45 pages • 1 hour read
Dash
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Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1940s
2014
Middle grade
8-12 years
570L
Super Short Summary
In Dash by Kirby Larson, Mitsi Kashino, an 11-year-old Japanese-American girl, navigates the hardships of life following the Pearl Harbor attack, which leads to her family's relocation to an American concentration camp. Mitsi endures severe racial discrimination, the trauma of forced removal, and separation from her beloved dog, Dash, but she finds solace in new friendships, letters from Dash, and her determination. The book features depictions of anti-Japanese racism and the trauma connected to the concentration camps Americans made for Japanese people.
Heartwarming
Emotional
Inspirational
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
2,410 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dash by Kirby Larson is praised for its heartfelt portrayal of a Japanese American girl's internment camp experience during World War II, highlighting themes of resilience and friendship. Readers appreciate the emotional depth and historical accuracy. Some critics, however, find the pacing slow. Overall, it’s a compelling read for both young and mature audiences.
Who Should Read Dash?
Readers who enjoy Dash by Kirby Larson are typically young adults interested in historical fiction, especially set during WWII. Fans of Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff or Number the Stars by Lois Lowry will appreciate the heartfelt storytelling and the exploration of themes like friendship, loyalty, and resilience.
2,410 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
256
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1940s
2014
Middle grade
8-12 years
570L
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