The haunting and poignant story of a how a young Japanese girl's understanding of the historic
and tragic bombing of Hiroshima is transformed by a memorial lantern-floating ceremony.
Twelve-year-old Nozomi lives in the Japanese city of Hiroshima. She wasn't even born when the
bombing of Hiroshima took place. Every year Nozomi joins her family at the lantern-floating
ceremony to honor those lost in the bombing. People write the names of their deceased loved
ones along with messages of peace on paper lanterns and set them afloat on the river. This
year Nozomi realizes that her mother always releases one lantern with no name. She begins to
ask questions and when complicated stories of loss and loneliness unfold Nozomi and her
friends come up with a creative way to share their loved ones' experiences. By opening people's
eyes to the struggles they all keep hidden the project teaches the entire community new ways
to show compassion. Soul Lanterns is an honest exploration of what happened on August 6 1945
and offers readers a glimpse not only into the rich cultural history of Japan but also into the
intimate lives of those who recognize--better than most--the urgent need for peace.
