I’m very glad I did. Not only did I find it a very quick read and a fun one, but actually there were some surprising moments of depth too.
We follow a young boy of around 10 who is called Kohei. He’s living after the war which meant most of the big Ryū (dragons) have vanished, and his grandfather in particular is filled with loss about his dragon going. Kohei knows his grandfather is flawed and drinks too much and makes his mum sad and him, but he loves him unconditionally and he wants to make him happy. He thinks maybe a new dragon will help and when a new girl moves in he recruits her to help him find the lost Ryū.
The story itself is simple and easy to follow and I found it quick to get through as it’s not a long title, but really the emotions we see of both Isolde (the new girl) and Kohei as children who don’t quite understand what their parents have been through but have some limited stories to go on, was the true magic. The children each have questions and worries about how to help their parents, what their identities are, what really happened. They know some of the truth that their parents were able to tell them, but there’s more to learn to be able to really understand things and this story of adventure is where they try to work things out.
There are Ryū and dragons as characters in the plot and they have their own personalities which I liked seeing. Definitely there’s influence of western and eastern cultures here as the Ryū reminded me a little of the dragon from Disney’s Mulan, and Disney is referenced in the book too, but we’re set in Japan and the ancestors and legacy of family is a strong theme.
This felt a little simple at times as the children are not as complex as adult characters in their decision making, and don’t always think rationally, but that added to the naïveté and genuine love you can see they have for their family. The ending felt a bit rushed and yet I felt my eyes welling up a little at the sentiments of family. 4*s and I’d certainly read more by this author as this was a debut.
We follow a young boy of around 10 who is called Kohei. He’s living after the war which meant most of the big Ryū (dragons) have vanished, and his grandfather in particular is filled with loss about his dragon going. Kohei knows his grandfather is flawed and drinks too much and makes his mum sad and him, but he loves him unconditionally and he wants to make him happy. He thinks maybe a new dragon will help and when a new girl moves in he recruits her to help him find the lost Ryū.
The story itself is simple and easy to follow and I found it quick to get through as it’s not a long title, but really the emotions we see of both Isolde (the new girl) and Kohei as children who don’t quite understand what their parents have been through but have some limited stories to go on, was the true magic. The children each have questions and worries about how to help their parents, what their identities are, what really happened. They know some of the truth that their parents were able to tell them, but there’s more to learn to be able to really understand things and this story of adventure is where they try to work things out.
There are Ryū and dragons as characters in the plot and they have their own personalities which I liked seeing. Definitely there’s influence of western and eastern cultures here as the Ryū reminded me a little of the dragon from Disney’s Mulan, and Disney is referenced in the book too, but we’re set in Japan and the ancestors and legacy of family is a strong theme.
This felt a little simple at times as the children are not as complex as adult characters in their decision making, and don’t always think rationally, but that added to the naïveté and genuine love you can see they have for their family. The ending felt a bit rushed and yet I felt my eyes welling up a little at the sentiments of family. 4*s and I’d certainly read more by this author as this was a debut.
February 28, 2025
Mam wrażenie, że gdybym przeczytała to w papierze to dużo mocniej by do mnie trafiła...
March 13, 2023
It is 20 years after World War II, in Japan. Kohei lives with his mother, since his father died when he was three, and no one talks about him anymore. He also lives with his grandfather, who is always sad, and now is very ill. His grandfather talks longingly of the big dragons that used to exist in the world, but now all they have is lizard size dragons. Kohei has one who is his good friend and confidant, Yuharu, and his new friend Isolde, who is part Jewish and part Japanese, has a little dragon named Cheshire who can speak Yiddish. Kohei has one, impossible memory of seeing big dragons after the war, and he thinks that if he can just find a big dragon, that will help his grandfather. But he’s running out of time. Soon he and Isolde are on a quest, but where it will end —and what truth will be revealed—no one can guess.
I thought this was wonderful and unusual. It’s an interesting setting as books set in Japan in the early 1960s are not common in American literature. I liked how the plot unfolded, and of course I liked the dragons because I love dragons. The little dragons made me think very much of the fire lizards in and McCaffrey's books, though these dragons can speak. I really liked how Kohei came to understand the truth of what happened to his family during the war, and I liked his comments about how children are always made to apologize, but sometimes, it really is the adults who should apologize. I also liked it he pointed out that his mother's hanging onto her sadness and other negative emotions means she is missing his childhood, though of course he doesn’t have the adult understanding of depression. And his comment about somehow wishing he’d lived through the war too, so he would understand his family, highlights a conundrum for people in his position. No one wants war, but if you miss an experience that most others in the world have had, then you feel left out and as if part of you is missing. I also liked the exploration of Isolde being of mixed descent, and what that means for her. What is not explored for the most part is the reality of war and the actions of those on both sides, but there is enough of that in other books. This is a complex book that conveys a lot of feelings and ideas—a win for me. Thanks to Libro.fm for a free educator copy of the book.
