The Friendship Doll

By Kirby Larson
(Delacorte Books for Young Readers, Hardcover, 9780385737456, 208pp.)

Publication Date: May 10, 2011

Other Editions of This Title: Google eBook, Paperback

Categories: Historical - United States - 20th Century, Family - Multigenerational

Selected by Indie Booksellers for the Summer 2011 Kids' Next List

“In 1927, Japan sent 58 Japanese dolls as ambassadors of goodwill to America. This story is told from the point of view of one of those dolls, Miss Kawanaga. Miss Kawanaga finds that having a heart is a very important thing, and Larson challenges readers to see the impact of this historic gift through the eyes of the various girls who come into contact with this exquisite doll. Today, 45 dolls are accounted for and through Miss Kawanaga, Larson also issues the challenge to locate the 13 dolls that are missing.”

-- Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

Description

I am Miss Kanagawa. In 1927, my 57 doll-sisters and I were sent from Japan to America as Ambassadors of Friendship. Our work wasn't all peach blossoms and tea cakes. My story will take you from New York to Oregon, during the Great Depression. Though few in this tale are as fascinating as I, their stories won't be an unpleasant diversion. You will make the acquaintance of Bunny, bent on revenge; Lois, with her head in the clouds; Willie Mae, who not only awakened my heart, but broke it; and Lucy, a friend so dear, not even war could part us. I have put this tale to paper because from those 58 Friendship Dolls only 45 remain. I know that someone who chooses this book is capable of solving the mystery of the missing sisters. Perhaps that someone is you.

About the Author

When KIRBY LARSON was researching Hattie Big Sky, she came across a 1920s photo of a Montana farm girl in overalls standing next to an exquisite Japanese doll. Kirby wondered what was the story behind their meeting? She did some research to satisfy her curiosity, but it would be several years before she could turn her full attention to the Friendship Dolls' story. Now here it is for readers everywhere.

This book is on these lists:

Meiko's Wish List by meiko
Gcr_16's Wish List by gcr_16
Fall 2011 by WillardLibrary
nrl by hieronymusbeth
Lindacbugg's Wish List by lindacbugg

All lists >>

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