Kira-Kira

Cynthia Kadohata’s first novel, Kira-Kira (2004), is a historical coming-of-age novel for middle-grade readers. The novel tells the story of the Japanese American Takeshima family, who live in the Chesterfield, Georgia, in the 1950s. The protagonist and first-person narrator is the younger daughter, Katie. The narrative spans seven years, involving the family’s move from Iowa to the South, where Katie’s parents become workers in the poultry industry. The narrative follows Katie as she awakens to the prejudicial feelings many white citizens harbor toward her family, to the abysmal conditions that workers like her parent experience in unregulated poultry plants, and to the realization that Lynn, the older sister she adores, suffers from a terminal illness.

Kadohata, a Japanese American Baby Boomer, has likened herself to Katie in interviews about the writing process, saying that her background led to the creation of the book. Kadohata has written more than 10 novels for young people. Kira-Kira received the 2005 Newbery Medal.

This guide uses the 2006 Atheneum Books paperback edition.

Content Warning: This novel references death and contains some profanity.

Plot Summary

Katie Takeshima has a loving relationship with her sister Lynn, who is four years older.