64 pages 2 hours read

Under the Blood Red Sun

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1994

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Graham Salisbury

Under the Blood Red Sun

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Hawaii • 1940s

Publication Year

1994

Publisher

Laurel Leaf, Paperback(2005)

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Roundup icon

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

4.2

3,763 ratings

67%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

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 this

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.

4.2

3,763 ratings

67%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Tomikazu (Tomi) Nakaji

A 13-year-old Japanese American boy navigating cultural expectations in Hawaii, Tomi is an eighth-grade student and the dedicated catcher on his local baseball team.

Tomi's father, a Japanese fisherman in Hawaii known for his kindness and acceptance, who is often away from home due to his work.

A resilient picture bride from Japan, Mama works tirelessly to support her family while managing household responsibilities in Hawaii.

Tomi's grandfather, an issei who holds strong ties to Japanese traditions, often clashing with American cultural expectations.

Tomi's gentle and shy five-year-old sister, who symbolizes innocence and the family's need for protection.

Tomi's blond, blue-eyed, 13-year-old neighbor and best friend, who is a pitcher on their baseball team and comes from an affluent background.

Tomi's 16-year-old neighbor and antagonist, who harbors prejudice against the Nakaji family's Japanese heritage.

Tomi's friends and baseball teammates, two 13-year-olds from a Portuguese background, who demonstrate unity and support.

The Davis family’s gardener and a respectful friend to the Nakaji family, who provides guidance and support during tough times.

A 19-year-old Japanese American with a strong work ethic, he befriends Billy and works multiple jobs to support his family.

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Hawaii • 1940s

Publication Year

1994

Publisher

Laurel Leaf, Paperback(2005)

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.