<DIV><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">On the tiny South Pacific island of Saipan, thirteen-year-old Joseph and his half-Japanese cousin Kento practice to become warriors like their ancestors. But in the final months of World War II, their paradise island becomes the stage for one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific war between America and Japan. Joseph and Kento’s loyalties are tested and they discover, within themselves, what it means to become true warriors.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">“Intense and powerful reading that avoids bleakness by celebrating family, culture, and a longing for peace.” —<i>Booklist</i>, starred review</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Best Fiction for Young Adults —YALSA</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Booklist Editors’ Choice, Books for Youth</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers —<i>Voice of Youth Advocates</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Notable Books for a Global Society —International Reading Association</p></div>