Review: Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata (Spoiler-Free)

'Why wouldn't they want to know me?' Who wouldn't want to know me? This was a new idea for me. Our father had always thought we were quite amazing, and Lynn, of course, had always thought I was perfect, so I thought of myself as rather amazing and maybe even perfect.

It's so fitting that I first read this at nine years old, under the same childhood spell of the main character, but also read it now at 21 years old after I've experienced it shatter. For Katie, and also for that past version of myself.

This book is heavy. But that weight can't be felt until you're on the other side of childhood. As a kid, I didn't understand that Katie was forced to grow up too fast because I didn't know what growing up meant yet. Despite the literal tragedy that occurs in this book, the most emotional moment for me was Katie's transformation into a "big girl" and the lack of control she felt in it. The desperate realization that there is no going back.

Big topics for young kids such as labor unions are discussed in this story, but I think the reason it works so well despite a potential lack in understanding is that it doesn't really matter what grown-up things like "labor unions" are, only that they are part of the "real world", that they are something that ruins the illusion of childhood naiveté and endless possibility.

I remembered Kira-Kira being sad for the obvious reason, but I didn't recall the existential dread elements because I hadn't yet broken through to the other side of that chasm. I was lucky I got to experience that on an appropriate timeline. It's heartbreaking seeing Katie experience it so young.

Overall, a breathtaking novel for children, but one that can't be fully appreciated until the childhood bubble is popped—whenever that may be.