Cynthia Kadohata

Cynthia Kadohata is an American author known for her young adult novels. She won the Newbery Medal in 2005 for her book 'Kira-Kira'. Her works often explore themes of family, culture, and identity.

Books

Ranked Books All Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Floating World

    Cover of 'The Floating World' by Cynthia Kadohata

    "The Floating World" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of family dynamics and cultural identity, set against the backdrop of post-World War II America. The narrative follows a Japanese-American family as they travel through the United States in search of economic stability, living out of their car and taking on menial jobs. Through the eyes of a young girl, the story delves into themes of displacement, resilience, and the search for a sense of belonging in a country that is both home and alien. The family's journey is a testament to their enduring spirit and the challenges faced by immigrants in a landscape marked by prejudice and change.

    The 10845th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Thing About Luck

    Cover of 'The Thing About Luck' by Cynthia Kadohata

    A poignant tale of family, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of fortune, this story follows twelve-year-old Summer as she navigates a challenging season of wheat harvesting with her Japanese-American grandparents. With her parents unexpectedly called away to Japan, Summer and her brother Jaz must step up to help their aging grandparents, Obaachan and Jiichan, during a critical time. As they travel across the Midwest, Summer learns valuable lessons about hard work, responsibility, and the true meaning of luck, all while grappling with her own fears and insecurities.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Kira Kira

    Cover of 'Kira Kira' by Cynthia Kadohata

    A young Japanese-American girl narrates growing up in a close-knit family that moves for low-wage factory work, learning to see the world through her older sister’s bright, optimistic phrase “kira-kira.” When her beloved sister falls ill and the family faces medical crises, discrimination, and financial strain, the narrator must confront loss, responsibility, and the limits of childhood innocence. Through grief and small acts of care, she comes to understand the ways love, memory, and resilience can continue to make life shimmer even after tragedy.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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