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The Last Cherry Blossom Paperback – August 25, 2020

by Kathleen Burkinshaw (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 297 ratings
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NOW A UNITED NATIONS OFFICE OF DISARMAMENT AFFAIRS EDUCATION
RESOURCE FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS! "Set in the waning days of World War II Hiroshima, this is an extraordinary story with its universal themes of family, life, and love. . . " --Sandra Dallas, New York Times bestselling author of Red Berries, White Clouds, Blue Skies

Yuriko was happy growing up in Hiroshima when it was just her and Papa. But her aunt Kimiko and her cousin Genji are living with them now, and the family is only getting bigger with talk of a double marriage! And while things are changing at home, the world beyond their doors is even more unpredictable. World War II is coming to an end, and since the Japanese newspapers don't report lost battles, the Japanese people are not entirely certain of where Japan stands. Yuriko is used to the sirens and the air-raid drills, but things start to feel more real when the neighbors who have left to fight stop coming home. When the bombs hit Hiroshima, it's through Yuriko's twelve-year-old eyes that we witness the devastation and horror.

This is a story that offers young readers insight into how children lived during the war, while also introducing them to Japanese culture. Based on author Kathleen Burkinshaw's mother's firsthand experience surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, The Last Cherry Blossom hopes to warn readers of the immense damage nuclear war can bring, while reminding them that the "enemy" in any war is often not so different from ourselves.
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  1. Reading age
    11 - 12 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    240 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    5 - 8
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.7 x 8.25 inches
  6. Publisher
    Sky Pony
  7. Publication date
    August 25, 2020
  8. ISBN-10
    1510753443
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1510753440
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

**One of Book Riot's 30 Fascinating Historical Fiction Books for Middle School Readers!**
2019 NC School Library Media Assoc. YA Book Award Nominee
2019-2020 Volunteer State Book Award Nominee
Finalist 2018 Sakura Medal, Japan
Finalist 2017 Sir Walter Raleigh Award for Fiction
Finalist SCBWI Crystal Kite Award (southeast region)
Scholastic WNDB Reading Club Selection, 2018 & 2016
New England Book Festival, Honorable Mention YA category

Now a United Nations Educational Resource for Teachers and Students

“The book’s powerful message raises awareness with the younger generation, which is especially pressing now that the hibakusha are getting older. The book provides a moving testament to why nuclear weapons should never be used again and should be eliminated.” — John Ennis, a senior political affairs officer with the U.N. disarmament office

 
"Set in the waning days of World War II Hiroshima, this is an extraordinary story with its universal themes of family, life, and love. Young readers will be entranced with the irrepressible Yuriko and her Japanese traditions, and grieve with her when her childhood is torn apart by the unthinkable. The Last Cherry Blossom shows that wherever they are, all children are the victims of war." —Sandra Dallas, New York Times bestselling author of Red Berries, White Clouds, Blue Skies

"This moving story of a young girl who survives the atomic bombing of Hiroshima is a compelling testament to the enduring power of the human spirit." —Leza Lowitz, author of Up From the Sea

"A fascinating look at World War II and its tragic conclusion from the point of view of a Japanese girl as she struggles to come to terms with love, loss, and what it means to honor one's heritage and family." —Randall Platt, author of Incommunicado

"The Last Cherry Blossom is even more than a gripping story about the horrors of war. It also illustrates the emotional trauma caused by family secrets and lies, the universality of adolescent anxiety, and the sustaining power of friendship—all in a really good read." —Elaine Wolf, author of Camp

"Past and future come into unbearable collision in this spellbinding evocation of Japan during the final years of World War Two, which is told through the eyes of an observant twelve-year-old growing up in Hiroshima. A heartbreaking exploration of tradition, family ties and the utter horror of nuclear war, The Last Cherry Blossom is a timely reminder that we forget the reality of total warfare at our peril." —Lydia Syson, author of That Burning Summer

