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Andrew Fukuda
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This Light Between Us: A Novel of World War II Kindle Edition

by Andrew Fukuda (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 250 ratings
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Winner of the American Library Association's Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature

For readers of The Librarian Of Auschwitz, This Light Between Us is a powerfully affecting story of World War II about the unlikeliest of pen pals—a Japanese American boy and a French Jewish girl—as they fight to maintain hope in a time of war.

“I remember visiting Manzanar and standing in the windswept plains where over ten thousand internees were once imprisoned, their voices cut off. I remember how much I wanted to write a story that did right by them. Hopefully this book delivers.”—Andrew Fukuda

In 1935, ten-year-old Alex Maki from Bainbridge Island, Washington is disgusted when he’s forced to become pen pals with Charlie Lévy of Paris, France—a girl. He thought she was a boy. In spite of Alex’s reluctance, their letters continue to fly across the Atlantic—and along with them, the shared hopes and dreams of friendship. Until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the growing Nazi persecution of Jews force them to confront the darkest aspects of human nature.

From the desolation of an internment camp on the plains of Manzanar to the horrors of Auschwitz and the devastation of European battlefields, the only thing they can hold onto are the memories of their letters. But nothing can dispel the light between them.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

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  1. Print length
    369 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Tor Teen
  5. Publication date
    January 7, 2020
  6. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  7. Grade level
    7 - 9
  8. File size
    10677 KB
  9. Page Flip
    Enabled
  10. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  11. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  12. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“This ele­gant­ly writ­ten sto­ry shines with human­i­ty and warmth. The con­nec­tion between these two cre­ative, car­ing, pas­sion­ate peo­ple who have nev­er met face-to-face, but are deeply con­nect­ed soul-to-soul, pul­sates with ener­gy and glows with beau­ty. ...highly recommended.” ―Jewish Book Council

“Fukuda (The Trap, 2013, etc.) artfully conveys Alex's inner turmoil and paints visceral combat scenes. ...An intriguing premise and fascinating tale.” ―Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Born in Manhattan and raised in Hong Kong, ANDREW FUKUDA currently resides on Long Island, New York. After earning a bachelor's degree in history from Cornell University, Fukuda went on to work as a criminal prosecutor in New York City. He now writes full time. He is the author of The Hunt, The Prey, and The Trap.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07QPGR5G8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tor Teen (January 7, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 7, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 10677 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 369 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1250192382
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 250 ratings

About the author

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Andrew Fukuda

Andrew Fukuda

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Andrew Fukuda is the author of five books, including CROSSING, which was selected as a Booklist Top Ten First Novel and Top Ten Crime Novel, and THE HUNT series, which has been translated into over ten languages. His latest acclaimed novel, THIS LIGHT BETWEEN US, is a historical fiction set in WWII, and won the 2021 Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature. He lives in New York with his family.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
250 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Bonnie
5.0 out of 5 stars Eye opening, sensitive, and thought provoking
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2023
Verified Purchase
It was enlightening as to the thoughts and experiences of a Japanese American boy and Jewish girl who would never meet but helped each other cope during their difficult times during ww2. Great depth and sensitivity and from the despair it gave a wonderful comparison of the love of country and love of a person. Through this comparison it helped the reader overcome a negative view of a country which is not always perfect.
2 people found this helpful
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TamD
5.0 out of 5 stars Just a look
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2023
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A look into history from World War II. my son needed a historical fiction book about that time and we found this one…one that depicts two different groups that were persecuted during a difficult time for the entire world
One person found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Seldom-covered but essential aspect of WW II
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2021
Verified Purchase
This was my first book by Andrew Fukuda, which I read for a book club, and I was very impressed. Although I am somewhat of a WW II "buff" and I was already familiar with the Manzanar story, the book really opened my eyes to this shameful stain on our country's history pages, and I am glad Mr. Fukuda chose to write about it. Without giving any spoilers, I will just say that the only plot point I couldn't fathom was the description of Alex's connection with his family during his deployment in Europe. It was the only part of the book which did not ring true to me. But aside from that disappointment, the rest of the book really resonated with me. Recommended.
One person found this helpful
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Tracy
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2023
Verified Purchase
An amazing telling of friendship and growth. So sad, but also hopeful! This story brings to light the ignored treatment of American Citizens. I highly recommend but have a few tissues ready!
One person found this helpful
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Jess Rave
5.0 out of 5 stars Starts slow, but it gets there...
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2022
Verified Purchase
So, about a quarter into the story, I didn't think it was going to be a book I really loved. I was dead wrong. It was engaging and I feel like I learned so much about a few things relative to WWII- Japanese internment, the Nisei regiment, the invasion of Italy. I think it was the POV that got me. It was a 3rd person that probably should have been a 1st person, but once I got past that little bit of awkwardness, I loved it. I would recommend to anyone interested in historical fiction looking for a relatively easy read. I bought this to test it out for my middle school class, and I think they'll love it.
2 people found this helpful
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just_stell
5.0 out of 5 stars Fiction based on actual events
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2022
Verified Purchase
Book was well written and grabs your interest right away. Even though it is for young readers, it might be too graphic for teens younger than 15 or 16. Adults read it for our monthly book club and we all rated it highly. The war scenes are graphic and hard to take, so be forewarned. Over all it is a beautiful read!
2 people found this helpful
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Niki E.
3.0 out of 5 stars did not like the magical realism thrown in
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2020
Verified Purchase
When I'm reading historical fiction, I expect a realistic story set in history. I thought that was what I was getting with This Light Between Us. There was so much attention to detail and a really good story that deserves to be told more often. But, and it's a big but, I hate it when authors unexpectedly throw in some magical realism. I wish it was clear in the description of the book that elements like that are included. To come across them suddenly when I think I'm reading historical fiction pulls me out of the story and I immediately start rolling my eyes. The story had such potential and I did enjoy much of it, but it started losing me quickly as soon as the magic papers showed up.
6 people found this helpful
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Ceal S.
5.0 out of 5 stars My students love it
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2022
Verified Purchase
I find it touching and effecting too. A great way to teach young people about two WW2 wrongs, our internment of Japanese citizens, and the Nazi persecution of the Jews ... and also the awfulness of war. Yet, this is all written in a beautiful and accessible manner.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Mary M MacPhee
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
Reviewed in Canada on April 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
Loved everything about this book from the first page to the last. Well done
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