The Girl With the White Flag: A Spellbinding Account of Love and Courage in Wartime Okinawa

From School Library Journal
YA-- Higa tells of her experiences as a seven year old wandering for seven weeks in battle-torn Okinawa in 1945. Her nine-year-old brother was killed beside her as they slept. Separated from her sisters, she survived on her own and then with an elderly, handicapped couple. Although bloody corpses are a common sight, the book is not depressing. Aspects of Oriental culture and religion, such as the importance of family and the relationship of man to nature, can be seen. Sentences are usually short, but they don't detract from the effectiveness of this moving, autobiographical memoir. Recent immigrants from countries ravaged by war will find it particularly meaningful. All will be touched by Higa's tenacity under impossible circumstances and will be reminded that children continue to be the worst victims of war. --Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VACopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Iwo Jima, Saipan, Okinawa. The names of Pacific War battlegrounds conjure up vaguely similar memories to Americans above a certain age. But there was a difference. On Okinawa for the first time U.S. forces encountered a large civilian population. Estimates are that at least 75,000 Okinawan men, women, and children perished, many of them committing suicide rather than surrender. This book tells the story of the climax of this battle from the perspective of a seven-year-old girl, the author, who struggled against the odds to survive and to lead others to survival. Some rare photographs illuminate the ending to this simply told story, as the girl in the title comes into camera range of an American soldier. A charming story, a quick read for young and old alike.- John H. Boyle, California State Univ., ChicoCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Bookwatch, April 2003
"...an original, candid, and attention gripping autobiographical narrative which is superbly written and enthusiastically recommended..."


Buy from Amazon     Compare Prices

an original, candid, and attention gripping autobiographical narrative which is superbly written and enthusiastically recommended


Buy from Barnes & Noble     Compare Prices