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Warriors in the Crossfire | Nancy Bo Flood | South Pacific | Boyds Mill Press | 2013 | ISBN:1620910268
Synopsis
Set before, during, and after the American invasion of Saipan in 1944, the book is told from the point-of-view of Joseph, the 13 year old son of the chief of the indigenous tribe. Joseph’s friend, Kento, is the son of his aunt and a Japanese administrator. The two boys grown up in very different cultures but remain friends. As war approaches, the boys are forced apart and must meet in secret to share information. Kento shares his knowledge of what is happening in the country and the world while Joseph shares his survival skills. Shortly before being taken away by soldiers, Joseph’s father shows him a system of caves where he must take the family and hide should they need to escape the violence of war.
Set before, during, and after the American invasion of Saipan in 1944, the book is told from the point-of-view of Joseph, the 13 year old son of the chief of the indigenous tribe. Joseph’s friend, Kento, is the son of his aunt and a Japanese administrator. The two boys grown up in very different cultures but remain friends. As war approaches, the boys are forced apart and must meet in secret to share information. Kento shares his knowledge of what is happening in the country and the world while Joseph shares his survival skills. Shortly before being taken away by soldiers, Joseph’s father shows him a system of caves where he must take the family and hide should they need to escape the violence of war.
As the war moves closer to their village, Joseph must decide whether or not to follow his advice and lead the family to the cave. Joseph bears the responsibility of caring for his mother, sister-in-law, nephew, and the others who now look for him for guidance. As the novel continues, Joseph and Kento will once again need to rely on their wits and friendship to protect not just one family but two.
- ALA YALSA: 2011 Best Fiction for Young Adults
- Booklist Editor’s Choice 2010 for popular appeal and literary excellence
- VOYA Magazine: Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers, Feb 2011 issue
- IRA Notable Books for a Global Society
- Colorado Book Award
Warriors in the Crossfire by Nancy Bo Flood is a text that delves into the experience of indigenous and Japanese people in Saipan during World War II. Studying this text in conjunction with indigenous poetry from around the globe and short stories related to characters experiencing shifting cultural identities will allow students to examine how the essential questions play out in different times and different countries. Students will also gain insight into how dominant cultures portray historical events and how the voices of minority cultures are often overshadowed.
As they read this text, students will wrestle with essential questions such as: 1) How much does our cultural upbringing impact our worldview? 2) Should immigrants retain a unique cultural identity or fully assimilate into the dominant culture? 3) Are the rights of indigenous people respected in today’s global society?
In their multiphase composition, students will focus on finding common ground with one of the characters and discover that the struggle to find one’s identity is universal and enduring.
Connections to Other Content Areas
This fictionalized account of events during World War II would serve as an excellent supplementary text in World History, U.S. History, and Local, State, and National Government courses as well as a Human Psychology course. Excerpts related to the tribal dances and customs could be relevant to art and dance courses.
Recommended Resources
http://nancyboflood.com/warriors-in-the-crossfire/
Reading Guide
http://www.debbiegonzales.com/reading/2010/4/11/warriors-in-the-crossfire-by-nancy-bo-flood.html
The Children’s War: A Guide to Books for Young Readers about WWII
http://thechildrenswar.blogspot.com/2013/09/warriors-in-crossfire-by-nancy-bo-flood.html
