Book: On the Horizon (2020)
Author: Lois Lowry
Genre: MG, Non-Fiction/WWII
Rating: 5 stars
Basic plot: A memoir of sorts, this book focuses on two major events during World War II: The bombings of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. Lois Lowry takes her experiences as a young child living in Hawaii, and later Japan, and mingles them with the stories of people who lived (and died) during these pivotal events.
WHAT’S COOL…
1) As a history buff, I love anything with a connection to history. Most books that focus on World War II tend to discuss the European theatre. This book focuses on the Pacific theatre.
2) The poetry (sometimes blank verse, sometimes rhyme) give this book the quality of introspection. I do think the style ramps up the emotion of the devastation that these two dates in history bring. I’m not always a fan of books written in verse, but this one works very nicely in this format.
3) I like that the book dives into the lives of the ordinary people who died during these events. It makes it that much more personal. That these people were real. The dates (December 7, 1941, and August 6, 1945) aren’t just some historical dates in some dry textbook.
4) I loved the emphasis on healing from the hurts and atrocities of war and hatred. I loved the part about the misunderstanding she has in Japan about the woman who reaches out to touch her hair. What did the woman really say? Did she mean hate or was it really pretty? I love Lowry’s conclusion.
5) The Author’s Note at the end pulls everything together… The two kids—one American and one Japanese—who grow up and connect many years later. And they know their connection is real because of the green bicycle.
WHAT’S NOT COOL…
1) I have nothing to put here. This book was beautiful.
FINAL THOUGHTS
My rating is 5 Stars (out of 5) – I loved this short, poignant look at these two major events during World War II. This book was, in many ways, haunting. But I also love how it focuses on healing from big hurts on both sides of the War. I would recommend to anybody interested in World War II. Note: This is definitely not just for kids. I also think this would make for great classroom discussion.
YOUR TURN…
Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…
Of Maria Antonia 
I remember seeing another review of this book, wanting to read it, and then forgetting about it, so thanks for reminding me to read it! I’m particularly intrigued by the emphasis on the stories of the ordinary people who died as a result of these tragedies. Thanks for the great review!
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Yes, the lives of ordinary people are my kind of jam when it comes to history!
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I am delighted to read your review and your thoughts about ON THE HORIZON. I loved Lowry’s book and want everyone to read it. Beautiful review!
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Yes! I want everybody to read this book, too!
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Great review. I really enjoy historical fiction too. I don’t read too many books in verse but this sounds like a good one. Glad you enjoyed it.
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The verse really lends itself to the introspective nature of the book.
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I’ve read many Lois Lowry books and can’t wait to add this one to my list. The history, setting, and characters alone would be time well spent. Thanks for featuring on MMGM.
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Lowry says in her Author’s Note that it took her years before she could figure out a way to make this story work. I think she did a very nice job indeed. Well worth the time.
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I have had this on my TBR list for awhile. Thanks for the reminder. I need to get my hands on a copy and read it. Wonderful review.
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Absolutely! I hope you get a chance to read it soon. It’s a short book, so a nice quick read.
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