"Kathleen Burkinshaw’s graceful, clean style is a joy to read, and this story, a beautiful tribute to the life of her mother, is one that every young person should read." —Lisa Williams Kline, author of Eleanor Hill, winner of the North Carolina Juvenile Literature Award

“Told with reverence and authenticity, Yuriko's journey is inspired by the author's mother's real-life experiences growing up in Hiroshima and surviving that tragic day on Aug. 6, 1945. Tragedy and hope collide in this promising middle-grade debut.” –Kirkus Reviews

“The eventual bombing of Hiroshima proves nightmarishly horrifying, and readers will readily empathize with Yuriko’s losses and will to survive.” —Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Kathleen Burkinshaw  is a Japanese American author and the daughter of a Hiroshima survivor residing in Charlotte, NC. Her mother was twelve years old when the bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945. Kathleen lives with her husband and daughter in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sky Pony (August 25, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1510753443
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1510753440
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 11 - 12 years, from customers
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 5 - 8
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 297 ratings

About the author

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Kathleen Burkinshaw

Kathleen Burkinshaw

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Kathleen Burkinshaw is a Japanese American author, the daughter of a Hiroshima survivor and resides in Charlotte, NC. She’s a wife, mom, and owns a dog who thinks she’s a kitchen ninja. In 2019 she spoke about her mother’s experience in Hiroshima at the United Nations (NYC). This summer she spoke at UN worldwide virtual events as well as a Japanese American National Museum webinar with author Naomi Hirahara in honor of the 75th anniversary of atomic bombing.

Kathleen has been featured on PBS, local NPR stations, Asian American magazines/newspapers, both Japanese and English programs on NHK World Japan, as well as in 2 major Japanese newspapers. She has presented to middle/high schools around the world for the past 10 years. Writing gives her an outlet for her daily struggle with chronic pain from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

Her MG/YA historical fiction, THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM, is now a United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs Resource for Teachers and Students and has been used in classrooms around the world. The trade paperback came out in August 2020 (available wherever books are sold and through Scholastic WNDB Reading Club). THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM has been nominated for 2019 NC School Library Media Association YA book award,2019-2020 Volunteer State Book Award (Tennessee), 2018& 2016 Scholastic WNDB Reading Club selection, and Finalist for NC Sir Walter Raleigh Fiction Award, the 2018 Sakura Medal, Japan, and the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award(southeast region),

Represented by Anna Olswanger, Olswanger Literary

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
297 global ratings
Gripping!
5 Stars
Gripping!
The Last Cherry Blossom Review:I was gifted a copy of The Last Cherry Blossom written by Kathleen Burkinshaw (Sky Pony Press). All opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.The Last Cherry Blossom, based on the true account of Kathleen Burkinshaw’s own mother, Toshiko Ishikawa Hilliker follows twelve-year old Yuriko. Living in Hiroshima with the end of World War II near, it’s clear that Yuriko adores not only her father, but her best friend. I appreciate novels that can show and display not only the devotion of a parent to child, but the child to that parent. Each time Yuriko call’s her father Papa, and each instance her father calls Yuriko ‘Joya’, that love and dedication is shown.But The Last Cherry Blossom is about so much more than family dynamics, it contain family secrets. Secrets Joya must navigate and overcome. Spending time and confiding in her best friend, Machiko, is one way in which Yuriko copes.The friendship dynamic, family relationships and family secrets, plus cousin/sibling rivalry are but a few universal themes that crop up in The Last Cherry Blossom. These themes that those that children and adults from across the world can relate. But the dynamic of the world during World War II and that of Japan is the eye-opening view that readers also receive.Yuriko’s world contains school, home, play, but also air raid drills. This is what consumes Yuriko’s daily life. When the day comes that another such drill turns out to be the real thing, the dropping of the atomic bomb, Yuriko’s family and friendship dynamic is rocked. She is mentally and physically scarred. She also combats guilt. The guilt that comes from trying to help her best friend and the guilt that comes from seeing someone ask for help, but not being able to assist. That image is engraved in my mind. I can’t imagine that panic and fear that Kathleen’s own mother must have felt.While people close to Yuriko unfortunately do not make it, and her world is forever changed, it is Yuriko’s spirt of remembrance and love that remains.What I appreciate about Kathleen’s depiction of this horrific world event is that it gives us a firsthand view and experience of not only life after the dropping of the atomic bomb, but life before. We witness Yuriko in her element, just being a twelve-year old kid. Even when family secrets come unveiled, and certain family dynamics shift, Yuriko holds on and grasps tight to the one person she loves most in the world, her dad.I would love to know what happens next in Yuriko’s life. What are her next steps? What is her next chapter? Because Yuriko is a character to continue to follow.
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Top reviews from the United States

