Under the Blood-Red Sun

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to notice social injustices or is struggling with the realization that the world is not always fair. Through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Tomi, this novel navigates the sudden and terrifying shift in Hawaii after the Pearl Harbor attack. It explores how a child deals with the wrongful arrest of their father and grandfather simply because of their heritage. It is a powerful tool for discussing racism, the weight of family honor, and the resilience needed to keep moving forward when life is upended. Best suited for middle schoolers, it offers a realistic but ultimately hopeful look at maintaining one's integrity during a national crisis.