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Orchards
Winner of the APALA Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult LiteratureAn ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults BookAfter a classmate commits suicide, Kana Goldberg—a half-Japanese, half-Jewish American—wonders who is responsible. She and her cliquey friends said some thoughtless things to the girl. Hoping that Kana will reflect on her behavior, her parents pack her off to her mother's ancestral home in Japan for the summer. There Kana spends hours under the hot sun tending to her family's mikan orange groves.Kana's mixed heritage makes it hard to fit in at first, especially under the critical eye of her traditional grandmother, who has never accepted Kana's father. But as the summer unfolds, Kana gets to know her relatives, Japan, and village culture, and she begins to process the pain and guilt she feels about the tragedy back home. Then news about a friend sends her world spinning out of orbit all over again.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2011
30 people are currently reading
1672 people want to read
About the author
Holly Thompson
24 books150 followersHolly Thompson (www.hatbooks.com) is a longtime resident of Japan originally from Massachusetts. A graduate of the NYU Creative Writing Program, she writes poetry, fiction and nonfiction for children through adults. She is author of the verse novels Falling into the Dragon's Mouth, The Language Inside, and Orchards; the picture books Listening to Trees: George Nakashima, Woodworker; One Wave at a Time; Twilight Chant and The Wakame Gatherers, and the novel Ash. She compiled and edited Tomo: Friendship Through Fiction—An Anthology of Japan Teen Stories, a collection of 36 Japan-related short stories, including ten in translation. Holly teaches writing in Japan and the U.S. and visits schools worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
August 6, 2014
If you look, you'll see that Holly Thompson is one of my Goodreads friends. I'm under no pressure to give her book a good review though. I only found her here after she visited my school. Otherwise, we are not acquainted.
I am acquainted with her topic. Not suicide, but Japan. And orchards, both apple and mikan. As a student, I worked at UMASS's apple orchard in Belchertown, MA. I also lived in a mikan growing region of Japan at one time, so I was looking forward to reading a book that touched on those settings and I was very satisfied with the details of orchards and life in a small Japanese town.
Evocative.
Thompson's novel is written as poetry, which did not take long to get used to. I've noticed some readers complaining that novels in verse tend to skimp on details and/or build up. I can see what they mean, though I thought it suited this story.
The narrator tells the story at a difficult time in her life. (She is from a group of girls who feel responsible for another girl's suicide.) Although I sometimes tired of the narrator's occasional need to address the deceased girl, I am not so sure it will bother most readers, especially the target audience, teens. Otherwise, I enjoyed the narrator's company. Her trip to Japan and her encounter with her Japanese family's customs influences her behavior when she returns to New York and enables her to subdue her grief and move on. It is not forced and is believable and moving.
I am acquainted with her topic. Not suicide, but Japan. And orchards, both apple and mikan. As a student, I worked at UMASS's apple orchard in Belchertown, MA. I also lived in a mikan growing region of Japan at one time, so I was looking forward to reading a book that touched on those settings and I was very satisfied with the details of orchards and life in a small Japanese town.
Evocative.
Thompson's novel is written as poetry, which did not take long to get used to. I've noticed some readers complaining that novels in verse tend to skimp on details and/or build up. I can see what they mean, though I thought it suited this story.
The narrator tells the story at a difficult time in her life. (She is from a group of girls who feel responsible for another girl's suicide.) Although I sometimes tired of the narrator's occasional need to address the deceased girl, I am not so sure it will bother most readers, especially the target audience, teens. Otherwise, I enjoyed the narrator's company. Her trip to Japan and her encounter with her Japanese family's customs influences her behavior when she returns to New York and enables her to subdue her grief and move on. It is not forced and is believable and moving.
January 12, 2013
This verse novel by Holly Thompson flips the perspective on bullying and shows what happens to the bullies when their bullying has tragic consequences. Thompson’s novel follows Kana’s displacement from New York to an orange orchard in Japan, her mother’s place of birth and home. The novel is particularly successful in portraying the various degrees of culture shock felt by Kana and how immersion into her new life affects her feelings of guilt over what happened to her classmate.
The verse is sparse and not so much lyrical as restrained. The style works particularly well for the themes explored in this novel: the cohering of an identity and the consequence of actions. I liked how Kana starts off defensive but gradually realizes and regrets the role she played in the things that happened. When tragedy strikes again, Kana is better equipped to handle it and the conclusion is more life-affirming than one would think.
On a more analytical note, the book also criticizes, to a minor extent, the parenting by Westerners and with good reason as you will see if you read the novel. On the whole, I liked this novel. It has a gentle feel, a sort of awkward coming of age tone that fits in perfectly with the main character. Recommended.
The verse is sparse and not so much lyrical as restrained. The style works particularly well for the themes explored in this novel: the cohering of an identity and the consequence of actions. I liked how Kana starts off defensive but gradually realizes and regrets the role she played in the things that happened. When tragedy strikes again, Kana is better equipped to handle it and the conclusion is more life-affirming than one would think.
On a more analytical note, the book also criticizes, to a minor extent, the parenting by Westerners and with good reason as you will see if you read the novel. On the whole, I liked this novel. It has a gentle feel, a sort of awkward coming of age tone that fits in perfectly with the main character. Recommended.
March 30, 2015
I loved the book - especially the way it was written. The poetry format was very interesting as it was simple and fast to read. The story really made me think about the impact of events - especially sadness. How emotions are infectious, and how they can effect people even if they didn't have anything directly to do with it. It makes me think about our world now and how we feel sad/empathetic to events that don't even impact us directly. It shows how human emotions work and I found that interesting. In terms of reading, it was definitely a comfort book for me as I read it in one sitting (on a plane) and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quick but meaningful read.
February 24, 2018
Poignant. Thoughtful. Refreshing. This story tackled the subject of suicide in an honest and gentle way. Left me reeling from the artistry, and craving the sweet juice of mikan (mandarin orange) on my tongue.
July 2, 2017
Kana is sent to live with relatives in a Japanese village for the summer after something tragic happens to one of her friends. I really enjoyed the setting on this one, with descriptions of the customs, countryside, weather (humid!), food (what does a mikan taste like?), cold drinks, and clothing. I was disappointed that Kana never really talks about what happened to any of her relatives, and that it was never clear what exactly Lisa and Kana's other friends did to contribute to the tragedy. I felt like parts of the story were missing. I think the author intended for Kana's trip to Japan to be a healing journey, but it really wasn't. I liked the story overall, but I wish it had been a little more fleshed out. Perhaps the novel in verse format may not have been appropriate for this story. Nevertheless, recommended.
June 12, 2015
Heartbreaking. Beautiful. A must read for anyone who has known they have hurt others - by accident or selfishly internationally. I enjoyed reading most of this book in one sitting.
March 19, 2016
From the number of novels-in-verse that I review, you may guess this is a genre close to my heart. Ever since I was in high school and poured my heart out in free verse, I've admired this genre. But there is more than a world apart from my attempts and beautifully written novels such as THE GOOD BRAIDER, BLUE BIRDS, CRAZY, THE KISS OF BROKEN GLASS. I am consistently impressed with these authors' ability to tell well-plotted stories using succinct, figurative language.
Let's add ORCHARDS by Holly Thompson to this list.
(Please note that the line spacing in the following excerpts are not an exact replica of the book's poems. I had difficulty formatting these poems for this blog.)
Half-Japanese, half-Jewish American, Kana Goldberg is sent to her mother's ancestral home in Japan for the summer. A bullied eighth grade classmate (Ruth) committed suicide at the end of the school year and although Kenna wasn't the bully, she didn't stop it from happening. Working in her mother's ancestral mikan orange grove, she deals with her anger, guilt and grief and comes home a stronger young woman.
because of you, Ruth
I'm exiled
to my maternal grandmother, Baachan,
to the ancestors at the altar
and to Uncle, Aunt and cousins
I haven't seen in three years--
not since our last trip back
for Jiichan's funeral
when Baachan
told my sister Emi
she was just right
but told me I was fat
should eat
less fill myself eighty percent
no more each meal
but then I was small
then I didn't have hips
then was before this bottom inherited from my father's
Russian Jewish mother (p.9)
Initially, Kana experiences problems fitting in.
I try to learn fast
make up for my
non-Japanese half
but Uncle makes
remarks like after I set the breakfast table--
how are we supposed to eat...
with our hands?
