I hated for this book to end, and, in fact, the ending is the only place I would quibble with it.. I felt like it was kind of abrupt and a bit dissatisfying (sequel coming maybe?).

Other than that, it was another showcase for Kadohata's mastery as a storyteller and word weaver. Although the story is told in third person, we are IN Sumiko's head, and we see the world so poignantly and honestly, with her eyes.

Even the least consequential characters are clear and real, and Kadohata has managed to tackle one of the most difficult, shameful chapters in American history with brushstrokes of beauty and light. When they say writers should "show not tell," this is the perfect example. She avoids being preachy, or maudlin manipulation. Instead, she lets the telling detail reveal the truth. I think this should be required reading for all middle school American children.
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It starts off kind of boring for me, I've never been too interested in flowers.

Other than that, it became pretty good when they started going to the camps and became a fast paced book. I do wonder what happened to her uncle and Jiichan (I hope I spelled that right) and the book left kind of a sad/happy feeling. Sad she had to leave her friends behind, but happy she got to go to a different state to start a new life with her aunt and brother. ( )

The story of Sumiko and her family, Japanese Americans interned during WWII. Covers the whole experience -- from rejection by her community to reluctance to leave when they are allowed to go, to the uncomfortable relationship between the Native tribes already on the reservation where the internment camp, Poston, was eastablished. Very thorough, very well researched, and Sumiko's often awkward navigation of friendships and family are compelling. ( )

Weedflower is based on the experiences of Cynthia Kadohata's father living in a Japanese internment camp after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Main character, Sumiko tends the flower fields on her family's farm. After the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, her family must sell the farm and all their belongings. They are forced to move into an internment camp in Arizona. At first, it is hard to get used to the heat and dust. Sumiko is bored and misses her farm. She escapes her boredom by building a garden with Mr. Moto. She also meets an indian boy and after months of suspicion, eventually become friends. The Japanese continue to cultivate the land and improve the irrigation, turning the Arizona desert into productive farmland. When workers are needed to help with the war effort, the Japanese are given a choice to leave the camp and join the workforce or stay. Sumiko finally feels like she belongs, and prefers to stay at the camp rather than face ridicule on the outside.

An interesting historical fiction account of a little known piece of American history. I was surprised to learn that most Japanese chose to stay at the camp when given the choice to leave. Kadohata writes about the history of Japanese immigration in American. She is very knowledgeable on this subject and it comes through in her writing. I just wish her characters and descriptions had more depth.

It took me several chapters to get interested in the story and I don't think too many kids will pick it up. It's a shame because there really is a lot to learn. ( )

A wonderful book about a 12-year-old Japanese girl who must endure the imprisoning of the Japanese during WW II along with her younger brother, cousins, aunt and uncle, and grandfather. Recommended. ( )