Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

The true story of Sachiko Yasui, at the age of six survived the 1945 bombing of Nagasaki. This is a well written true story based on extensive interviews by Caren Stelson that begins with an ordinary day of a child with her family and what happened beginning that day and the lifelong consequences. A very moving story, often painful to read about the horrors of war and the need for peace. This is a well written and researched book that includes a personal narrative along with historic facts, photographs, and maps that tell a well rounded story of time and place in history and the aftermath of the bombings on the Japanese people. I was surprised by the spirit of this book that includes how Sachiko was influenced by Mohandas K. Gandhi, Helen Keller,and Martin Luther King, Jr., to make peace the theme of her life rather than hate and resentment. Excellent book that includes background of World War II, prejudices, Japanese internment, effects of radiation, life and survival following the bombing, the thought process leading to the bombing and the alternatives that leaders considered. Thought provoking, powerful addition to World War II resources. Includes Author's Note; Family Tree; Glossary of Japanese Words; Notes; Acknowledgments; Bibliography; Resources; Websites; Index; and, Photo Acknowledgments. For grades 5-8 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent