Dash
Bibliography
Larson, Kirby.
Dash.
New York, Scholastic Press, 2014. ISBN 978-0-545-41635-1
Plot Summary
Misti Kashino and her family members must face anti-Japanese attitudes from people after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Mitsti is an eleven-year-old girl who has to find a home for her dog, Dash who she cannot take with her. While under arrest Mitsi receives letters written from the perspective of her dog, Dash.
Critical Analysis
The characters in the story are mistreated as a result of the war. Mitsi and her family are characters who can be believed and in the first few chapters, there is a sense of compassion that goes out to her family for the situation they find themselves in. The family is humiliated and oppressed. The read is an engaging story that reflects the history of that time. The setting of the story brings out the history as well as is mentioned several times. A feel of 1942 in Seattle is present as the characters are ostracized for being of Japanese descent.
Hardships are a part of life. Enduring such physical and emotional abuse can be fatal to a person. Mitsi and her family along with other Japanese Americans stay strong and hopeful while under arrest at the concentration camps. The details in the story bring out the emotions of the characters and the time period's setting is utilized by providing a backdrop for Mitsi and her family. This story was modeled by a real girl named Mitsi and her dog but the author blends fact and fiction seamlessly.
Hardships are a part of life. Enduring such physical and emotional abuse can be fatal to a person. Mitsi and her family along with other Japanese Americans stay strong and hopeful while under arrest at the concentration camps. The details in the story bring out the emotions of the characters and the time period's setting is utilized by providing a backdrop for Mitsi and her family. This story was modeled by a real girl named Mitsi and her dog but the author blends fact and fiction seamlessly.
Awards & Review Excerpts
NAPPA Gold Award
Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award Journal: “Larson’s latest is historical fiction at its best.”
Publisher’s Weekly: “Despite the hurdles Mitsi faces, hope, resourcefulness, and a new friend help this relatable heroine triumph.”
Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award Journal: “Larson’s latest is historical fiction at its best.”
Publisher’s Weekly: “Despite the hurdles Mitsi faces, hope, resourcefulness, and a new friend help this relatable heroine triumph.”
Kirkus Reviews: “Spot-on dialogue, careful cultural details and the inclusion of specific historical characters such as artist Eddie Sato make this an educational read as well as a heartwarming one this emotionally satisfying and thought-provoking book will have readers pulling for Mitsi and Dash.”
Connections
After researching World War II relocation camps, have students research other wars where concentration camps were used and compare and contrast how people may have felt.
After researching World War II relocation camps, have students research other wars where concentration camps were used and compare and contrast how people may have felt.
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