Harper Collins Australia
July 2025
- ISBN: 9780733344091
- ISBN 10: 0733344097
- Imprint: ABC Books AU
- List Price: 22.99 AUD
SHORTLISTED in the 2014 CBCA Awards
SHORTLISTED in the 2014 NSW Premier’s History Awards
I’m embarrassed to say that though I’ve had this book in every single one of my primary libraries, as far as I can recall, I had never read it. But it is a welcome new edition indeed as the 80th Anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing is upon us.
Find some information here about the 80th Remembrance in Japan via Hiroshima for Global Peace. It will be valuable for you and your students to explore, reflect, discuss and hopefully take action. And what better time to share this elegant, informative and terribly poignant book.
In much the same way as I commented a few days ago that I knew little about the Dutch experience in the war, I admit I knew pretty much zero about life for the ordinary Japanese people. These were just as much victims as anyone else. Those ruling, ostensibly in the name of the then Emperor, but realistically, at the behest of General Hideki Tōjō, were not just ruthless and cruel enemies, but were driving their own people into complete poverty, starvation and death.
13-year-old Yoko was an excited teen beginning her secondary school at a most prestigious school but her pleasure and delight in this was continually snatched away by the impositions of the authorities. She and her mother struggled with her father away in the military, along with everyone else. And ultimately, Yoko was one of the many fatal casualties of the bombing of Hiroshima. Surviving the initial blast, she died that same evening.
When her brother found her diary – this record of her daily life, a testament to the sweet nature of this girl – he was moved to share it. Yoko’s text has been translated but you can see her original format in her special diary, and Paul Ham has expanded on this with pages of factual explanations and information. I found it so moving and, honestly, felt a little ashamed that I had never given a thought to the civilians in the Japanese determination to best the Allied powers, no matter the cost. Their constant mantra for the citizens was that it was an honour and glory to die for the Emperor. Another example of power-hungry men wielding their force, regardless of the consequences. This is, quite obviously, a perfect companion text for Jackie French’s Mushroom in the Sky. There are teaching notes from the original publishing available but trust me, a quick search will reveal many useful resources especially in this 80th year.
Yoko and Anne Frank – just two of many young girls who lost their lives because of madmen. May they rest in peace and may those of us who continually rage against the atrocities still happening today, finally win the real war – the one that ensures global peace. A sombre 5 🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎 rating for this one.
Watch Terumi Tanaka’s full testimony at https://bit.ly/49vUzRO
Just So Stories 
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