The Reunion
- Publisher
- Orca Book Publishers
- Initial publish date
- Jan 2003
- Category
- Friendship, Prejudice & Racism, General
- Recommended Age
- 9 to 12
- Recommended Grade
- 4 to 7
- Recommended Reading age
- 9 to 12
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9781551432304
- Publish Date
- Jan 2003
- List Price
- $6.95
-
eBook
- ISBN
- 9781459806047
- Publish Date
- Sep 2013
- List Price
- $5.99
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
Shannon is excited about spending a week at her friend Rina's house, but she's a little nervous too. Rina seems to be able to do everything better than she can and her home is chaotic compared to Shannon's own. When things fall apart, Rina's grandmother is there to tell them a story from her past, early in the Second World War. The story is about a rift between her and her childhood friend, Mitsu, a rift that could never be healed because Mitsu and her family were taken away from the small town of Paldi and interned with other Japanese Canadians. Rina's grandmother, Jas, never saw Mitsu again. That is, not until Shannon and Rina find a handful of forgotten beads in the bottom of a cardboard box.
About the author
Jacqueline Pearce is the author of 12 books for children and teens. Her novels and nonfiction explore her fascination with local history, people, nature and animals, including Dog House Blues and The Truth About Rats, which were written for the BC SPCA Kids Club. Jacqueline has degrees in English literature and environmental studies. She has volunteered for the BC SPCA humane education program for many years and has both fostered and adopted many rescued animals with her family. She currently lives near Vancouver with her husband, daughter, dog and two cats.
Awards
- Short-listed, Chocolate Lily Book Awards
- Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Our Choice
Excerpt: The Reunion (by (author) Jacqueline Pearce)
"You’re supposed to be my friend, Jas," Mitsu said matter-of-factly, but there was hurt in her voice. "If you’re not going to act like one, I want my bracelet back."
"Fine!" I said. With one sudden movement, I tore the bracelet off my wrist. Too late, I remembered the clasp. The bracelet caught for a moment on the width of my hand, then gave. The red beads flew from the broken string, bouncing with tiny plops over the boardwalk and off into the mud. Mitsu burst into tears, turned and ran.
"Mitsu!" I called. The shock of my own action had stopped the flow of anger with a sudden, sickening bump.
"I’m sorry!" I called after her. But Mitsu was gone.