I rush to set out chopsticks...
seconds
too late
they seem to think
I can just switch
one half of me
on and leave the other
half of me
off but I'm like
warm water
pouring from a faucet
the hot
and cold
both flowing
as one (p. 24-5)
In Japanese school, Kana tries to reach out to a girl she perceives is an outsider, because that's what her school counselor had said she and her friends should have done for Ruth.
but instead of opening up to me
instead of warming to me
instead of reaching out
in return
she pivots
and walks away.
after that
not everyone is so eager
to get to know this New Yorker not everyone so hot
to try their English
I don't care
groups don't matter
so much to me now
maybe because I know
most atoms aren't as stable
as they seem (p. 53-54)
She has a negative opinion of her deceased grandfather, but when she realizes he was operating out of his own hurt over her mother's leaving Japan, she recognizes there are two sides to every story.
I think
there must be at least
two sides
to your story, too, Ruth,
and maybe knowing
more of Lisa's side
how she lived
with her godparents
not her parents
who were I don't know where
might help explain
why she was so mean to you
and why we all
followed
her lead (p.96)
When school ends Kana works long days in the family orchard. There she thinks about Ruth:
everyone knows
Lisa didn't mean it
everyone knows
when a person says certain things
they don't mean the words
they say
really
in the note you left
for your parents
and brother
you said
life was too hard
they could never know
what it was like
for you at school
where you were ostracized
left out
despised
and where
just that day
in front of all us girls
after Jake handed you
a piece of paper
Lisa had given you
a look
and said
I hope you die
I saw you glare
at Lisa
hard, I thought
mean, I thought
bitch we all said
hurt, I now realize
as you crumpled that note into a
tiny ball that was still
in your jeans pocket
when you were found in Osgood's orchard (p.110-111)
Kana's grief doesn't stop there; her world continues to painfully unravel. But by the time she returns to New York she has found a new home with her mother's family and a new way to go on living.
****
I'm giving away my autographed copy! Enter by 3/21/16 to win.
- See more at: http://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com/...
Let's add ORCHARDS by Holly Thompson to this list.
(Please note that the line spacing in the following excerpts are not an exact replica of the book's poems. I had difficulty formatting these poems for this blog.)
Half-Japanese, half-Jewish American, Kana Goldberg is sent to her mother's ancestral home in Japan for the summer. A bullied eighth grade classmate (Ruth) committed suicide at the end of the school year and although Kenna wasn't the bully, she didn't stop it from happening. Working in her mother's ancestral mikan orange grove, she deals with her anger, guilt and grief and comes home a stronger young woman.
because of you, Ruth
I'm exiled
to my maternal grandmother, Baachan,
to the ancestors at the altar
and to Uncle, Aunt and cousins
I haven't seen in three years--
not since our last trip back
for Jiichan's funeral
when Baachan
told my sister Emi
she was just right
but told me I was fat
should eat
less fill myself eighty percent
no more each meal
but then I was small
then I didn't have hips
then was before this bottom inherited from my father's
Russian Jewish mother (p.9)
Initially, Kana experiences problems fitting in.
I try to learn fast
make up for my
non-Japanese half
but Uncle makes
remarks like after I set the breakfast table--
how are we supposed to eat...
with our hands?
I rush to set out chopsticks...
seconds
too late
they seem to think
I can just switch
one half of me
on and leave the other
half of me
off but I'm like
warm water
pouring from a faucet
the hot
and cold
both flowing
as one (p. 24-5)
In Japanese school, Kana tries to reach out to a girl she perceives is an outsider, because that's what her school counselor had said she and her friends should have done for Ruth.
but instead of opening up to me
instead of warming to me
instead of reaching out
in return
she pivots
and walks away.
after that
not everyone is so eager
to get to know this New Yorker not everyone so hot
to try their English
I don't care
groups don't matter
so much to me now
maybe because I know
most atoms aren't as stable
as they seem (p. 53-54)
She has a negative opinion of her deceased grandfather, but when she realizes he was operating out of his own hurt over her mother's leaving Japan, she recognizes there are two sides to every story.
I think
there must be at least
two sides
to your story, too, Ruth,
and maybe knowing
more of Lisa's side
how she lived
with her godparents
not her parents
who were I don't know where
might help explain
why she was so mean to you
and why we all
followed
her lead (p.96)
When school ends Kana works long days in the family orchard. There she thinks about Ruth:
everyone knows
Lisa didn't mean it
everyone knows
when a person says certain things
they don't mean the words
they say
really
in the note you left
for your parents
and brother
you said
life was too hard
they could never know
what it was like
for you at school
where you were ostracized
left out
despised
and where
just that day
in front of all us girls
after Jake handed you
a piece of paper
Lisa had given you
a look
and said
I hope you die
I saw you glare
at Lisa
hard, I thought
mean, I thought
bitch we all said
hurt, I now realize
as you crumpled that note into a
tiny ball that was still
in your jeans pocket
when you were found in Osgood's orchard (p.110-111)
Kana's grief doesn't stop there; her world continues to painfully unravel. But by the time she returns to New York she has found a new home with her mother's family and a new way to go on living.
****
I'm giving away my autographed copy! Enter by 3/21/16 to win.
- See more at: http://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com/...
February 7, 2025
CW: adolescent suicide. I read a sample on Libby, after selecting “random” and couldn’t stop reading. Written poetically (not usually my preference) the style really suited the story and themes. Interesting peak at Japanese traditions through the eyes of a Japanese-Russian Jewish girl from New York. Worth a read!
January 31, 2018
This was the first book in free verse I am reading and I kind of liked it. I don’t believe I’ll be actively seeking such novels but if I like a description, the form won’t turn me off.
Orchards is a good novel, written exactly in the tone one would expect from a teen who has to deal with a tragedy, and a tragedy in which she was a participant. Except observing and in a way discovering her Japanese heritage, Kana also comes to terms with the present and grows up in the book.
There’s gentleness of descriptions which are admirable, especially given the verse form, there is also clear message in this book, something I’ve always believed in. Even if you are not a bully, letting someone bully other people makes you one, and being passive has no apology.
Orchards is definitely a book I would include in the reading program for teens, both for the language and the subject.
Orchards is a good novel, written exactly in the tone one would expect from a teen who has to deal with a tragedy, and a tragedy in which she was a participant. Except observing and in a way discovering her Japanese heritage, Kana also comes to terms with the present and grows up in the book.
There’s gentleness of descriptions which are admirable, especially given the verse form, there is also clear message in this book, something I’ve always believed in. Even if you are not a bully, letting someone bully other people makes you one, and being passive has no apology.
Orchards is definitely a book I would include in the reading program for teens, both for the language and the subject.
April 27, 2011
When I saw this book at the library, I knew I just had to read it. I love fiction that’s written in free verse (“Sharp Teeth” would be the best example of this that I’ve encountered so far) – it’s rare to find, but even rarer to find within the confines of YA fiction alone. “Sharp Teeth”, meet your new rival, “Orchards”.
This book deals with several issues all at once – being bicultural, bullying, suicide, and death. And I usually try to avoid books like these because there is rarely a new voices strong enough to attention to these issues long enough for people to notice.
But this book is very different. Thompson took a huge risk by writing this in free verse instead of traditional fiction structure. She took a double risk with creating a character based on friends and family and her own experiences in Japan – a bicultural teenage girl – when she herself is not ethnically mixed (or so it seems – correct me if I’m wrong on this one). But you know what? Because she has thorough knowledge of both cultures, these risks pay off, big time. Because she did research and has experience with her subject, it makes Kanako that more alive, that more real. She could be your neighbor or acquaintance at school, talking on Facebook about her experiences over the summer at her matrilininal ancestral home.
And at the same time, her friends could also be the kids you know down the street. The grief she experiences could be the subject of gossip you discuss in whispers with your own friends. And Thompson is not afraid to impress this on her audience. She says it best in this scene with Baachan and Kanako:
“suicide can spread
Baachan finally says
utsuru she adds
like a virus
you have to stop it
put up barriers (page 285, hardcover edition)”
The idea of suicide virii in Japan is nothing new (tons of pieces of popular culture can back this up), and I thought it was particularly skilled of Thompson to extend this idea to her audience – an American YA audience with little to no knowledge of this urban legend outside of movies like “The Ring” or anime. Thompson really helps her audience understand the idea that suicide IS a virus but moreover, it’s a virus vectored by bullying and guilt among the ignorant. This is a masterful work and only through this idea in Japanese culture, I think I can safely say, can really convey the vicious cycle of bullying and suicide within a particular group of people that know each other.