I thought this was wonderful and unusual. It’s an interesting setting as books set in Japan in the early 1960s are not common in American literature. I liked how the plot unfolded, and of course I liked the dragons because I love dragons. The little dragons made me think very much of the fire lizards in and McCaffrey's books, though these dragons can speak. I really liked how Kohei came to understand the truth of what happened to his family during the war, and I liked his comments about how children are always made to apologize, but sometimes, it really is the adults who should apologize. I also liked it he pointed out that his mother's hanging onto her sadness and other negative emotions means she is missing his childhood, though of course he doesn’t have the adult understanding of depression. And his comment about somehow wishing he’d lived through the war too, so he would understand his family, highlights a conundrum for people in his position. No one wants war, but if you miss an experience that most others in the world have had, then you feel left out and as if part of you is missing. I also liked the exploration of Isolde being of mixed descent, and what that means for her. What is not explored for the most part is the reality of war and the actions of those on both sides, but there is enough of that in other books. This is a complex book that conveys a lot of feelings and ideas—a win for me. Thanks to Libro.fm for a free educator copy of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2022
What a surprisingly amazing MG. Wow wow wow!!
From the blurb, I was expecting this high fantasy world with dragons. That's not what this book is, and I am so glad for what it is.
It's a historical novel with fantastical elements, ie the Dragons. It was so beautiful, heart breaking, and important. It discusses such heavy and important topics in a gentle manner. I am so glad this exists for children to read, to get an introduction to the very real horrors of our world's past.
I am also very grateful for the weaving of languages beside English, mostly Japanese. It was so wonderfully done.
The only real criticism I have is that the language and the mannerisms of the characters didn't feel like it belonged to 1965, which the novel is set in. But it is a Middle Grade, so I get that this might have made it inaccessible for the target audience.
BRILLIANT!
From the blurb, I was expecting this high fantasy world with dragons. That's not what this book is, and I am so glad for what it is.
It's a historical novel with fantastical elements, ie the Dragons. It was so beautiful, heart breaking, and important. It discusses such heavy and important topics in a gentle manner. I am so glad this exists for children to read, to get an introduction to the very real horrors of our world's past.
I am also very grateful for the weaving of languages beside English, mostly Japanese. It was so wonderfully done.
The only real criticism I have is that the language and the mannerisms of the characters didn't feel like it belonged to 1965, which the novel is set in. But it is a Middle Grade, so I get that this might have made it inaccessible for the target audience.
BRILLIANT!
July 15, 2024
Ten-year-old Kohei is seen as odd, and has no friends in school. He is angry; his father died years earlier, but his mother behaves as if the only thing to do is to keep moving forward, rather than process their feelings.
Kohei has a tiny dragon, a ryū named Yuhara, and longs to see one of the large ones (they have not been seen since the war). Though Yuharu is a great companion, Kohei dreams of returning the huge ryū to the land to bring joy back to his grandfather Ojiisan.
When a new girl comes to his class, Isolde, she is friendly to everyone, including Kohei. The two bond in a way that Kohei cannot seem to with other classmates. Isoled is new to Japan, having grown up in the U.S., and is biracial, as well as Jewish, making her unusual in his class. She does not let anyone treat her any differently, however.
When Ojiisan becomes very ill, Kohei decides he will find a large ryū, and bring it back to bring Ojiisan back to health and happinesss. Isolde decides to help Kohei and the two travel together to accomplish Kohei's goal, though Isolde also recognizes that Kohei and his whole family would be better served by talking through their grief.
This book is great. Dealing with loneliness, grief, and bigotry, author Emi Watanabe Cohen weaves it all together into a satisfying story of friendship, adventure, and learning to deal with one's feelings.
Kohei has a tiny dragon, a ryū named Yuhara, and longs to see one of the large ones (they have not been seen since the war). Though Yuharu is a great companion, Kohei dreams of returning the huge ryū to the land to bring joy back to his grandfather Ojiisan.
When a new girl comes to his class, Isolde, she is friendly to everyone, including Kohei. The two bond in a way that Kohei cannot seem to with other classmates. Isoled is new to Japan, having grown up in the U.S., and is biracial, as well as Jewish, making her unusual in his class. She does not let anyone treat her any differently, however.
