Alice on the Island: A Pearl Harbor Survival Story (Girls Survive)

Mayumi Shimose Poe transports readers back in time to December 7, 1941 to tell the tale of the most terrible act of war committed on United States soil. This attack of unspeakable horror is witnessed through the most unexpected eyes—those of a 13-year-old Japanese-American girl named Alice. The bombing of Pearl Harbor thrusts Alice and her family into a new and uncertain life as the United States declares war on Japan. With her father swept away to an internment camp and discrimination against Japanese descendants on the rise, how will Alice survive? The vivid language and unique perspective will make readers in third and fourth grade consider this tragic event in a new light. Even the interests of non-history fans will be peaked due to the fact that Alice is a relatable character as she struggles with making friends and pursuing love interests throughout the story. Poe’s use of her own personal experiences with Japanese-American heritage and thorough research on Pearl harbor can be seen throughout the book; especially when reading about Alice’s home life and family traditions. Children will appreciate the powerful themes of family and resiliency that are beautifully exemplified in Alice’s story. The deeper messages of rising to the occasion and Japanese proverbs such as friends are known in hardship will stick with readers for years to come.

This is a book for anyone with a light within them; whether shining brightly or dimmed by tragedy. I didn't expect to underline as many sentences as I did, but the writing here is very very special. And the artwork is perfect for this story. This story demonstrates that love and strength can overcome all. To the Author: Yes, I was, "whisked off to 1940's Hawai'i and can feel the salt, sun, and trade winds."

My 10 year old loved this book. Accurate depiction of life in Hawaii during this period — the author really did her research.

This book was used to help students with autism (high school aged) have a better understanding of Pearl Harbor and what one person, around their age, experienced.

This is a great book for young children to read; I bought this as a gift to give my niece and ended up reading it in one sitting before wrapping it up for her. Alice is a powerful, thoughtful and resilient main character for any young girl - or boy, to look up to.

Great book! My kids loved it.

Alice is a young girl living on Oahu during the Second World War. Great story about growing up and living through Pearl Harbor and its aftermath, from the perspective of an American family of Japanese descent. Would recommend for about age 9 and up, ideally already with basic knowledge of WW2 and Pearl Harbor, but it stands very well in its own as a story.