About This Book
Reach for this book when you want to help your child navigate the painful feelings of separation, injustice, or the loss of a beloved pet. It is a poignant choice for children grappling with why people are sometimes treated unfairly because of their background. The story follows Mitsi Kashino, whose life is upended during WWII when her Japanese-American family is sent to an internment camp. Because she cannot bring her dog, Dash, she must rely on letters to stay connected to her old life. While the historical setting is somber, the book focuses on Mitsi's resilience and the power of kindness from a neighbor. It is a beautiful entry point for 8 to 12 year olds to discuss civil rights, empathy, and how to hold onto hope when everything feels out of control.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
DISTRESS: The book depicts the emotional trauma of forced relocation and the loss of a pet. There are scenes of peer bullying where former friends turn on Mitsi, and the living conditions in the assembly center (horse stalls) and the camp are described with enough sensory detail to be upsetting. CONVERSATION: Parents should be prepared to explain Executive Order 9066 and the historical context of Japanese American incarceration. You may need to discuss why the government took these actions and how fear and prejudice can lead to the violation of civil rights. Be ready to talk about the physical conditions of the camps, such as the lack of privacy and the dust storms.
Ideal Reader
A middle-grade reader who loves animal stories but is ready for more complex historical and social themes. It is perfect for a child who feels like an outsider or is dealing with a significant life transition.
Parent Prep
Read the Author's Note at the end together. It provides vital historical context that helps ground the fictional story in reality. A parent might choose this after their child asks about the history of racial injustice in America or the specific experiences of Japanese Americans during WWII, or if the child is experiencing social exclusion at school.
Age Experience
Younger readers (8-9) will focus primarily on the bond between Mitsi and Dash. Older readers (10-12) will better grasp the systemic injustice and the psychological toll on Mitsi's brother and parents.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many stories about the Japanese American incarceration experience that focus solely on the camp, Larson uses the girl-and-her-dog trope to make the massive scale of historical injustice feel personal, manageable, and deeply relatable for a child.
Read plot summary
Mitsi Kashino is a Japanese-American girl living in Seattle whose world changes after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Facing sudden hostility from friends and neighbors, Mitsi and her family are eventually forced into an incarceration camp. Her greatest heartbreak is leaving her dog, Dash, behind with a kind neighbor. Through a series of letters and small acts of courage, Mitsi navigates the harsh realities of the camp while trying to keep her family and her spirit from breaking.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Mitsi's friend Margo stops talking to her after the war starts. Why do you think Margo changed, and how would you have handled that situation?
2
Mrs. Bowker agrees to care for Dash and write letters to Mitsi. How did those letters change Mitsi's experience in the camp?
3
The family has to live in a horse stall at the Puyallup Assembly Center. How does Mitsi try to make that space feel like a home?
4
What does the word 'loyalty' mean to Mitsi, and how do different characters show loyalty throughout the book?
5
If you had to leave your home and could only pack one suitcase, what would you bring to help you feel safe and hopeful?