This book NEEDS to be made mandatory reading for all American middle and high schools. The bullying epidemic is out of control (though in Japan, it’s just as bad, if not worse), and we need to put up barriers, strengthen our immune systems against this vector and the result, the suicide virus.
If you want a book that doesn’t sugarcoat this subject yet brings it to the table in a fresh, new, and unforgettable way, this is the book for you. Arguably one of my top ten of 2011 so far.
(crossposted to librarything, shelfari, and witchoftheatregoing.wordpress.com)
This book deals with several issues all at once – being bicultural, bullying, suicide, and death. And I usually try to avoid books like these because there is rarely a new voices strong enough to attention to these issues long enough for people to notice.
But this book is very different. Thompson took a huge risk by writing this in free verse instead of traditional fiction structure. She took a double risk with creating a character based on friends and family and her own experiences in Japan – a bicultural teenage girl – when she herself is not ethnically mixed (or so it seems – correct me if I’m wrong on this one). But you know what? Because she has thorough knowledge of both cultures, these risks pay off, big time. Because she did research and has experience with her subject, it makes Kanako that more alive, that more real. She could be your neighbor or acquaintance at school, talking on Facebook about her experiences over the summer at her matrilininal ancestral home.
And at the same time, her friends could also be the kids you know down the street. The grief she experiences could be the subject of gossip you discuss in whispers with your own friends. And Thompson is not afraid to impress this on her audience. She says it best in this scene with Baachan and Kanako:
“suicide can spread
Baachan finally says
utsuru she adds
like a virus
you have to stop it
put up barriers (page 285, hardcover edition)”
The idea of suicide virii in Japan is nothing new (tons of pieces of popular culture can back this up), and I thought it was particularly skilled of Thompson to extend this idea to her audience – an American YA audience with little to no knowledge of this urban legend outside of movies like “The Ring” or anime. Thompson really helps her audience understand the idea that suicide IS a virus but moreover, it’s a virus vectored by bullying and guilt among the ignorant. This is a masterful work and only through this idea in Japanese culture, I think I can safely say, can really convey the vicious cycle of bullying and suicide within a particular group of people that know each other.
This book NEEDS to be made mandatory reading for all American middle and high schools. The bullying epidemic is out of control (though in Japan, it’s just as bad, if not worse), and we need to put up barriers, strengthen our immune systems against this vector and the result, the suicide virus.
If you want a book that doesn’t sugarcoat this subject yet brings it to the table in a fresh, new, and unforgettable way, this is the book for you. Arguably one of my top ten of 2011 so far.
(crossposted to librarything, shelfari, and witchoftheatregoing.wordpress.com)
September 21, 2014
I'm so glad to have happened upon this book. It swept me up in its beautiful language and expert use of prose to transport me to places I've never been and problems I've never had. Contemporary teen lit right now is cluttered with sappy sad stories of "unusual" love in one-and-million circumstances. There should be more like Orchards; there should be more stories that delve into tragedy and show how it can transform people and create something better. Of course, some readers may argue that more popular titles like that (*cough* TFIOS) do just that. My main argument: Orchards holds real people, people who make sense and emotions that weren't copied out of a poetry book. Enough of that, though, because I really want to praise this book but it's coming out jumbled. This is an excellent story!
The setting... it made me want to go back to Japan SO BADLY! It was achingly strong. Thompson, who is no stranger to Japan (in her bio; but obviously, she couldn't have written like this without experiencing the country), painted the countryside so well and all the people and their customs and mannerisms. I was just so happy to be connected to that part of me again, and I could completely understand Kanako because of this. I truly hope that people who have no connection with Japan can still fall into this book and be there. Perhaps it will be a great introduction to the Japanese countryside, and holidays like Obon.
Dealing with an issue like teen suicide is no light matter. In many ways, this story is one giant letter transposed for the deceased as Kanako grieves and tries to move on. That method keeps her friend close and on the side at the same time. The problem is being addressed without the reader realizing it until Kanako makes the loop in her thoughts as well. Although the past cannot be changed, and some people unfortunately cannot be helped, the future and the attitude of those remaining can change. And sometimes it takes months of thought to dig that out.
I would make this a top choice for a teen book club. It really should be getting more attention than it does. It ended up in my hands because it hadn't circulated in two years (weeding books is a conflicting task as a teen librarian!). Reading the summary, deciding it was a great book for me, and finding a new gush-worthy book made my week. So as a small lesson, my fellow library goers, look at those books on the bottom shelf. Grab a random title that doesn't have the most eye-catching spine or cover. It may be totally awesome.
The setting... it made me want to go back to Japan SO BADLY! It was achingly strong. Thompson, who is no stranger to Japan (in her bio; but obviously, she couldn't have written like this without experiencing the country), painted the countryside so well and all the people and their customs and mannerisms. I was just so happy to be connected to that part of me again, and I could completely understand Kanako because of this. I truly hope that people who have no connection with Japan can still fall into this book and be there. Perhaps it will be a great introduction to the Japanese countryside, and holidays like Obon.
Dealing with an issue like teen suicide is no light matter. In many ways, this story is one giant letter transposed for the deceased as Kanako grieves and tries to move on. That method keeps her friend close and on the side at the same time. The problem is being addressed without the reader realizing it until Kanako makes the loop in her thoughts as well. Although the past cannot be changed, and some people unfortunately cannot be helped, the future and the attitude of those remaining can change. And sometimes it takes months of thought to dig that out.
I would make this a top choice for a teen book club. It really should be getting more attention than it does. It ended up in my hands because it hadn't circulated in two years (weeding books is a conflicting task as a teen librarian!). Reading the summary, deciding it was a great book for me, and finding a new gush-worthy book made my week. So as a small lesson, my fellow library goers, look at those books on the bottom shelf. Grab a random title that doesn't have the most eye-catching spine or cover. It may be totally awesome.
June 10, 2015
This book beautifully written and was the first novel I have read that had a story written in poetry. At the beginning of the book I found it very complex and confusing, but later on throughout the book I understood who the characters were are what the story was about. Orchards has themes such as guilt, friendship and culture in it and tackles the issue bullying and what extremes it can bring. I found the cover of this book very misleading and confusing as it doesn't relate as much to the story. Overall I enjoyed reading it and might read more poetry in the future.
May 24, 2011
Timely tale of bullying told from a bully's point of view. Kana - half-Japanese, half-Jewish, is sent to Japan to live with family for the summer after the suicide of a classmate who she had a hand in ostracizing. I felt like the sparse prose was a great way to handle Kana's fluctuating feelings after her classmate's death and the subsequent repercussions. I thought the story had a slow start - if it had not, I probably would have given it 4 stars.
May 23, 2011
This book was really good. I started reading it and I couldn't put it down. Usually I'm not a fan of books written in free verse but this one was really nice. It was sad at some parts but I really liked how the story ended.
July 18, 2011
Written in verse, Orchard reveals the story of Hana half japanese half jewish new york teen who is sent to Japan after a friends suicide. A great short read and great for teen dealing with bullying and suicide in school or with friends.
February 18, 2011
Beautiful language, great details, and a compelling story. Wow. I loved this book.
February 27, 2011
I loved, loved, loved this book! One of the best so far for the year. The quiet, reflective tone is perfect for the story, and Kana becomes a better person for her experiences.
February 6, 2013
It took me a while to get a feel for her style of writing, but once I did, I enjoyed the book. It covers a powerful topic, which I appreciate!
January 18, 2021
Review #6 of 2021:
**CW: suicide**
I read this book on the recommendation of a colleague. This was two-stars for me, until the ending. Here's the premise of the book: After a bullied classmate hangs herself, a half-Japanese, half-Jewish American student named Kana is sent to live in Japan with her mother's family, in the hopes that it will take her mind off her friend's suicide - and then (this is from the back of the book) "news from home sends her world spinning out of orbit all over again."
I'll address the last part first, as it's what dropped this from 2 stars to 1 star for me. The "news from home" happens on page 267 of 325 - and given that this is a verse novel, and the pages fly fast, this is a wildly small amount of time to process the "news from home." This also means the other 267 pages of the book are supposed to be Kana processing the fact that never spoke up for her bullied friend and getting through the grief and trauma - which just . . . never happens?