When Ojiisan becomes very ill, Kohei decides he will find a large ryū, and bring it back to bring Ojiisan back to health and happinesss. Isolde decides to help Kohei and the two travel together to accomplish Kohei's goal, though Isolde also recognizes that Kohei and his whole family would be better served by talking through their grief.
This book is great. Dealing with loneliness, grief, and bigotry, author Emi Watanabe Cohen weaves it all together into a satisfying story of friendship, adventure, and learning to deal with one's feelings.
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May 17, 2022This review was originally posted on my blog
m a little late on my review of The Lost Ryu by Emi Watanabe Cohen, because when the package arrived it was promptly stolen by one of our esteemed guest child reviewers, Grump. Apparently she's got a thing for dragons. And frankly who doesn't? The majestic fire breathers are delightful in any shape or form, which is why readers will immediately understand why main character Kohei is so sad that large dragons, or Ryu, disappeared right around the time of World War II.
Kohei's interest in dragons is not purely nostalgic. While small Ryu, like Kohei's own personal dragon, still exist, the larger ones are nowhere to be found. Yet somehow Kohei still remembers them, and this memory is the last time in which he saw his grandfather smile. When grandfather's health takes a turn for the worse, Kohei is convinced that solving the mystery of lost Ryu will help heal him.
Joining Kohei on this mission is his new neighbor, Isolde recently arrived from America. The pair team up and devise a plan to hatch a new dragon, jointly parented by Kohei's Ryu and Isolde's Ryu - a yiddish speaking dragon. For Isolde, the existence of an East-West dragon (these are the words used by the dragons in the book to describe the new hatchling) represents confirmation that she herself is not alone in being part Jewish and part Japanese.
As expected, things do not go according to plan. Kohei uncovers some heavy hitting truth about his father, his family, the War, and his own tricky memories. As this unfolds I was reminded of how malleable my own childhood memories are. How I cherry pick the ones I care to hold onto. How this is sometimes a gift
As the story wraps up the reader is left with a greater understanding of World War II (albeit with dragons) in a way that is still appropriate for younger readers. Grump certainly enjoyed it. As for me? I was sold the moment the Yiddish speaking dragon appeared.
m a little late on my review of The Lost Ryu by Emi Watanabe Cohen, because when the package arrived it was promptly stolen by one of our esteemed guest child reviewers, Grump. Apparently she's got a thing for dragons. And frankly who doesn't? The majestic fire breathers are delightful in any shape or form, which is why readers will immediately understand why main character Kohei is so sad that large dragons, or Ryu, disappeared right around the time of World War II.
Kohei's interest in dragons is not purely nostalgic. While small Ryu, like Kohei's own personal dragon, still exist, the larger ones are nowhere to be found. Yet somehow Kohei still remembers them, and this memory is the last time in which he saw his grandfather smile. When grandfather's health takes a turn for the worse, Kohei is convinced that solving the mystery of lost Ryu will help heal him.
Joining Kohei on this mission is his new neighbor, Isolde recently arrived from America. The pair team up and devise a plan to hatch a new dragon, jointly parented by Kohei's Ryu and Isolde's Ryu - a yiddish speaking dragon. For Isolde, the existence of an East-West dragon (these are the words used by the dragons in the book to describe the new hatchling) represents confirmation that she herself is not alone in being part Jewish and part Japanese.
As expected, things do not go according to plan. Kohei uncovers some heavy hitting truth about his father, his family, the War, and his own tricky memories. As this unfolds I was reminded of how malleable my own childhood memories are. How I cherry pick the ones I care to hold onto. How this is sometimes a gift
As the story wraps up the reader is left with a greater understanding of World War II (albeit with dragons) in a way that is still appropriate for younger readers. Grump certainly enjoyed it. As for me? I was sold the moment the Yiddish speaking dragon appeared.
November 1, 2022
I read this today and I didn't want to put down my kindle when I had to... I was immersed in a beautiful story which took place in Japan and where people had dragons as pets... as friends, where kids discover unknown things about themselves, their family, friends, and culture.
This story was beautifully written and structured. I loved the evolution of Kohei and the story, generally speaking. I didn't expect anything about it and I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy a good story with some of my favorite creatures from when I was a child: dragons. Yuharu was an interesting character because of her mature voice and role in Kohei's story. It almost seemed like another adult voice, one who guided or lectured the kid and I liked that.
