Cynthia Kadohata was born on July 2, 1956 in Chicago, IL. She is an award-winning
author of fiction for children and young adults. She has written more than ten books.
Kira-Kira was published in 2004. It won the Newbery Medal for children's literature
in 2005. The book tells the story of Katie Takeshima, the middle child, beginning
in the 1950s. It tells of the family's struggles. Wikipedia writes: "Kirkus Reviews wrote:
'The vivid writing and the portrayal of a most loving and honorable father lift this
above the norm. 'Kira-Kira' is Japanese for glittering, and Kadohata's Katie sparkles.'
Publishers Weekly called it 'moving' and Common Sense Media described
it as a 'touching tale.'"