This book teaches a wonderful lesson about the value of kindness in a world of chaos. I think that it would work well for teaching about World War II. It is an easy read, probably for elementary students. ( )

Mariko and her family return to their home after being in an internment camp during WWII, but all of their belongings have been sold and they have nowhere to live. Her father, who was a gardener bwfore the war, is depressed. He cannot find work and has no tools. To cheer him up, Mariko plants some flowers. The flowers inspire him to restart his gardening business. ( )