I also resonated with Isolde's struggles because I know how it is to be the new kid or to have nobody beside you when you need to. This is also a story about what friendship means, about what a good friend is and how can this type of relationship work when two people have a lot of differences but something attracts them to one another.
I liked Kohei's journey and the things he learned, we learned beside him in this story. If you really want to do something, you will succeed. The Japanese elements, the names, the expressions, the mythical references made this book better.
Overall it was an enjoyable book and I am sure that a lot of children and young adults will love it!
This story was beautifully written and structured. I loved the evolution of Kohei and the story, generally speaking. I didn't expect anything about it and I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy a good story with some of my favorite creatures from when I was a child: dragons. Yuharu was an interesting character because of her mature voice and role in Kohei's story. It almost seemed like another adult voice, one who guided or lectured the kid and I liked that.
I also resonated with Isolde's struggles because I know how it is to be the new kid or to have nobody beside you when you need to. This is also a story about what friendship means, about what a good friend is and how can this type of relationship work when two people have a lot of differences but something attracts them to one another.
I liked Kohei's journey and the things he learned, we learned beside him in this story. If you really want to do something, you will succeed. The Japanese elements, the names, the expressions, the mythical references made this book better.
Overall it was an enjoyable book and I am sure that a lot of children and young adults will love it!
August 20, 2022
Such a bittersweet story yet beautiful. I don't know how to describe it perfectly but this book is really got me crying. a soft, gentle and perfect tales to read before you going to sleep.
I really have a mixed feeling but in a good way. the writing is really simple yet can take you back to World War II and feeling a great loss. I thought this book at first it's more focus on the legends of Dragon but I was wrong. It's about a family, friendship, pain, secrets and all those event specially after nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The characters, setting, plot, pacing and narrative all is very well done. I really appreciate the author that makes us to learn not only the value but about cultural as well.
I really highly recommend this if you like historical genre with cultural element that has a legend in.
I really have a mixed feeling but in a good way. the writing is really simple yet can take you back to World War II and feeling a great loss. I thought this book at first it's more focus on the legends of Dragon but I was wrong. It's about a family, friendship, pain, secrets and all those event specially after nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The characters, setting, plot, pacing and narrative all is very well done. I really appreciate the author that makes us to learn not only the value but about cultural as well.
I really highly recommend this if you like historical genre with cultural element that has a legend in.
January 6, 2025
"I guess what I’m saying is; I wouldn’t have blamed you if you were running away from your grandfathers stories. Remembering hurts. And it feels unfair sometimes that we’re the ones who have to keep doing it. But here we are".
My first 5-star read of the year is in, and yes, it’s a middlegrade. This was impeccable! Highly recommended for both kids and adults alike.
More thought to come.
My first 5-star read of the year is in, and yes, it’s a middlegrade. This was impeccable! Highly recommended for both kids and adults alike.
More thought to come.
March 22, 2022
"...That’s what hope is, I think: remembering that there are stories we haven’t told yet..." —Mama
Watanabe Cohen has written a story of family, friendship and love that is so resonant. Kohei lives in a world where dragons exist, but they are small and he hopes that bringing back the majestic ryū can save his ojiisan.
With the help of a new friend, Kohei uncovers a deeper mystery and a deep link to the world of ryū that will lead him down a path of memory, happiness, loss, and belief.
He uncovers the darker past of the ryū and the empire and how his father resisted and pledged to keep speaking out. The silence that hangs over his mother and grandfather and their family history are what push Kohei to begin his search for answers.
There is something about #middlegrade books that just goes straight for the heart and it is absolutely satisfying.
Watanabe Cohen has written a story of family, friendship and love that is so resonant. Kohei lives in a world where dragons exist, but they are small and he hopes that bringing back the majestic ryū can save his ojiisan.
With the help of a new friend, Kohei uncovers a deeper mystery and a deep link to the world of ryū that will lead him down a path of memory, happiness, loss, and belief.
He uncovers the darker past of the ryū and the empire and how his father resisted and pledged to keep speaking out. The silence that hangs over his mother and grandfather and their family history are what push Kohei to begin his search for answers.
There is something about #middlegrade books that just goes straight for the heart and it is absolutely satisfying.
January 26, 2023
THE LOST RYŪ is a middle-grade fantasy novel set in post-WWII Japan where all the big ryūs have disappeared. But Kohei is looking for a big ryū for his grandpa, his Ojisan, to get him to smile again. And he needs to find a big dragon before it’s too late because his Ojisan is really sick.