Besides the fact that the "news from home" was an insulting plot twist intended purely for shock value, my least favorite thing about this story is its wasted potential. I anticipated that Kana would form a strong connection with her family in Japan, but that never seems to happen. Her family in Japan is *incredibly* bland and emotionless. When she spends time with them, we see them doing things (swimming, going on bike rides, going into the city), but I couldn't tell you what any of these characters are like. Compare this to other verse novels like Karen Hesse's Out of the Dust or Jason Reynold's Long Way Down, where nearly every minor character has a fleshed out backstory . . . and yikes. There just seemed to be such an absence of feeling or emotion on a story based around family, grief, and trauma.
I'm normally suspicious of stories or poems that are addressed to "you" - the "you" being another character in the story. Kana often says "you," indicating that she is writing these poems to her deceased friend Ruth. I don't know why this choice was made, because the most grief-processing that Kana ever does is realizing that she should have been nicer to Ruth? I don't know who the target audience for this book is, but I wouldn't give it to middle schoolers because, to me, it seems like an insulting trivialization of suicide that masquerades as a book promising to answer the question, "How do you know if you're to blame?" The longer I think about this book, the more unsettled I get.
This will be the second book I'm adding to my Burn-If-Seen bookshelf.
**CW: suicide**
I read this book on the recommendation of a colleague. This was two-stars for me, until the ending. Here's the premise of the book: After a bullied classmate hangs herself, a half-Japanese, half-Jewish American student named Kana is sent to live in Japan with her mother's family, in the hopes that it will take her mind off her friend's suicide - and then (this is from the back of the book) "news from home sends her world spinning out of orbit all over again."
I'll address the last part first, as it's what dropped this from 2 stars to 1 star for me. The "news from home" happens on page 267 of 325 - and given that this is a verse novel, and the pages fly fast, this is a wildly small amount of time to process the "news from home." This also means the other 267 pages of the book are supposed to be Kana processing the fact that never spoke up for her bullied friend and getting through the grief and trauma - which just . . . never happens?
Besides the fact that the "news from home" was an insulting plot twist intended purely for shock value, my least favorite thing about this story is its wasted potential. I anticipated that Kana would form a strong connection with her family in Japan, but that never seems to happen. Her family in Japan is *incredibly* bland and emotionless. When she spends time with them, we see them doing things (swimming, going on bike rides, going into the city), but I couldn't tell you what any of these characters are like. Compare this to other verse novels like Karen Hesse's Out of the Dust or Jason Reynold's Long Way Down, where nearly every minor character has a fleshed out backstory . . . and yikes. There just seemed to be such an absence of feeling or emotion on a story based around family, grief, and trauma.
I'm normally suspicious of stories or poems that are addressed to "you" - the "you" being another character in the story. Kana often says "you," indicating that she is writing these poems to her deceased friend Ruth. I don't know why this choice was made, because the most grief-processing that Kana ever does is realizing that she should have been nicer to Ruth? I don't know who the target audience for this book is, but I wouldn't give it to middle schoolers because, to me, it seems like an insulting trivialization of suicide that masquerades as a book promising to answer the question, "How do you know if you're to blame?" The longer I think about this book, the more unsettled I get.
This will be the second book I'm adding to my Burn-If-Seen bookshelf.
February 16, 2020
Orchards by Holly Thompson follows a half Japanese, half Jewish American teen girl named Kana. In the midst of her prior friends suicide, she heads to her mothers childhood home in Japan in hopes of recovery and behavioral reflection. Prior to the death, both Kana and her friends had wrongfully acted and said things to Ruth that supposedly progressed her suicidal thoughts. Lisa was the most powerful of the group of friends and was the most "stable atom" that the electrons orbited around. When Ruth began to spend time with the boy that Lisa liked, the friend group cut Ruth off and began to cold shoulder her and disregard their friendships. Ruth was found dead with a note in her pocket from Lisa telling her to die. Although it was just an act of jealousy over a boy, the words stuck with both parties immensely throughout the book. Once Kana arrived in Japan, she was assigned an array of chores and worked long hours contributing to her family's mikan orange farm. She had to learn how to adapt to the Japanese culture considering she grew up in New York with American traditions. Her grandmother was strict to say the least and felt as if Kana should lose weight, fully adopt the Japanese culture, and contribute to the family farm business. At first, Kana struggles to connect with her family and adopt the traditions, eating habits, and expectations of the Japanese culture. She questions her ability to build relationships with her family members and has no desire to spend the whole summer trying to do so. However, as the summer goes on, she begins to find an understanding with her elders while creating friendships with her cousins. As a result, she processes the death of her friend while discovering the importance and love of accepting relatives. Unfortunately, towards the end of her trip, Kana gets some unsettling news that her other friend, Lisa, had also taken her own life due to the guilt she inherited from Ruth's passing. This led Kana to a total mental breakdown leaving her bed rested for two days. Realizing the toll it was taking on her, all of Kana's family made an extra effort to comfort her during the grieving stage of her friends passing. By the end of the novel, Kana decided to dedicate part of the Orchards where Ruth had passed to the two dead girls as a memory and outlet for the boys and girls within their class. As a result, Kana not only shows growth but she also finds purpose in her life in the midst of a highly tragic time period.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book as the idea of an entire novel in poetry came across as a little intimidating. Furthermore, I felt like this book would be an awesome text to diversely integrate into the classroom. First of all, it would be a great read aloud example. It would teach students that poetry doesn't always have to rhyme. It would also be a great example of telling a story using a different writing technique. It would be perfect to build off this and integrate lit circles to allow students to not only discuss the heavy topic but also share their realizations of how it's different from their assumed characteristics of poetry. Once students build an understanding, they can write a story of their own through their newfound techniques to strengthen their writing and build connections among one another. When I was younger, I hated learning about poetry and struggled to find a passion for it. But, with a book like "Orchards" that holds such a large amount of substance and such a significant message, I think students will be more inclined to find a passion for this type of writing. Since passion infiltrates practice, it would be a win win situation as a teacher.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick an easy book that still had an educational message behind it. I think it's age appropriate and brings to light a heavy topic without scaring the audience or going too deep into the gruesome details. A perfect balance between reality and sheltering for students who are too young to grasp the concept of suicide.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book as the idea of an entire novel in poetry came across as a little intimidating. Furthermore, I felt like this book would be an awesome text to diversely integrate into the classroom. First of all, it would be a great read aloud example. It would teach students that poetry doesn't always have to rhyme. It would also be a great example of telling a story using a different writing technique. It would be perfect to build off this and integrate lit circles to allow students to not only discuss the heavy topic but also share their realizations of how it's different from their assumed characteristics of poetry. Once students build an understanding, they can write a story of their own through their newfound techniques to strengthen their writing and build connections among one another. When I was younger, I hated learning about poetry and struggled to find a passion for it. But, with a book like "Orchards" that holds such a large amount of substance and such a significant message, I think students will be more inclined to find a passion for this type of writing. Since passion infiltrates practice, it would be a win win situation as a teacher.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick an easy book that still had an educational message behind it. I think it's age appropriate and brings to light a heavy topic without scaring the audience or going too deep into the gruesome details. A perfect balance between reality and sheltering for students who are too young to grasp the concept of suicide.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2019
This verse novel caught my attention because its eighth grade protagonist, Kana, is half-Japanese and half-Jewish, and I was intrigued to read of her. As you read, you uncover details piece by piece of what happened to her friend Ruth, as well as the fallout's effects on Kana and her community. It's a quality read, and a tender one.
