The Moon Bridge

Savin sets her first children's novel in San Francisco during 1942-1945 when Japanese-Americans were forced into internment camps to deflect possible espionage activity. Ruthie, a fifth-grader, is shocked when her best friend taunts new student Mitzi Fujimoto. After Ruthie defends the girl, she is ostracized as well and inwardly blames Mitzi for her troubles. But Ruthie and Mitzi eventually forge a meaningful alliance, until the Fujimotos are dispatched to an internment center. The girls correspond, but lose touch when Mitzi and her family are transferred to a camp in Arkansas. After the war, the two friends reunite and, though both are changed by their experiences, discover that their mutual affection remains. While the author's writing style is not particularly distinctive--and occasionally awkward phraseology disrupts the narrative flow--her book commendably depicts a shameful period in America's history. An afterword providing historical perspective may spark discussion among curious readers. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)