At Teacher’s Pet Publications, we believe that every classroom deserves books that inspire empathy, spark conversation, and help students understand diverse perspectives. Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata is one such book. Winner of the Newbery Medal, Kira-Kira offers a heartwarming and deeply emotional story about family, love, cultural identity, and loss—told through the eyes of a young Japanese American girl.
Whether you’re a middle school teacher, homeschool parent, or school librarian, Kira-Kira is a powerful addition to any literature curriculum. We provide not only the book itself but also comprehensive teaching materials to help educators bring this story to life in the classroom.
? About the Book: A Story of Light in the Face of Darkness
Kira-Kira means “glittering” or “shining” in Japanese—a fitting title for this beautifully written novel. The story follows Katie Takeshima, a Japanese American girl growing up in the 1950s in Georgia. Her older sister Lynn teaches her to see the world as kira-kira—even when life becomes challenging.
As Katie’s family struggles with racism, poverty, and the declining health of her beloved sister, the novel becomes a touching journey of resilience, hope, and coming of age. Kadohata’s honest yet lyrical storytelling invites readers into a world where light and love endure, even through heartbreak.
? Why Teachers Choose Kira-Kira for the Classroom
Kira-Kira stands out as an ideal classroom novel for grades 5–8. Here's why thousands of educators across the country choose this book year after year:
1. Award-Winning Quality
As a Newbery Medal winner, Kira-Kira meets high standards of literary excellence, making it a trusted choice for schools and districts nationwide.
2. Age-Appropriate Themes
The book gently introduces heavy topics like illness, racism, and loss in a way that is suitable for middle-grade students, opening the door to meaningful discussion.
3. Cultural Representation
Kira-Kira highlights the Japanese American experience, offering students the opportunity to learn about cultural identity, heritage, and discrimination through an empathetic lens.
4. Builds Emotional Intelligence
The story encourages students to explore emotions like grief, hope, and courage. It fosters empathy and deeper connections within classroom discussions.
5. Supports Common Core Standards
With themes, vocabulary, and writing opportunities that align with Common Core, Kira-Kira is a smart choice for schools focused on measurable outcomes and literacy goals.
? What You Get from Teacher’s Pet Publications
When you purchase Kira-Kira through Teacher’s Pet Publications, you’re not just buying a book—you’re gaining access to expert-developed educational resources that help you teach it with confidence.
✅ The Book:
We offer affordable, high-quality paperback editions of Kira-Kira, perfect for individual student use or classroom libraries.
✅ Teacher’s Guides and Lesson Plans:
Our comprehensive teaching units include:
-
Chapter-by-chapter questions and summaries
-
Vocabulary activities
-
Essay prompts and writing exercises
-
Group discussion topics
-
Quizzes, tests, and answer keys
-
Creative projects and research assignments
Each resource is designed to help educators save time and enrich the learning experience for their students.
? Themes Explored in the Classroom
Kira-Kira offers a wide range of thought-provoking themes that are perfect for guiding classroom discussion:
-
Family Bonds: The connection between Katie and her sister Lynn is central to the story and can prompt students to reflect on their own relationships.
-
Racism and Prejudice: Students learn about discrimination in mid-20th century America and compare it to modern issues.
-
Coming of Age: Katie’s emotional growth provides opportunities for personal reflection and character analysis.
-
Hope in Hardship: The concept of “kira-kira” reminds students that even in difficult times, beauty can be found.
These themes are relevant, relatable, and excellent for building social-emotional learning (SEL) into your literature curriculum.
?? Who Should Teach Kira-Kira?
This book is ideal for:
-
Middle School Teachers (Grades 5–8)
-
Homeschool Parents
-
ESL and ELL Classrooms
-
Literature Circles and Book Clubs
-
Social Studies Units on Immigration or American Identity
Whether you’re planning a novel study, literature circle, or thematic unit, Kira-Kira will engage your students with its emotional depth and literary richness.
? Classroom Sets & Bulk Pricing
At Teacher’s Pet Publications, we offer discounts on classroom sets of Kira-Kira for schools, districts, and education programs. Whether you need 10, 25, or 100 copies, we’re here to help you find the most affordable and effective way to bring this story to your students.
Want to combine your purchase with other multicultural or Newbery Award titles? Our customer support team can help you build a custom bundle that fits your curriculum and budget.
? Ready to Order?
Start teaching Kira-Kira in your classroom today! Ordering is quick, easy, and backed by our satisfaction guarantee. We offer fast shipping and responsive customer service for schools and educators.
? Click here to buy Kira-Kira now from Teacher’s Pet Publications
? Need help? Contact us for bulk orders, sample lessons, or curriculum matching assistance.
? Extend the Learning Experience
To deepen your students' understanding of the book and its context, consider adding:
-
Historical lessons about Japanese American history and immigration
-
Personal reflection journals or memory books
-
Research projects on the internment camps and post-WWII America
-
Author studies on Cynthia Kadohata and other diverse writers
-
Pairing Kira-Kira with books like Inside Out and Back Again or Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry for thematic comparisons
Our curriculum guides offer all the tools needed to support cross-curricular learning and critical thinking.
✍️ What Educators Are Saying
"Kira-Kira touched my students deeply. We had incredible conversations about identity and family, and many students said it was their favorite book of the year."
— Mrs. Lee, 6th Grade Language Arts Teacher, Oregon
"Thanks to Teacher’s Pet Publications, I had everything I needed—lesson plans, assessments, and even creative activities. It made teaching this book effortless."
— Mr. Harper, Middle School Educator, Texas
? Why Buy from Teacher’s Pet Publications?
We’ve been trusted by educators for decades. Here’s why schools choose us:
-
?? Designed by teachers, for teachers
-
? Wide range of award-winning literature
-
✏️ Time-saving teaching guides
-
? Affordable pricing and discounts
-
? Fast, reliable shipping
-
?️ Custom bundles for any curriculum
Your students deserve stories that matter. Kira-Kira is one of them—and we’re here to help you teach it with impact.
? Make Kira-Kira Shine in Your Classroom
Don’t miss the chance to introduce your students to the shimmering world of Kira-Kira—a story that glows with emotional truth and cultural beauty.
? Order your copy today at Teacher’s Pet Publications
? Bulk discounts and teaching materials available
? Have questions? Reach out—we’re here to help.