September 8, 2011
Orchards
Characters: Kana, her friends her family Kana is an 8th grade girl who is sent away because of the suicide of a classmate that one of her friends supposedly caused she is punished and sent to japan. All the characters are flat at times it was hard to remember who her friends were when one of there names would pop up or even what her name was. Random characters would be named out of no where random crushes and friends which really did nothing for the story. What pulled the characters down and made it unbelievable was their age they are in 8th grade 14 and yet the story reads and acts like they are in high school or 18 children pretending to be adults none of these characters act their age at all they act more like the prissy clique of high school girls then 14 year olds this is what made it hard to relate to them that and an 8th grader liking physics and planning on taking a course in a continuity college next year. This makes them unbelievable and Flat. These characters are are flat with little dimension to them after the heartbreaking “thirteen reasons why” with tangible characters and reasons these characters feel like children playing dress up F
Story: Not everyone can write a verse novel and have it come out pure prose with a coherent and enjoyable story Lisa Schroeder and Steven Herrick are two authors that can pull this off well (very well in fact) and of course there are other verse writers out there. Unlike traditional books with verse both the writing and the story have to be spot on if one fails the other will fall with it. Not so with traditional novels where you can have amazing writing but a so so story (example look at any book you have rated 4 stars). Sadly this story suffers because the writing wasn't up to par with what one would expect from verse. The writing is slow and thick like syrup it doesn't flow easily even when one of Lisa schroeders works would get murky and slow it was still a fascinating read with “Orchards” it stays slow and thick though out the book. The details about japan and japanese culture will interest any manga readers it feels rich and magical. The story it's self is a bit askew on one hand the theme is supposedly the suicide of a classmate and kana's reaction to it but if feels more like a fan girly overview of japan the suicide getting pushed to the back of the story. Japan seems to take front and center and while kana does tell the story as though she is speaking to the dead girl it doesn't feel like a suicide story. This story comes off more as a day to day happens in kana's life in japan which is fine and all but also makes for a dull read also that is not what the summery says the summery makes this sound like this is a coming of age/ suicide novel and how people deal with grief. By page 230 in this 325 page monster (for a verse novel that is) all we know is her day to day life in japan. Because of this you feel very detached from the story eager for something exciting to happen page after page of dullness. In short this story is melodramatic, dull and 27 pages to long then it should have been D
Cover: The cover is split on the top you see kana or at least her chin and mouth and her twirling her hair at the bottom you see an orange and blue so much blue but it is a pretty sky blue and while this says nothing about the story inside the cover is eye catching and pretty B
Rating: YA
Company: Random house
My rating : 3 of 5 On the note of writing I actually had to jump off my bed and grab “the day before” by Lisa Schroeder close my eyes and flip to a random page and just re read something to remind myself that yes in fact I do love verse novels....they just have to be written by Lisa Schroeder or Steven Herrick is another one I really loved but only them. What I think pushed this story is the ages the characters are in middle school they are 14.....ugh and uh? Something depressing happens and they out right state she was 14 while this isn't impossible it still raises to many questions to be reasonable in a story like this. Also in this particular story the deaths really don't seem to have a reason you don't get to know the characters enough to fell really bad about it also the story jumps to much either this is a story about family or about suicide it isn't balanced well. Also the ages threw me off also why would you want to separate a group of friends so they are each alone with out each other thus with out support (or so it would seem to them) after a suicide? Over all this book was not what I expected and I had hoped it would have been better after the amazing thirteen reasons why this book falls flat. This book leaves way to many questions here are some
Why did she kill her self?
Why were all the other girls punished?
Did kana learn anything?
Why where these girls friends in the first place?
Who is friends with 28 people in RL all in one school?
Who sends there 14 year old to a boarding school for the summer?
Doesn't a minor need a parent r guardian on a trip across the world?
To many questions and to syrupy thick you have to force your self though it writing
Characters: Kana, her friends her family Kana is an 8th grade girl who is sent away because of the suicide of a classmate that one of her friends supposedly caused she is punished and sent to japan. All the characters are flat at times it was hard to remember who her friends were when one of there names would pop up or even what her name was. Random characters would be named out of no where random crushes and friends which really did nothing for the story. What pulled the characters down and made it unbelievable was their age they are in 8th grade 14 and yet the story reads and acts like they are in high school or 18 children pretending to be adults none of these characters act their age at all they act more like the prissy clique of high school girls then 14 year olds this is what made it hard to relate to them that and an 8th grader liking physics and planning on taking a course in a continuity college next year. This makes them unbelievable and Flat. These characters are are flat with little dimension to them after the heartbreaking “thirteen reasons why” with tangible characters and reasons these characters feel like children playing dress up F
Story: Not everyone can write a verse novel and have it come out pure prose with a coherent and enjoyable story Lisa Schroeder and Steven Herrick are two authors that can pull this off well (very well in fact) and of course there are other verse writers out there. Unlike traditional books with verse both the writing and the story have to be spot on if one fails the other will fall with it. Not so with traditional novels where you can have amazing writing but a so so story (example look at any book you have rated 4 stars). Sadly this story suffers because the writing wasn't up to par with what one would expect from verse. The writing is slow and thick like syrup it doesn't flow easily even when one of Lisa schroeders works would get murky and slow it was still a fascinating read with “Orchards” it stays slow and thick though out the book. The details about japan and japanese culture will interest any manga readers it feels rich and magical. The story it's self is a bit askew on one hand the theme is supposedly the suicide of a classmate and kana's reaction to it but if feels more like a fan girly overview of japan the suicide getting pushed to the back of the story. Japan seems to take front and center and while kana does tell the story as though she is speaking to the dead girl it doesn't feel like a suicide story. This story comes off more as a day to day happens in kana's life in japan which is fine and all but also makes for a dull read also that is not what the summery says the summery makes this sound like this is a coming of age/ suicide novel and how people deal with grief. By page 230 in this 325 page monster (for a verse novel that is) all we know is her day to day life in japan. Because of this you feel very detached from the story eager for something exciting to happen page after page of dullness. In short this story is melodramatic, dull and 27 pages to long then it should have been D
Cover: The cover is split on the top you see kana or at least her chin and mouth and her twirling her hair at the bottom you see an orange and blue so much blue but it is a pretty sky blue and while this says nothing about the story inside the cover is eye catching and pretty B
Rating: YA
Company: Random house
My rating : 3 of 5 On the note of writing I actually had to jump off my bed and grab “the day before” by Lisa Schroeder close my eyes and flip to a random page and just re read something to remind myself that yes in fact I do love verse novels....they just have to be written by Lisa Schroeder or Steven Herrick is another one I really loved but only them. What I think pushed this story is the ages the characters are in middle school they are 14.....ugh and uh? Something depressing happens and they out right state she was 14 while this isn't impossible it still raises to many questions to be reasonable in a story like this. Also in this particular story the deaths really don't seem to have a reason you don't get to know the characters enough to fell really bad about it also the story jumps to much either this is a story about family or about suicide it isn't balanced well. Also the ages threw me off also why would you want to separate a group of friends so they are each alone with out each other thus with out support (or so it would seem to them) after a suicide? Over all this book was not what I expected and I had hoped it would have been better after the amazing thirteen reasons why this book falls flat. This book leaves way to many questions here are some
Why did she kill her self?
Why were all the other girls punished?
Did kana learn anything?
Why where these girls friends in the first place?
Who is friends with 28 people in RL all in one school?
Who sends there 14 year old to a boarding school for the summer?
Doesn't a minor need a parent r guardian on a trip across the world?
To many questions and to syrupy thick you have to force your self though it writing
October 2, 2019
I really like how human the main character is, but... that's about it. I lost interest a few chapters into the story and didn't feel very motivated to keep reading.
August 23, 2011
3.5/5
I think the free verse format of the book kept me from better visualizing the countryside of Japan. I've got the travel bug so I wanted way more details than were provided. Kana does spend a lot of time describing food which was yummy to read about (this coming from someone whose never had Japanese food) but I wanted her to describe the differences in schooling, what do the teenagers in Japan do for fun, etc. Instead Kana is a loner in Japan except for cousins a few years older than herself which is understandable but I do wish she had made one friend or her cousins had been around more in the story to take her to a variety of places. I think I was most frustrated that it took place in the countryside since I much prefer reading about city life but I did love the bits about Bon dances and the yukata (which I think is the Japanese word for kimono). The author also didn't make it clear if she was translating the Japanese words to English for example on page 217 the author writes "a yukata kimono." That confused me because I was unsure of a yukata was a type of kimono or the word for kimono in Japan. The story starts off slow and I didn't really take notice of all the details until chapter 3, which isn't bad but still the first two chapters were short but uninteresting, all about the plane ride and Kana's arrival. Eh
The reason for Kana's arrival in Japan is compelling to read about especially as Kana works through her feelings of guilt, anger and sadness. She ranges hot and cold but never gets out of hand. Sometimes she's defensive "Lisa didn't mean it/everyone knows/when a person says/certain things/they don't mean/the words/they say/really" (pg. 109), other times apologetic. The things Kana and her friends said were sad but not surprising. Kana doesn't have a sudden epiphany "What I did was bad! And I regret it absolutely" instead she really has to work on not blaming Rachel for committing suicide and not being able to "take a joke." I truly felt as though I "watched" Kana mature. Kana's personality was withdrawn, she had friends and managed to be in the popular group but she was more on the outside of that group. I could relate to her withdrawn personality but what I couldn't relate to was her fascination with physics. AND YET I loved reading about the connections she drew from physics to the real world becuase no matter how hard my science teacher tries I will never understand the point of physics. "Physics and You/spells it out/says/if body A exerts a force/pn body B/then body B will exert a force/of the same magnitude/on body A/push and pull/I think/maybe this/is what happened/with Lisa/and you, Ruth-/body A/ and body B" (pg. 280) that makes sense to me.
