Dolls of Hope

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2015

Review

In this charming historical novel based on the 1926 Friendship Doll Exchange between China and the United States, hopes of avoiding war, eleven year old Chiro has traveled from her mountain home to a girls school in Tsuchiura. It is soon discovered that Chiro has a beautiful voice and is allowed to travel to Tokyo with her fellow choral students to sing at an event and to visit the museum where the Friendship Dolls are on exhibition.

Chiro is thrust into the spotlight when a photographer takes a picture of her gazing adoringly at one of the dolls. Her image is so powerful and kind that when it appears in the newspaper the next day, Chiro becomes the national sweetheart.

Though this book is filled with hope, Chiro struggles with a jealous classmate who attempts to sabotage her at every turn. And is challenged by gender-based and societal expectations.

"That one of our girls should be displayed in the newspaper for anyone to look upon," Sensei staggered backward to balance against a table . "Oh I fear I will collapse!"

This is a sequel to Ship of Dolls and can be read as a stand-alone but reading both in order would be best. Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent