Synergy: Paper Balloon Bombs

During World War II, incendiary paper balloon weapons were deployed by Japan against the United States. One of these bombs dropped in Oregon causing the only fatalities from enemy action in the continental U.S. during the war. Teen girls in Japan were conscripted to construct the paper balloons.

Read the recently published nonfiction book, then extend the experience through websites:

PEACE IS A CHAIN REACTION by Tanya Lee Stone tells the story of how World War II Japanese balloon bombs ultimately brought people of two nations together. Within the larger context of the war and its aftermath, Stone skillfully shares the complex challenges facing teens during wartime and the long term implications. The true story explores three intersecting stories of peace and forgiveness.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

JAPANESE PAPER BALLOON is a video from the National Archives and Records Administration. Published during World War II, it’s available through the Internet Archive.

To video the video, go to https://archive.org/details/gov.archives.arc.13084.

The MITCHELL MONUMENT brochure from the US Forest Service shares the story of the attack and the aftermath.

To read the brochure, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5374039.pdf.

An article in Smithsonian Magazine tells the story of the bombing.

To read the article, go to https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/1945-japanese-balloon-bomb-killed-six-americansfive-them-children-oregon-180972259/.

Book Review: Samurai Rising

SAMURAI RISING by Pamela Turner tells the legendary story of Minamoto Yoshitsune.

Set in twelfth century Japan, young Yoshitsune is just a baby when his father is killed and his mother captured by a rival family. While living in a monastery, Yoshitsune learns warrior arts, becomes a samurai, and defeats his enemies.

Blending historical facts with classic literature, the author successfully creates a biography that’s both engaging for readers and based on actual people, places, and events. The fascinating illustrations draw readers into the story.

Short, chronological chapters focus on key events in the life of Yoshitsune. The list of characters and places, author’s notes, timelines, glossary, chapter notes, bibliography, and index make this book can excellent nonfiction information source for youth. The many maps also add to the usability.

Librarians know how difficult it can be to interest some youth in biographies. This action-packed biography is perfect for fans of the samurai and Japanese history. Because this work of nonfiction narrative reads like a novel, youth who enjoy a story approach will be drawn to this biography.

This well-researched biography will be popular among youth who enjoy the violence and valor found in twelfth century Japan.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.pamelasturner.com/.

Published by Charlesbridge on February 2, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.