Orchards I think would actually be a stronger story if it wasn't in free verse. The circumstances surrounding Kana's visit to Japan are what should really draw a reader in. I was half and half. I definitely wanted to see how the author handled the subject of bullying from the voice of someone who not only was a bully but her victim had a very tragic end. The story delivers completely on that part and it's an engaging narrative. I wasn't so thrilled with the descriptions of life in Japan's rural areas, I wanted Japan to play more of a central role but that's not this kind of book. A bonus was the discussions of trying to fit into a culture that is part of you but you have little connection to the actual land (or so you think). I 100% understood Kana's half and half dilemma that gradually becomes less of a problem and more of a gift. The story is most certainly relevant due to the depressing stories of increased bullying (cyber, verbal, not so much physical I don't think) and I think Kana handles the entire situation in an authentic manner, she's never a complete angel nor is she a bitter, "Mean Girl". She's ordinary and I would venture a guess that she could easily have been you or me at some point in our lives.
I think the free verse format of the book kept me from better visualizing the countryside of Japan. I've got the travel bug so I wanted way more details than were provided. Kana does spend a lot of time describing food which was yummy to read about (this coming from someone whose never had Japanese food) but I wanted her to describe the differences in schooling, what do the teenagers in Japan do for fun, etc. Instead Kana is a loner in Japan except for cousins a few years older than herself which is understandable but I do wish she had made one friend or her cousins had been around more in the story to take her to a variety of places. I think I was most frustrated that it took place in the countryside since I much prefer reading about city life but I did love the bits about Bon dances and the yukata (which I think is the Japanese word for kimono). The author also didn't make it clear if she was translating the Japanese words to English for example on page 217 the author writes "a yukata kimono." That confused me because I was unsure of a yukata was a type of kimono or the word for kimono in Japan. The story starts off slow and I didn't really take notice of all the details until chapter 3, which isn't bad but still the first two chapters were short but uninteresting, all about the plane ride and Kana's arrival. Eh
The reason for Kana's arrival in Japan is compelling to read about especially as Kana works through her feelings of guilt, anger and sadness. She ranges hot and cold but never gets out of hand. Sometimes she's defensive "Lisa didn't mean it/everyone knows/when a person says/certain things/they don't mean/the words/they say/really" (pg. 109), other times apologetic. The things Kana and her friends said were sad but not surprising. Kana doesn't have a sudden epiphany "What I did was bad! And I regret it absolutely" instead she really has to work on not blaming Rachel for committing suicide and not being able to "take a joke." I truly felt as though I "watched" Kana mature. Kana's personality was withdrawn, she had friends and managed to be in the popular group but she was more on the outside of that group. I could relate to her withdrawn personality but what I couldn't relate to was her fascination with physics. AND YET I loved reading about the connections she drew from physics to the real world becuase no matter how hard my science teacher tries I will never understand the point of physics. "Physics and You/spells it out/says/if body A exerts a force/pn body B/then body B will exert a force/of the same magnitude/on body A/push and pull/I think/maybe this/is what happened/with Lisa/and you, Ruth-/body A/ and body B" (pg. 280) that makes sense to me.
Orchards I think would actually be a stronger story if it wasn't in free verse. The circumstances surrounding Kana's visit to Japan are what should really draw a reader in. I was half and half. I definitely wanted to see how the author handled the subject of bullying from the voice of someone who not only was a bully but her victim had a very tragic end. The story delivers completely on that part and it's an engaging narrative. I wasn't so thrilled with the descriptions of life in Japan's rural areas, I wanted Japan to play more of a central role but that's not this kind of book. A bonus was the discussions of trying to fit into a culture that is part of you but you have little connection to the actual land (or so you think). I 100% understood Kana's half and half dilemma that gradually becomes less of a problem and more of a gift. The story is most certainly relevant due to the depressing stories of increased bullying (cyber, verbal, not so much physical I don't think) and I think Kana handles the entire situation in an authentic manner, she's never a complete angel nor is she a bitter, "Mean Girl". She's ordinary and I would venture a guess that she could easily have been you or me at some point in our lives.
January 3, 2018
According to the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice Statistics, 28% of U.S. students in grades 6–12 experienced bullying. In surveys, 30% of young people admit to bullying others. In addition, a study in Britain found that at least half of suicides among young people are related to bullying and that 10 to 14 year old girls may be at even higher risk for suicide. As the social hierarchy intensifies in middle school, girls form cliques and can get meaner. PBS Parenting explains that much of this behavior stems from the intense desire to belong, the need to feel powerful, and the conditioning that many girls have to not express their feelings directly. Some girls function as leaders, others as followers, and the rest live outside the groups.
Kana Goldberg, an American middle school girl, feels guilty when Ruth, a classmate, commits suicide: “should I have said something when I saw you at the mall?/ should I have sat across from you at lunch in the cafeteria?/ should I have invited you to be in my group in science/ or my critique partner in art?” Kana reflects on the social hierarchy in her eighth grade class who were “electrons/ arranged in shells/ around Lisa/ Becca and Mona/ first shell solid/ the rest of us/ in orbitals farther out/ less bound/ less stable/ and you/ in the least stable/ most vulnerable/ outermost shell.” Lisa was mean to Ruth and “we all/ followed/ her lead.”
Kana’s Japanese mother and Jewish American father send her to her maternal grandmother’s mikan orange farm for the summer to “reflect in the presence of [her] ancestors.” While there she learns to farm, becomes part of the family and community, and learns the rituals of her Japanese culture, but most important she reflects on her actions and those of her clique and thinks about Ruth and what happened and where to place blame because they didn’t understand her. “what I wanted to know was/ if depression is so common/ is depression a possibility/ for someone like you, Ruth/ then why didn’t they teach us about it?” She finally realizes that the list of what they didn’t do—“end the texting/ talk with you/ laugh with you/ listen to you/ include you/ …seems so basic and short.”
There is another tragedy and through the rituals surrounding death Kana practices with her relatives and the Japanese community, she returns home with ideas of ways to create a memorial to the friends who were tragically affected by the bullying—and to help, not just the girls but the entire 8th grade class, to “go on.”
It is crucial that adolescents experience bullying and the effects of bullying, not in real life, but through novels such as this verse novel by Holly Thompson. Novels such as Orchards will generate important conversations that adolescents need to have and share truths that they need to see; these stories provide not only a mirror to those who are similar to us but windows into those we see as different from us, and, even more significantly, maps guiding adolescents to how they should behave and how to work through conflicts and challenges and maps showing them where they may become lost. Novels can help readers gain knowledge of themselves and empathy for others.
Kana Goldberg, an American middle school girl, feels guilty when Ruth, a classmate, commits suicide: “should I have said something when I saw you at the mall?/ should I have sat across from you at lunch in the cafeteria?/ should I have invited you to be in my group in science/ or my critique partner in art?” Kana reflects on the social hierarchy in her eighth grade class who were “electrons/ arranged in shells/ around Lisa/ Becca and Mona/ first shell solid/ the rest of us/ in orbitals farther out/ less bound/ less stable/ and you/ in the least stable/ most vulnerable/ outermost shell.” Lisa was mean to Ruth and “we all/ followed/ her lead.”
Kana’s Japanese mother and Jewish American father send her to her maternal grandmother’s mikan orange farm for the summer to “reflect in the presence of [her] ancestors.” While there she learns to farm, becomes part of the family and community, and learns the rituals of her Japanese culture, but most important she reflects on her actions and those of her clique and thinks about Ruth and what happened and where to place blame because they didn’t understand her. “what I wanted to know was/ if depression is so common/ is depression a possibility/ for someone like you, Ruth/ then why didn’t they teach us about it?” She finally realizes that the list of what they didn’t do—“end the texting/ talk with you/ laugh with you/ listen to you/ include you/ …seems so basic and short.”
There is another tragedy and through the rituals surrounding death Kana practices with her relatives and the Japanese community, she returns home with ideas of ways to create a memorial to the friends who were tragically affected by the bullying—and to help, not just the girls but the entire 8th grade class, to “go on.”