Carole P. Roman
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent account of Hiroshima
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2023
Verified Purchase
Burkinshaw does her mom proud with an excellent account of a young girl living in Japan during world war 2. Taking place toward the end of the war she describes life as well as the citizen’s dawning realization that Japan was running out of resources, propaganda wasn’t representative of what was really happening and finally there was the possibility of defeat. As more and more young leave to die, the bustling port city has no inkling of the true horror that is speeding toward them. The reality and consequences of nuclear destruction is brought to vivid detail alongside a stunning story of humanity. War is described in all its brutal honesty and we learn that despite being on opposite sides, in the end all people want is peace and the ability to live with their loved ones.
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Mary E. Young
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 ouf of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2021
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Set a year before the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, this book follows Yuriko, a twelve year old Japanese girl. Yuriko seems much like any other twelve year old. She worries about her widowed father, grumbles about her controlling Aunt and avoids her annoying little cousin.

After hearing the author speak, I rushed out and bought this book. I was not disappointed. The book was extremely well written, and presents a point of view that is rarely heard from. I would love to read a sequel to this book, and look forward to reading more from this author.
2 people found this helpful
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D H
4.0 out of 5 stars The Last Cherry Blossom Kathleen Burkinshaw
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2017
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Liked it. Learned some things I didn't know.

The Last Cherry Blossom
Kathleen Burkinshaw
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Talyho
5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST read!!!
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2019
Verified Purchase
This was on my son’s 8th grade reading list for summer of 2019. It caught my eye as I was browsing his list of books, so I decided to read it for myself. I am SO glad that I did! I’m wishing that his teacher had made this book mandatory as I believe that ALL middle schoolers should read this! It was eye opening, even for me as an adult!
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A gift to my 11-year-old granddaughter....
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2022
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....who loved this book and read it twice. She also encouraged me to read it. I had ordered it for her as she wanted to read about life in Japan in the 20th century and saw that teachers had highly recommended this book.
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Kristin Crouch
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2018
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Loved this book. World War 2 from a young Japanese girl’s perspective. Even though it doesn’t focus on the war specifically, my WW2 buffs love it. But there is so much more to it. The main character is lovable, and as she becomes less protected by her Papa, she learns and questions all that is happening around her.
I chose my readalouds (for my fifth grade classes) based on genre, and TLCB is a for sure historical fiction go-to.
Beautifully told. Authors notes in the back provide insight and a ‘where to go from here’ if you are pushed to action!
5 people found this helpful
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Sarah the book reviewer
5.0 out of 5 stars War Is not the Answer
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2016
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Ms. Burkinshaw's book is a winner. It will break your heart and still fill you with hope. Based on the life her mother, who lost her whole family during the A-Bomb attack on Hiroshima, the story is a testament to what damage war does to all involved. This being the week of December 7th, the day declared to live in infamy 75 years ago. The devastation war brings to all involved is strongly brought to life in this gripping tale.
2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars It was okay
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2020
Verified Purchase
I appreciated the historical aspect of the story but I feel the writing wasn’t the most sophisticated, likely because it was written in the voice of a pre-teen. The story telling just sort of fell flat for me. Even the moments that should have been sad didn’t quite hit me in the way other sad moments in other books have because of the writing.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Etsuko Nishiki
5.0 out of 5 stars オトナこそ読みたい、パパとマチコと桜の思い出
Reviewed in Japan on September 18, 2022
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暦の上ではとっくに秋だけれどまだ蒸し暑さが残る中で、図らずも読みかけになっていた本の(スミマセン…)邦訳本が先月に出ていた事を知り、改めてちょっと紐解いてみた。ラスト・チェリー・ブロッサム(The Last Cherry Blossom)、キャサリン・バーキンショーさん著。
1年半前、あるオンラインイベント(広島平和記念資料館関連)で、日系人作家ナオミ・ヒラハラさん(『ヒロシマ・ボーイ』著者)と共にゲストレクチャーや対談をされた、ノースカロライナ在住のキャサリンさん。ある時彼女の娘さんが、学校の課題の為におばあちゃんの広島の体験を知りたいと言い出した事が、この本が世に出るきっかけとなったという。

