Book details
Aleutian Sparrow
Description
In June 1942, seven months after attacking Pearl Harbor, the Japanese navy invaded Alaska's Aleutian Islands. For nine thousand years the Aleut people had lived and thrived on these treeless, windswept lands. Within days of the first attack, the entire native population living west of Unimak Island was gathered up and evacuated to relocation centers in the dense forests of Alaska's Southeast.
With resilience, compassion, and humor, the Aleuts responded to the sorrows of upheaval and dislocation. This is the story of Vera, a young Aleut caught up in the turmoil of war. It chronicles her struggles to survive and to keep community and heritage intact despite harsh conditions in an alien environment.
Age
10-14
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
160 pages
Why to read
- The book provides a deep insight into the history of World War II from the perspective of the Aleut people, offering a unique viewpoint that is often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
- Karen Hesse's writing style is engaging and evocative, using free verse to tell a powerful and emotional story that will captivate readers.
- The book explores themes of resilience, survival, and the human spirit in the face of adversity, which are relevant and relatable to readers of all ages.
- It offers a valuable lesson about the importance of cultural preservation and the devastating effects of cultural displacement, encouraging readers to appreciate and respect diverse cultures.