Major Theme:

Loyalty

Summary:

A diverse group of friends living in Hawaii in 1941 suffer the after effects of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Question #1

Question #2

Question #3

What is the setting of the story?

Describe Tomi's relationship with his grandfather.

What is a "haole"?

Question #4

Explain why Grandpa continues to display the Japanese flag.

Question #5

How did Mama and Papa meet?

Question #6

Question #7

Question #8

Question #9

Describe the events of December 7, 1941, from Tomi's point of view.

Why is honor so important to Grandpa and Papa?

Discuss the fairness or unfairness of the treatment of Papa and Grandpa.

Who are the Rats?  Who are the Kaka'ako Boys?

Question #10

Compare and contrast Keet's relationship with his father to Tomi's relationship with Papa.

Question #11

Question #12

Question #13

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Question #17

Question #18

Extension #1

Extension #2

Extension #3

Look up the current flag of Japan.  What does it look like and what does it symbolize?

Research the role of Japanese-American soldiers in World War II.

Using Kidpix or ClarisWorks Drawing, create a butsudan  to honor someone you love and want to remember.

Extension #4

Write a story about something that has been handed down in your family much like Tomi's family handed down the katana.

Extension #5