物語は1944年夏から始まる。小学生のユリコは新聞社を経営するパパ、ちょっと小煩い叔母キミコと息子(従弟)ゲンジと広島市内で暮らしていた。パパは多忙ではあったが包容力があり、ユリコは「嬢や」と優しく呼びかけられるのが大好きだった。近所には何でも話せる親友のマチコがいて、音楽好きな彼女とこっそりジャズのレコードを聴くのも楽しみのひとつ。そんな世界が彼女の全てだった。
12歳の多感で観察力の優れたユリコの目は、学校の授業中の事、広島の煌びやかな繁華街の様子、時折家の外で見かける悲しげな目の男性、パパの再婚で少しずつ変わりゆく家族関係などをつぶさに見つめ、次第に何処か重苦しくなってゆく街の空気、近所のお兄さんの出征、プロパガンダとの狭間でもがくパパの様子まで、子供故に良く分からないながらもカラフルに繊細に描いてゆく…あの瞬間の事までも。

チャプターの冒頭ごとに当時の日本の大本営発表が引用されており、現実の市民生活に及ぼした影響、引き起こした事などをある程度知る後世の者としては時に身につまされる。お孫さんの課題の為に重い口を開いて語り出した母親(因みに戦後、入間ジョンソン基地の米兵の方と結婚し渡米された)の体験をほぼ初めて知り、キャサリンさんはこの物語を学校などで語り始めるようになった。先生達にテキストにもなるからと請われ、未来のある子供達の為ならとペンを執った結晶がこの作品であり、世に出される前年にお母様は天に召されたものの、キャサリンさんの原稿に目を通し、自分の体験を読みたいと言う人々が多くいるのに驚きながらも喜んでおられたという。

そういう訳で想定する読者の主な対象が小学校高学年からティーンエイジャーながらも、むしろ戦争が市井の生活にどのような影を落とすかを、飾らないシンプルな目線で浮き彫りにする物語は、オトナの方こそ読んでみる価値があると感じた(それでも私の語学力ではおっつかないのだけれど)。
邦訳版の訳は吉井知代子さん、ほるぷ出版より8/12に発売された。表紙絵はマチコとの花見の思い出だろうか。余談だが、ナオミ・ヒラハラさんの作風が佐藤愛子さん的だとしたら、キャサリンさんは田辺聖子さん的かもしれない。そんな事もちょっと思った。
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Jo
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Australia on June 1, 2017
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Beautiful story. Excellent reading. Wonderfully crafted.
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杉山　晃
5.0 out of 5 stars 原爆について考えさせられる本です
Reviewed in Japan on January 31, 2022
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被爆者である母とアメリカ人の間に生まれた著者ですが母の育った広島について非常に詳しく述べられている本でした
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pauline leister
4.0 out of 5 stars A different perspective
Reviewed in Australia on March 6, 2021
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To hear about the life of the mainstream folk and how easily life can be turned upside down by the senselessness of war never ceases to amaze me . Especially since the cruelty and tragedy to innocents continues. How atrocious also the propaganda of their own leader.
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