Written by Shirley Parenteau
Lexie Lewis would give anything to live with her free-spirited mother in San Francisco instead of with her strict grandparents in Portland, Oregon. A chance comes along to make her dream come true by way of a friendship doll exchange with Japan. She is determined to win the letter writing contest and accompany the doll to San Francisco on its way to Japan. What follows is an historical fiction story based on a little known true event that happened in 1926 when American children sent over 12,000 dolls to Japan “in hopes of avoiding a future war.” This is a wonderful, heartwarming story that mixes strong will, friendship, class status, kindness and strong bonds of love. I could visualize the well-written characters in that time period from dress to conversation. And I loved how Lexie comes to realize what true love is all about. I highly recommend this book.
Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-6
Author Website: http://www.shirleyparenteau.com/
Ship of Dolls
Written by Shirley Parenteau
Candlewick Press
258 pages
Release Date: August 5, 2014
ISBN: 9780763670030 (hardcover)
