Books by Cynthia Kadohata

Cynthia Kadohata writes middle grade and young adult for ages 10–17, exploring themes of resilience & perseverance, sadness & grief, love & family.

Standalone Books (Ages 12–18)

Kira-Kira

Cynthia Kadohata

Sisters Katie and Lynn find 'glittering' moments of joy together even as their family faces a difficult move and the hea

Ages 10–14

Cracker! The Best Dog in Vietnam

Cynthia Kadohata

Cracker is a bomb-sniffing German shepherd who must learn to trust her new handler, Rick, so they can survive the danger

Ages 10–14

Weedflower

Cynthia Kadohata

Uprooted from her California flower farm to an internment camp in the desert, twelve-year-old Sumiko clings to her dream

Ages 10–14

Outside Beauty

Cynthia Kadohata

For the teen navigating complex family dynamics and the sudden separation of siblings who must find their own worth beyo

Ages 12–17

A Million Shades of Gray

Cynthia Kadohata

Thirteen-year-old Y'Tin and his elephant must flee into the depths of the jungle to survive when war reaches their villa

Ages 10–14

The Thing About Luck

Cynthia Kadohata

For the child who feels like a string of bad luck is following them. This story explores how family bonds and hard work

Ages 10–14

Checked

Cynthia Kadohata

For the child juggling a high-pressure passion with the heartbreaking reality of a sick pet. A quiet, moving look at bal

Ages 10–14

A Place to Belong

Cynthia Kadohata

For the child grappling with what it means to be 'American' or 'Japanese' when the world feels divided, this moving stor

Ages 10–14

By Age Range

Ages 8–11

7 books

Ages 12–18

8 books