I almost didn't want to read it, but after the first few pages, I was hooked. The characters, especially Summer's Japanese grandparents, are funny and kind. While there is some nod the the characters Japanese heritage and culture, this book is more about first crushes, brothers with poor social function and OCD, mosquitoes and wheat harvesting. The relationships are full of the normal ups and downs and the unusual setting of a family of traveling combine harvesters was fascinating. ( )

I agree with all the other reviewers who have praised this book for its great characters and wonderful writing and then asked, "But what kid is going to like it?" Or to be frank, "What kid is going to even pick it up?" This is a hard sell. Like [b:Out of the Dust|25346|Out of the Dust|Karen Hesse|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328867076s/25346.jpg|808243] hard sell (but at least it has a lively cover!).

I laughed out loud a few times at Obachan and Summer's interactions and I thought Summer was a real kid's kid. She had a great, relatable voice. Still, the book has virtually no plot and, even though it is very well written, I felt like Summer's strong reactions to [b:A Separate Peace|5148|A Separate Peace|John Knowles|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348084274s/5148.jpg|39755] might have been a little prescriptive--as in, Summer is deeply affected by this book she's reading, so you, Reader, may also be affected by the book you're reading.

So, this book is a winner in my heart, but I just don't know how many kids are going to get through it and appreciate all it has to offer. Can the same be said of [b:Kira-Kira|89731|Kira-Kira|Cynthia Kadohata|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348528509s/89731.jpg|2096693]? ( )

6.5/10 ( )

(Note to remind me why I put this on my "To Read" shelf - read about it in this article on Huff Po.)

children's middlegrade fiction, 12-year-old Japanese girl helping her family (harvest workers); brother poss. high-functioning autistic.
Good character development, diversity/perspective. ( )