Dash (dogs of World War II) by Kirby Larson

Dash (dogs of World War II)

Kirby Larson

Scholastic Inc. · Paperback · May 10, 2016

From Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson, the moving story of a Japanese-American girl who is separated from her dog upon being sent to an incarceration camp during WWII.

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Who it’s for
A tender wartime story finds emotional weight in the bond between a girl and her dog.
Themes
Japanese-American wartime incarceration, Separation from a beloved dog, Family bonds under hardship
Genres
20th-Century U.S., Dog Stories, Wars & Military History

About this book

From Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson, the moving story of a Japanese-American girl who is separated from her dog upon being sent to an incarceration camp during WWII. Now in paperback! Although Mitsi Kashino and her family are swept up in the wave of anti-Japanese sentiment following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mitsi never expects to lose her home -- or her beloved dog, Dash.

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But, as World War II rages and people of Japanese descent are forced into incarceration camps, Mitsi is separated from Dash, her classmates, and life as she knows it. The camp is a crowded and unfamiliar place, whose dusty floors, seemingly endless lines, and barbed wire fences begin to unravel the strong Kashino family ties. With the help of a friendly neighbor back home, Mitsi remains connected to Dash in spite of the hard times, holding on to the hope that the war will end soon and life will return to normal. Though they've lost their home, will the Kashino family also lose their sense of family? And will Mitsi and Dash ever be reunited?

Holding On

A tender wartime story finds emotional weight in the bond between a girl and her dog.

Come here for

  • A child’s perspective on Japanese-American incarceration during World War II
  • The ache of separation, and hope that endures

Expect

  • An immersive family story shaped by loss and connection
  • A beloved dog at the heart of Mitsi’s hopes

Where it sits

20th-Century U.S.63%
Dog Stories44%
Wars & Military History34%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Dog Stories
  • Family Stories
  • Wars & Military History
Authors
Kirby Larson
Publisher
Scholastic Inc.
Published
May 10, 2016
Format
Paperback
Theme
Japanese-American wartime incarceration · Separation from a beloved dog · Family bonds under hardship
Reading lane
Dog Stories