“Yukie’s Island: My Family’s World War II Story”
by Kodo Kimura and others. Illustrated by Kodo Kimura. Roaring Brook Press,
New York, 2023, 48 pages, Grades 2-4
Children are seldom shown in war films. We see generals, soldiers, medical personnel and others in movies and books about wars. Adults usually have some control over what is occurring during warfare. Children, on the other hand, usually have no power to alter the situation they find themselves in. This usually strips away childhood innocence and leaves children vulnerable.
Kodo Kimura writes of such a situation. Her grandfather oversees the lighthouse in the center of this story. Yukie, Kodo’s aunt, is a young child playing on the island with her brother and sister. All is well, until it is not.
Kimura dramatically shows the effects of aerial bombardment on the lives of young children. The name of this beautifully illustrated but somber story is “Yukie’s Island: My Family’s World War II Story.”
Yukie’s father is a lighthouse keeper. In all kinds of challenging weather, he keeps the lights burning to guide ships into the harbor. His children help him in this work, with young Yukie being especially interested. Living conditions are basic, with no electricity. The family must row over to the mainland for water, or draw it from a well. However, the family is happy and the children play games along the shoreline. It is a simple but pleasant life.
World War II changes this. For several years, the war seems far away and of little concern to the children. At night, their father tries to comfort them by playing the flute. But often times, the notes seem to have a sadness and uneasiness. This leaves Yukie confused.
As the war turns against Japan, the military authorities impose strict controls over speech. People can be punished for almost anything that is said. City after city is levelled in Japan by the American Air Force.
Finally, in the closing days of the war, a large raid is launched against Yukie’s town in far northern Japan. As the children huddle in bunkers, they wonder what kind of world will be left when the fighting is over. They cautiously come out of their shelters to see a world on fire. Yukie looks at her brother and sister and wonders if their world will ever again seem normal. Suddenly, an unexpected and comforting surprise comes from the northern seas. What is it?
How does Yukie’s family recover from the war? How does the love found in the family help to shelter and gladden the children? Why does Yukie’s story demonstrate why countries should always try to avoid armed conflict?
Though it isn’t always possible to avoid war, leaders should always seek to resolve their differences peacefully. World War II is an example of a war that had to be fought and could not be avoided. But within that paradigm, we should remember the children are not able to voice their opinions in this matter. They should be cherished and protected whenever possible.
The illustrations in this book are beautiful and moving. The text tells the story with simple, accurate language. The ending of the story is uplifting and hopeful. Highly recommended.
