Under the Blood Red Sun

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Under the Blood Red Sun is a historical novel by Graham Salisbury, published in 1994. It details the life of Tomi, a Japanese-American boy, and his family during World War II, when Americans of Japanese descent were being sent to internment camps. Tomi lives in Hawaii, and witnesses the attack on Pearl Harbor. The story centers on the racist persecution of Tomi's family by others, the government's suspicion of the Japanese, and the family's efforts to downplay their Japanese heritage. Meanwhile Tomi and his friends continue to play baseball.

[edit] Characters

  • Tomi: a 13-year-old Japanese-American boy
  • Keet Wilson: Rowdy neighbor who threatens daily to evict them and reports Tomi's family on many false alarms.
  • Kimi: Tomi's five-year-old sister.
  • Billy: The pitcher for the Rats and Tomi's best friend despite his parents' disapproval.
  • Rico and Mose: Two players for the Rats, Tomi's pals.
  • Grampa: Tomi's grandfather, a proud and loyal Japanese.
  • Father: Tomi's father, a poor fisherman. Tells Tomi to be above fighting and violence.
  • Sanji: Tomi's father's fishing partner, who is later killed when their boat is shot by a plane.

[edit] See also