It is crucial that adolescents experience bullying and the effects of bullying, not in real life, but through novels such as this verse novel by Holly Thompson. Novels such as Orchards will generate important conversations that adolescents need to have and share truths that they need to see; these stories provide not only a mirror to those who are similar to us but windows into those we see as different from us, and, even more significantly, maps guiding adolescents to how they should behave and how to work through conflicts and challenges and maps showing them where they may become lost. Novels can help readers gain knowledge of themselves and empathy for others.
March 29, 2012
Kana Goldberg is a half Japanese half Jewish-American girl who has just finished 8th grade. She is sent to Japan for summer vacation, only thing is that it’s not for vacation. She is sent to live in her mother’s ancestral home, after Ruth, a classmate, hangs herself from a tree in an orchard. She is not the only one that is sent away, the other girls in 8th grade are also sent away from each other, to reflect on their behavior and emotions. Kana believes that it is not fair, insisting that she didn’t do anything wrong, even though she admits that she and her friends said some inconsiderate things to the Ruth.
While living with her family in Japan, Kana spends her free time working hard in the family’s mikan orange grove and helping in frequent family ancestral ceremonies. When she hangs out with her cousin more and more and has a good time, Kana finally begins to understand and enjoy spending time in Japan. Unfortunately, that does not last for long, a friend, Lisa, commits suicide in summer camp, turning Kana’s world upside down again. She slowly begins to recover from the blow and her life is back to normal.
This is not really my favorite scene, but when Kana finds out that Lisa commits suicide, I can literally feel what was going on through her mind. I could feel how she felt, she had just finished re-building her world, but it’s now slowly being crushed again by emotions, thoughts. But then, she slowly builds up her strength and becomes fine again, which made me really relieved.
There is one other scene I particularly liked, and it was in the end of the book. Kana is back in America and she is talking with a boy named Jake underneath the tree where Ruth was sent off. Jake was the only one that actually had talked to Ruth, when she was still alive. They talk about how they can honor Ruth and Lisa. And how they can reflect on the sins they have committed, by dropping a bread crumb in the river for each sin. Kana admits that she would need a whole loaf of bread, and she tells Jake that he would only need one crumb, for blaming himself for Ruth’s death. I found it the scene very sweet and meaningful. It shows that Kana learned something while she was in Japan.
In my opinion, Holly Thompson wrote this book very well and made it interesting to read. She told this incredible story from Kana Goldberg’s point of view by using poetry, which I think made the story nice to read and it really enhanced and expressed Kana’s emotions and what she was going through. I enjoyed reading every part of this book. Orchards by Holly Thompson is great for people around age 13 and up.
While living with her family in Japan, Kana spends her free time working hard in the family’s mikan orange grove and helping in frequent family ancestral ceremonies. When she hangs out with her cousin more and more and has a good time, Kana finally begins to understand and enjoy spending time in Japan. Unfortunately, that does not last for long, a friend, Lisa, commits suicide in summer camp, turning Kana’s world upside down again. She slowly begins to recover from the blow and her life is back to normal.
This is not really my favorite scene, but when Kana finds out that Lisa commits suicide, I can literally feel what was going on through her mind. I could feel how she felt, she had just finished re-building her world, but it’s now slowly being crushed again by emotions, thoughts. But then, she slowly builds up her strength and becomes fine again, which made me really relieved.
There is one other scene I particularly liked, and it was in the end of the book. Kana is back in America and she is talking with a boy named Jake underneath the tree where Ruth was sent off. Jake was the only one that actually had talked to Ruth, when she was still alive. They talk about how they can honor Ruth and Lisa. And how they can reflect on the sins they have committed, by dropping a bread crumb in the river for each sin. Kana admits that she would need a whole loaf of bread, and she tells Jake that he would only need one crumb, for blaming himself for Ruth’s death. I found it the scene very sweet and meaningful. It shows that Kana learned something while she was in Japan.
In my opinion, Holly Thompson wrote this book very well and made it interesting to read. She told this incredible story from Kana Goldberg’s point of view by using poetry, which I think made the story nice to read and it really enhanced and expressed Kana’s emotions and what she was going through. I enjoyed reading every part of this book. Orchards by Holly Thompson is great for people around age 13 and up.
April 4, 2011
Orchards is a book about a group of middle school girls who contribute to a classmate's decision to commit suicide. The girls bully and ostracize her, and the ring leader, Lisa, gives Ruth a note stating, "I hope you die." Ruth then walks to her friend's family's orchard, where she hangs herself from an apple tree. None of this is a surprise - the reader goes into this novel-in-poems knowing that Ruth has killed herself. The story is told from Kana's point of view. Kana was part of the group who harrassed Ruth, and we learn that she is being sent to her grandmother's home/orchard in Japan for the summer to deal with the death of her classmate. Although Kana is sent to the other side of the world, it is significant that she's sent to work at her extended family's orchard; the same type of place Ruth chose to commit suicide. The reader sees Kana trying to work through her friend's death, acclimating to Japanese culture, and dealing with her bi-cultural heritage. (She is Japanese and Jewish).
I thought this book was ok. Maybe it's petty, but I am turned off when authors include too many references to cultural trappings such as Ipods and text messages. I think it ultimately leads to the degradation of the novel as it freezes it into a particular place and time, which for a novel like this, is not necessarily a good thing. (Meaning, it's not a historical novel, so its universal messages are now tied to the time period of Apple products and cell phones). Also, there are quite a number of poems devoted to descriptions of food and meals, which also annoys me. I suppose I could make some observation like: Kana is experiencing all of these mundane pleasures, like the shredded eggplant in her Bento box, or the miso soup she ate for breakfast, that her friend Ruth will never have the oppportunity to enjoy again. But, I'd rather just be irritated, I suppose. Also, toward the end, there is another tragedy that just seems haphazardly thrown in.
I don't think this book would work in a school setting. Kana's contribution to Ruth's suicide by way of being passive and allowing Lisa to bully her has potential, and could be a powerful lesson to students, but there's not much here to really excite students or motivate them to read this book. The poetry creates a veil around a difficult subject (nothing is too blatantly or violently suggested), so this novel could be read by middle school students, I think. I might recommend it to a student who has experienced bullying, depression, or suicide by a family member or friend.
I thought this book was ok. Maybe it's petty, but I am turned off when authors include too many references to cultural trappings such as Ipods and text messages. I think it ultimately leads to the degradation of the novel as it freezes it into a particular place and time, which for a novel like this, is not necessarily a good thing. (Meaning, it's not a historical novel, so its universal messages are now tied to the time period of Apple products and cell phones). Also, there are quite a number of poems devoted to descriptions of food and meals, which also annoys me. I suppose I could make some observation like: Kana is experiencing all of these mundane pleasures, like the shredded eggplant in her Bento box, or the miso soup she ate for breakfast, that her friend Ruth will never have the oppportunity to enjoy again. But, I'd rather just be irritated, I suppose. Also, toward the end, there is another tragedy that just seems haphazardly thrown in.
I don't think this book would work in a school setting. Kana's contribution to Ruth's suicide by way of being passive and allowing Lisa to bully her has potential, and could be a powerful lesson to students, but there's not much here to really excite students or motivate them to read this book. The poetry creates a veil around a difficult subject (nothing is too blatantly or violently suggested), so this novel could be read by middle school students, I think. I might recommend it to a student who has experienced bullying, depression, or suicide by a family member or friend.
July 11, 2014
Thompson, H. (2011). Orchards. New York: Delacorte Press.
Summary: Kana Goldberg, the eighth grade main character, is shipped off to Japan to spend the summer with family upon the demand of her parents after the unthinkable happened to her classmate: Her classmate commits suicide. Her parents thought it was best that she get away to think about what she and her friends did to contribute to the situation. In this book written in verse, the author leads her readers through the aftermath of her classmate's suicide, which includes Kana's personal healing process as well as an added burden.
Award: Parents' Choice Silver Honor 2012
Review: Publishers Weekly (January 3, 2011)
Writing in free verse, Thompson (Ash) eloquently captures a teenager's anger, guilt, and sorrow after a classmate takes her own life. Weeks after Ruth, a bullied eighth-grader, hangs herself in an orchard, the girls who tormented her scatter in different directions, "like beads/ from a necklace/ snapped." Against her wishes, Kana is sent to stay with relatives in her mother's homeland of Japan. Although she's a misfit, with half-Jewish genes and a curvy figure, she is accepted by her extended family and gradually adjusts to the routines and rigors of farm life at her uncle's home. Conciliation doesn't necessarily come through words, but through small gestures of kindness and understanding, brought to life in Thompson's understated yet potent verse. McFerrin's spot illustrations of Japanese imagery (Mount Fuji, origami birds, lanterns) appear intermittently, but feel extraneous and a bit juvenile given the subject matter. Written from Kana's point of view and directed toward Ruth, the novel-moving between Kana's flashbacks, reflections, and moments of discovery-effectively traces her emotional maturation as her desire to move forward is rekindled. Ages 12-up.
