Historical Fiction Literary Analysis

Kira-Kira

By: Cynthia Kadohata

Kira-Kira was written By Cynthia Kadohata. This story takes places in Georgia in the 1950s. The main character's name is Katie. Katie and her family move to Georgia from Iowa after their grocery story goes bankrupt. They soon join the many other oriental families in cheap labor to work for the poultry industry. After moving, the family encounters many social injustices due to their race. The author does a great job of taking the historical era of the post World War II era, and creating a novel that is fiction with realistic aspects. The family she describes in her book shows the trials and tribulations of many oriental families during this era in American history. The language used in the novel keeps it simplistic for the intended audience, while still staying true to the historic nature of the story. Kadohata creates this narrative and uses a perfect tone to give a voice to those who experienced similar struggles. While keeping readers hooked on reading, the students also are receiving an education about what it was like to live in this time period. It also teaches young readers about the importance of social justice for all. I would recommend this novel to any student who like American history, or to any teacher teaching about the post World War II era.

Kadohata, C., & Davis, E. E. (2005). Kira-kira. New York: Random House/Listening Library.