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School Library Journal
Reviewed on October 1, 2012 | Fiction
Gr 6-9–Based on a true story and made into a film by Hirokazu Kore-Eda, this novelization is powerful and disturbing. Twelve-year-old Akira Fukushima must care for his three younger siblings after being abandoned by their irresponsible mother in their Tokyo apartment. Supplied, although infrequently, with money in the mail from her, Akira must budget, cook, and shop, all while keeping ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More
Horn Book Magazine
Reviewed on August 1, 2012
This spare, heartbreaking story opens with twelve-year-old Akira and his mother moving into an apartment in Tokyo -- one that doesn’t allow young children. Chatty and laughing as she clumsily bumps a suitcase up the stairs, Akira’s mother is the antithesis of her sober and quiet son, who carefully carries his heavy suitcase, then hastily unzips it. Inside is his four-year-old sister Yuki; his mother’s suitcase holds eight-year-old Shigeru; ten-year-...Log In or Sign Up to Read More
Horn Book Guide
Reviewed on January 1, 2012
From the film by Hirokazu Kore-Eda. Twelve-year-old Akira's childish mom goes away and returns at whim, soon abandoning her children for goo...Log In or Sign Up to Read More