Curriculum Connection: This selection would be a great accompaniment to the poetry units of seventh and/or eighth grade language arts classes in which students study the different forms of poetry. In addition, it might also serve as an access point to discussing teen suicide in health classes at the same grade levels.
Diversity: This story is about a Japanese-Jewish girl who is growing up with a Jewish father and Japanese mother. It also does a great job detailing Japanese traditions and customs as she is visiting them.
Genre: Poetry
Age: Secondary grades
Summary: Kana Goldberg, the eighth grade main character, is shipped off to Japan to spend the summer with family upon the demand of her parents after the unthinkable happened to her classmate: Her classmate commits suicide. Her parents thought it was best that she get away to think about what she and her friends did to contribute to the situation. In this book written in verse, the author leads her readers through the aftermath of her classmate's suicide, which includes Kana's personal healing process as well as an added burden.
Award: Parents' Choice Silver Honor 2012
Review: Publishers Weekly (January 3, 2011)
Writing in free verse, Thompson (Ash) eloquently captures a teenager's anger, guilt, and sorrow after a classmate takes her own life. Weeks after Ruth, a bullied eighth-grader, hangs herself in an orchard, the girls who tormented her scatter in different directions, "like beads/ from a necklace/ snapped." Against her wishes, Kana is sent to stay with relatives in her mother's homeland of Japan. Although she's a misfit, with half-Jewish genes and a curvy figure, she is accepted by her extended family and gradually adjusts to the routines and rigors of farm life at her uncle's home. Conciliation doesn't necessarily come through words, but through small gestures of kindness and understanding, brought to life in Thompson's understated yet potent verse. McFerrin's spot illustrations of Japanese imagery (Mount Fuji, origami birds, lanterns) appear intermittently, but feel extraneous and a bit juvenile given the subject matter. Written from Kana's point of view and directed toward Ruth, the novel-moving between Kana's flashbacks, reflections, and moments of discovery-effectively traces her emotional maturation as her desire to move forward is rekindled. Ages 12-up.
Curriculum Connection: This selection would be a great accompaniment to the poetry units of seventh and/or eighth grade language arts classes in which students study the different forms of poetry. In addition, it might also serve as an access point to discussing teen suicide in health classes at the same grade levels.
Diversity: This story is about a Japanese-Jewish girl who is growing up with a Jewish father and Japanese mother. It also does a great job detailing Japanese traditions and customs as she is visiting them.
Genre: Poetry
Age: Secondary grades
March 30, 2011
I remember seeing Orchards by Holly Thompson on a few blogs I followed. Attracted by the lovely cover but more so intrigued by the plot, I decided to get a copy. When my copy arrived, I was a little surprised to find that it was written in free verse instead of a novel format. Since I have never read a book written in free verse (well they remind me of poetry, kind of) and given that the book I was reading then didn't intrigue me much, I decided to jump into it.
Half-Japanese and half-Jewish American, Kana Goldberg is an eight-grader whose life has taken a turn after a classmate commits suicide. Although Kana isn’t the one who had said the hurtful things to Ruth, nonetheless she still feels a little guilty since she is hanging out with the girls who were mean to Ruth. After the incident, Kana’s parents decided to send her off to Japan for the summer. Staying in her mother’s village home in Kohama where they grow mikan oranges for a living, they are hoping that her stay there will help to reflect on her behaviour.
Given her mixed heritage, Kana has difficulty fitting in and she learnt that her grandmother (whom she called Baachan) was unhappy when her mother left Japan many years ago and married an American. It took a while for the family to accept her and soon Kana adjust to her life in the rural orchard farm. Though she is far away from New York, Kana still think of Ruth, her death and how things might be different if it didn’t end it that way.
Filled with teenage angst, guilt, sorrow and reflection, Orchards is an emotional intense story told from Kana’s point of view which was directed to Ruth. I have to confess I was skeptical about the free verse format and wondered if this is suffice to tell a story, and surprisingly I found that this format works well through Holly Thompson’s prose and every of her words are enough to draw me in and pull my heartstring. I was also drawn to the few illustrations that spotlight some of the Japanese culture and symbols which I thought they somewhat lessened the brooding atmosphere given that Kana is sorting out her feelings as readers get to see her mature through the process.
Half-Japanese and half-Jewish American, Kana Goldberg is an eight-grader whose life has taken a turn after a classmate commits suicide. Although Kana isn’t the one who had said the hurtful things to Ruth, nonetheless she still feels a little guilty since she is hanging out with the girls who were mean to Ruth. After the incident, Kana’s parents decided to send her off to Japan for the summer. Staying in her mother’s village home in Kohama where they grow mikan oranges for a living, they are hoping that her stay there will help to reflect on her behaviour.
Given her mixed heritage, Kana has difficulty fitting in and she learnt that her grandmother (whom she called Baachan) was unhappy when her mother left Japan many years ago and married an American. It took a while for the family to accept her and soon Kana adjust to her life in the rural orchard farm. Though she is far away from New York, Kana still think of Ruth, her death and how things might be different if it didn’t end it that way.
Filled with teenage angst, guilt, sorrow and reflection, Orchards is an emotional intense story told from Kana’s point of view which was directed to Ruth. I have to confess I was skeptical about the free verse format and wondered if this is suffice to tell a story, and surprisingly I found that this format works well through Holly Thompson’s prose and every of her words are enough to draw me in and pull my heartstring. I was also drawn to the few illustrations that spotlight some of the Japanese culture and symbols which I thought they somewhat lessened the brooding atmosphere given that Kana is sorting out her feelings as readers get to see her mature through the process.
July 24, 2015
Orchards was a beautiful book. Told in a verse style, it reads like an Ellen Hopkins novel, with quick, easy to read pages which makes for a fast read (I finished it in just a few hours.) Orchards mainly focuses on Kana, the half-japanese, half-jewish protagonist who was involved in the bullying of Ruth, who committed suicide. Because of her involvement, Kana is sent to spend her summer away from home with her Japanese relatives. There, while working, she begins to reflect upon the events and wonder who was at fault, the girls for bullying and not noticing the signs, or Ruth for taking everything seriously. (It was definitely the girls :p) Throughout the course of the book, we get to see Kana’s guilt, as her thoughts constantly turn to Ruth while doing other tasks, such as working in the fields, spending time with relatives, or attending ceremonies or ancestors. We really get to see Kana’s changes throughout the course of the novel. I feel that her time in Japan matures her, which shows especially at the end when she comes up with a plan to honor the place where Ruth took her life. Through a few events that I won’t mention due to a MAJOR spoiler, Kana learns that everything has consequences, no matter how good the intention. And while the consequences hurt everyone, they also sometimes ultimately help a community to heal.
All in all, this was a great read, and I would recommend it to anyone, but especially to people who are fans of Ellen Hopkins’s novels, such as Crank, Impulse, or Burned. While Orchards isn’t as gritty of a read as those novels, it shares a fast-reading verse style and difficult subjects. This novel could be potentially triggering. Actually, I would recommend this for people who found Hopkins’s novels a bit too difficult to get through, as Orchards is more reflective, as opposed to Hopkins’s very immediate storytelling. Perhaps this would be a good read for a child or younger sibling that you feel isn’t ready for Ellen Hopkins’s subjects yet, but would still enjoy a verse style novel. It’s a fast read, and you could probably get through the entire thing in an afternoon. It’ll leave you thinking and reflecting for long after, though!
All in all, this was a great read, and I would recommend it to anyone, but especially to people who are fans of Ellen Hopkins’s novels, such as Crank, Impulse, or Burned. While Orchards isn’t as gritty of a read as those novels, it shares a fast-reading verse style and difficult subjects. This novel could be potentially triggering. Actually, I would recommend this for people who found Hopkins’s novels a bit too difficult to get through, as Orchards is more reflective, as opposed to Hopkins’s very immediate storytelling. Perhaps this would be a good read for a child or younger sibling that you feel isn’t ready for Ellen Hopkins’s subjects yet, but would still enjoy a verse style novel. It’s a fast read, and you could probably get through the entire thing in an afternoon. It’ll leave you thinking and reflecting for long after, though!
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