This magical story with dragons is full of all the feels. The author tackles the complex topics of intergenerational trauma and identity with such sincerity and care, I couldn’t help fall in love with Kohei, his friend, Isolde, and of course the ryūs and the journey they took. I wished there was more of it, actually. I would absolutely read a prequel to this explaining a bit more about the disappearance of the ryūs.
There were a few plot holes, but I honestly didn’t mind because of how sweet and beautiful the book is. This book just reminds me how far middle grade and YA books have come since I was a kid. I wish I had this growing up. I wish I understood what my parents and grandparents went through and this book seemed like it would’ve given me a small window of insight into their trauma. Even though, my family is Korean and the trauma is different, the impact it has on generations to come is so very real.
What a special book.
This magical story with dragons is full of all the feels. The author tackles the complex topics of intergenerational trauma and identity with such sincerity and care, I couldn’t help fall in love with Kohei, his friend, Isolde, and of course the ryūs and the journey they took. I wished there was more of it, actually. I would absolutely read a prequel to this explaining a bit more about the disappearance of the ryūs.
There were a few plot holes, but I honestly didn’t mind because of how sweet and beautiful the book is. This book just reminds me how far middle grade and YA books have come since I was a kid. I wish I had this growing up. I wish I understood what my parents and grandparents went through and this book seemed like it would’ve given me a small window of insight into their trauma. Even though, my family is Korean and the trauma is different, the impact it has on generations to come is so very real.
What a special book.
April 11, 2022
An incredibly sophisticated historical fiction fantasy about love, loss, and healing powers of belief and allyship.
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July 9, 2022Read this book! It deserves more reviews on here.
August 9, 2022
THE LOST RYŪ by Emi Watanabe Cohen is a stunning middle grade novel about intergenerational trauma, acceptance, and dragons. Set in Japan twenty years after WWII, in a world where dragons exist but as cat-sized pets, Kohei Fujiwara wants to find a big Ryū. Big Ryū are legends now but Kohei thinks if he can just find one, his grandfather will be happy again.
Kohei himself is struggling - struggling with the absence his late father left behind, with a mother who acts like everything is fine, and a grandfather with PTSD, depression, and (implied) alcoholism. Kohei doesn’t feel like he belongs at home or school, but grapples with expressing that to the people around him. When Kohei makes a friend in the form of his new neighbour, Isolde and her Yiddish-speaking dragon, Cheshire, it seems like things are finally coming together. Kohei and his ryū, Yuharu, along with Isolde and Cheshire all decide to go on an adventure together to find a big ryū.
This book has emotionally-charged moments and no amount of words can truly express how much I loved it. It’s a rare struggle for me to communicate how much I loved a book, so I’ll share a quote instead:
“He said Arahata like it meant something important, something sacred, something beautiful but also a little bit sad. And the way his eyes softened with recognition made Kohei think of himself, just for a moment, as something important and sacred and beautiful and sad too. Not brutal—not like he sometimes wanted to be.” (135).
This book of childhood trauma and pain might seem brutal but in fact it’s important, and sometimes beautiful and sometimes sad. There are tough moments - for Kohei, for Isolde, for Kohei’s mother and grandfather but there’s also love, friendship, and magic.
Middle grade readers need THE LOST RYŪ in their lives and this book deserves to win awards. I definitely recommend this masterfully-written novel!
Kohei himself is struggling - struggling with the absence his late father left behind, with a mother who acts like everything is fine, and a grandfather with PTSD, depression, and (implied) alcoholism. Kohei doesn’t feel like he belongs at home or school, but grapples with expressing that to the people around him. When Kohei makes a friend in the form of his new neighbour, Isolde and her Yiddish-speaking dragon, Cheshire, it seems like things are finally coming together. Kohei and his ryū, Yuharu, along with Isolde and Cheshire all decide to go on an adventure together to find a big ryū.
This book has emotionally-charged moments and no amount of words can truly express how much I loved it. It’s a rare struggle for me to communicate how much I loved a book, so I’ll share a quote instead:
“He said Arahata like it meant something important, something sacred, something beautiful but also a little bit sad. And the way his eyes softened with recognition made Kohei think of himself, just for a moment, as something important and sacred and beautiful and sad too. Not brutal—not like he sometimes wanted to be.” (135).
This book of childhood trauma and pain might seem brutal but in fact it’s important, and sometimes beautiful and sometimes sad. There are tough moments - for Kohei, for Isolde, for Kohei’s mother and grandfather but there’s also love, friendship, and magic.
Middle grade readers need THE LOST RYŪ in their lives and this book deserves to win awards. I definitely recommend this masterfully-written novel!
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