The memories of her escape were so painful that it took Watkins thirty-one years before she could begin to write her story.

Her story is riveting and her message poignant, and anyone who reads about Watkins's experiences understands how deeply they must have molded her values and changed her outlook on life. Today Watkins lectures to children and young adults throughout the country and in other parts of the world as well. The stories she tells teach all of us important lessons about the sanctity of life, the value of love and kindness, and the necessity of world peace.

Both So Far from the Bamboo Grove and its sequel My Brother, My Sister, and I stress the importance of strength and perseverance in the face of tragedy. In this first book Yoko, Ko, and Hideyo brave hellish conditions and they survive amazing odds. Not only do...