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
Mrs. Bowker
Mrs. Bowker
A supportive figure who provides care for Mitsi's dog Dash and communicates through a series of uplifting letters, representing stability and encouragement for Mitsi.
Debbie Miyake
Debbie Miyake
Mitsi’s close friend in the concentration camp, known for her intelligence and playfulness, offering companionship and support to Mitsi.
Ted Kashino
Ted Kashino
Mitsi's older brother with a love for magic, whose character evolves in the concentration camp environment, highlighting complexities in sibling dynamics.
Mags and Judy
Mags and Judy
Mitsi’s best friends before the war, whose changing relationships with Mitsi reflect the impact of societal pressures on personal connections.
Mom, Pop, and Obaachan
Mom, Pop, and Obaachan
Mitsi's parents and grandmother, providing family support and wisdom while navigating the challenges of the concentration camp with her.
Lefty (Frank)
Lefty (Frank)
An antagonist who negatively influences Ted and presents challenges by his troublesome behavior around Mitsi and her brother.
256
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1940s
2014
Middle grade
8-12 years
570L
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