64 pages • 2 hours read
Under the Blood Red Sun
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Book Brief
272
Novel • Fiction
Hawaii • 1940s
1994
YA
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
In Under the Blood Red Sun by Graham Salisbury, 13-year-old Tomi Nakaji, an American son of Japanese immigrants, navigates friendship and family challenges in Honolulu before and after the Pearl Harbor attack. Amidst increased prejudice and the hostile aftermath of the event, Tomi fights to maintain his identity, friendship with Billy, and protect his family amidst growing wartime fears. This book contains depictions of racism, xenophobia, wartime distress, family separation, and the imprisonment of Japanese Americans.
Melancholic
Emotional
Suspenseful
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
3,763 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Under the Blood Red Sun by Graham Salisbury is praised for its vivid historical setting and engaging storytelling, offering a poignant look at Japanese-American life during WWII. While its emotional depth and relatable characters resonate with readers, some critique the straightforward plot. Overall, it’s a compelling read for both young adults and adults.
Who Should Read Under the Blood Red Sun?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong emotional depth, such as Number the Stars by Lois Lowry and Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, will find Under the Blood Red Sun by Graham Salisbury compelling for its poignant exploration of World War II-era Hawaii and cultural identity.
3,763 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
272
Novel • Fiction
Hawaii • 1940s
1994
YA
10-14 years
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