Journey to Tomioka

Gr 6 Up–In the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, recently orphaned siblings Osamu and Akiko are left navigating a complicated new reality in a refugee settlement. After the death of their grandmother in the settlement, Osamu is determined to return her ashes to their family farm deep inside the forbidden zone of Fukushima. The pair embark on a dangerous journey into the red zone with the help of yokai, their own ingenuity and determination, and local residents. This odyssey to bring their grandmother home explores themes of grief, memory, and the impact of disaster on traditional cultures. Readers will find both siblings easy to identify with, Osamu who has withdrawn into himself after so many losses, and Akiko who is resolutely attempting to keep moving forward with her life. ­Galandon’s narrative pulls readers along into a well-paced, ­engaging story, which skillfully blends ­elements of historical fiction and ­fantasy. The illustrations by Crouzat mimic the style of Studio Ghibli films, which allows the book to skillfully blend elements of wonder with the somber reality the children face. Despite being aimed at middle grade readers, this book will also find an audience with high schoolers.