Kira-Kira: Beauty in the Ordinary

Book Design by Ann Sullivan

When you look back at your childhood, there will always be those key events that,

no matter how much time has passed, you can recall with near-perfect clarity. I can see myself now, sitting on the old, worn brown couch in the living room, in the last bit of the afternoon sun with tear tracks on my cheeks. This was the first book that ever made me cry, and I like to think that because of the way it moved me, it shaped how I would approach reading and books in general in the future.

The brilliance of Kira-Kira lies not in fantastical escapism but in its honest and heartfelt portrayal of life’s heaviest challenges. Through the eyes of a young Japanese-American girl in the 1950s, the story explores profound and complex themes: loss, family, racism, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. These are universal experiences that remain difficult to confront, no matter your age. Kadohata captures them with grace and authenticity, immersing readers in the realities of the South. The biases and discrimination depicted in the story serve as a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come— and the relevance despite a decade after its publishing show how far we still have to go.

Kadohata takes a seemingly simple plot and transforms it into something profound by grounding the story in deeply relatable characters. For readers with siblings, it’s easy to see yourself in Katie, the protagonist. Her voice is personable, her perspective clear, and her experiences universally recognizable. The lessons she encounters—about honesty, honor, grief, and the pursuit of dreams—are woven seamlessly into the narrative. Rather than dominating the story, these themes subtly enhance the emotional depth, making Kira-Kira an immersive and unforgettable reading experience.

What truly sets Kira-Kira apart is its unflinching exploration of illness and death. These heavy themes are balanced by the warmth of family, the strength of love, and the enduring capacity of people to care for one another. The story portrays how community and shared resilience can foster empathy and inspire actions that benefit others. These ideas are not presented overtly but are instead embedded within the narrative, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the final page. Kira-Kira becomes more than just a story—it’s a gentle guide for young readers to understand how compassion and connection can reshape their world.

I chose to revisit this book not only because it shaped my childhood but also because its messages continue to resonate with me as an adult. One moment that stands out is when Katie reflects on how discrimination can limit someone’s ability to follow their passion, regardless of their education or skills.

"It’s different for you children. You’re younger, the world is changing." (pg. 192)

As a child, I was often told that the world was improving—that science, politics, and education were driving progress. I believed it then, excited by the possibilities of the future. Now, as an adult, I look around and see that while some things have changed, much remains the same. Even so, the idea of working toward a better future persists, beautifully illustrated when Katie’s mother takes action to ensure others don’t endure the same pain she experienced. Without making it the central focus, Kadohata reminds readers of the quiet but powerful ways we can change the world—not for ourselves, but for the benefit of others. Reading this now brought back memories of seeing the golden rule—"Treat others the way you would want to be treated"—displayed above the blackboard in my kindergarten classroom, a phrase that feels just as relevant today.

Kadohata also explores the importance of honesty, honor, and accountability, often through secondary characters whose actions quietly reinforce these values. These lessons are presented with subtlety, allowing readers to absorb them naturally. The emphasis on integrity and owning one’s choices is a powerful undercurrent that enriches the story without overwhelming it.

This book remains a title I will never stop recommending—not only for the way it navigates complex topics but also for its extraordinary simplicity. The story is one that anyone can relate to, and its characters are so human, so real, and so beautifully flawed. Kadohata creates magic in the ordinary, crafting a story filled with heartbreak but also with gritty, resilient love.

"Now and then I thought I heard Lynn's lively voice. The crickets sang…but I heard 'Kira-Kira!' The crows called…and I heard 'Kira-Kira!' My sister had taught me to look at the world that way, as a place that glitters, as a place where the calls of the crickets and the crows and the wind are everyday occurrences that also happen to be magic." (pg. 243–244)

Title: Kira-Kira

Author: Cynthia Kadohata

Publisher: Antheum Books For Young Readers,

An Imprint of Simon & Schuster 2004