In this important and moving true story of reconciliation after war, beautifully illustrated in watercolor, a Japanese pilot bombs the continental U.S. during WWII—the only enemy ever to do so—and comes back 20 years later to apologize.

The devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, drew the United States into World War II in 1941. But few are aware that several months later, the Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita dropped bombs in the woods outside a small town in coastal Oregon. This is the story of those bombings, and what came after, when Fujita returned to Oregon twenty years later, this time to apologize.      This remarkable true story, beautifully illustrated in watercolor, is an important and moving account of reconciliation after war.

Books for all ages have been written about the bombing of Pearl Harbor which caused the United States to enter WWII. Little is known about the other bombings by the Japanese in September of 1942 over the state of Oregon. This picture book tells the story in both text and illustration of a Japanese submarine coming into the waters off the coast of Oregon, to launch a small plane which would bomb the forests around Brookings ,Oregon. The hope was that a fire would start, spread and consume the forests in the area. Though the mission failed, it changed many lives for many years to come.

Author Nobleman and illustrator Iwai work perfectly together to engage the reader in this little known historical event. Even more important is what happened in the following years.

This book is one of many that are offering young readers moments in history that few have heard about. This is what makes this book important- it both informs and brings history to younger readers so the next generation can acknowledge and honor what our nation is about. Use in units on Pearl Harbor, World War II, forgiveness and friendship.

Should be considered for cream.

Use with 4th graders and up.

Reviewed by Kathy George, Gray Public Library