Import part of WWII history. Touching and sad.

If you like Hesse's "Out of the Dust," you will similarly like this book. Written in the same prose style as "Out of the Dust," the story deals with a little-known, shameful chapter from American history---the internment of natives of the Aleutian Islands during WWII.

Poetically & simply written, sparse but emotionally touching text about the (to me unknown) relocation & sorrows of the Aleut people due to the Japanese invasion of the Aleutian Islands. Suitable for ages 10 to adult. "We have become an endless hunger, A bottomless need. There is frost on the faces of our hosts, frost our innocence cannot melt. And trouble advances like lava."
Karen Hesse

The historical content included in this book was very eye opening and interesting. If poetry interests you this is an excellent choice that will keep you entertained as well as informed. Hesse uses short precise stanzas and vivid descriptions which come together to create an interesting, thought provoking read.
As a teacher, if I incorporate this book into my curriculum I will use it as a segway or compliment to some other lesson. Possibly with a unit on WWII to offer other perspectives on the war, or to stimulate ideas for a writing assignment (a creative piece or a research paper) but I feel it leaves too many holes, questions, and inquiries to be simply left alone and not manipulated. The style of writing leaves a lot of room for interpretation from the reader which offers up a ton of possibilities for assignments and follow ups which make it worthwhile in the classroom.

It is impressive that Hesse actually write about an event that so many people in the US are unaware occurred. The story gives a picture of the removal of Aleuts during WWII from their homes, but the story is a bit lacking.

When I went to Alaska, I really wanted to learn more about the various natives groups that lived there. I had briefly heard about the Japanese attack parts of Alaska in World War 2 so when I saw this book in a store it peaked my interest. I liked the use of free verse for this story. I think poetry is a great way to tell stories that a filled with sorrow and pain. It was a quick read and I liked it, I'd give it a 3.5 but it's hard to rate this because it's a true story/based around true events.

A truly sad tale. It's a shame that these stories have so rarely been shared. To be honest, to this point in my life, I don't believe any class I've taken has taught of these events.

I really enjoyed this YA book. It is a novel based on the removal of the Aleutians from their homes during the 2nd world war. It is poetic and tender and a bit sad. It is easy to read and well worth it.

Karen Hesse has created a very poignant novel.

I was pleased with the form of writing, terse vignettes bring a type of transcendence of the mundane, spotlighting the daily activities and subsequently infusing the prosaic with meaning. An example of this would be the use of descriptions of the preparation of meals.

The writing style being focused and simple fits the form perfectly. The free verse form has an interesting effect when used to describe a story of multiple years.

The author writes about what needs to be shown, each verse is free from distraction. These verses create a resonant procession of events which are strongly linked and are complimentary to creating a powerful historic narrative.

I was impressed with the way the author kept the use of the protagonist’s reflections consistently in the service of expressing the effects of dislocation so that a broad human experience is portrayed. Many simple details of daily life were described.

The book had a map
and illustrations at the chapter breaks, which are immediate aids to setting context for readers.



There could be reaction to the idea that soldiers are being cast in a poor light.
I did not see a threat toward a historical perspective of the military or a significant change in social perspective of the military.
This story is one book of many that students will read. The description of the role of the military is a small portion of the book. The government, any government agency, city government or the cities of Ketchikan and Wrangell are only mentioned on about 30 of 156 pages.
To ease students in this mindset I could first ask students to describe the most common elements of the story, if the portrayal of the military is mentioned and through questioning students expressed their anger at the military or anger at the writer tempering the discussion with positive precedents in each case. With the writer examples of the positive aspects of the writing and likewise positive aspects of the military.
As much of the book is about nature as it is about war.The choice of settings in time and space are striking and unique. As well as the view of nature held by the protagonist,
“Around our crowded camp, everywhere we turn green life rubs its moss skin against us. The air steams green, and always the sound of dripping. Always the smell of rot. Always green curtains smothering us. On the Aleutians there are no trees.” (p.54).

This was terribly interesting. The narrative style (relying on a collection of verse to tell it's story) was effective and evocative of the time a place of the story. Well balanced and beautifully told.

This book was interesting, I loved the way she wrote it in a different type of outline. I read it in about an hour, but it is worth the time. Good for 3rd grade and up. It's written in a poem form, but a great story.

This hauntingly beautiful book describes the exile of the Aleutian people during WW II. Written in single page spoken verse, it is crisp and clear.