The Friendship Doll

The Friendship Doll
by Kirby Larson

In 1927, 58  dolls were sent from Japan to America as a gesture of friendship and were exhibited all over the country.   One of these beautiful dolls was named Miss Kanagawa.   Author Kirby Larson gives Miss Kanagawa a voice in this historical fiction book.   As the doll travels the country, taking her job as Ambassador of Friendship very seriously, she meets and touches the lives of several children.  

What an amazing story!   As I read this book, I felt the need to do research of my own into the original friendship dolls.   Although the characters she meets in her travels are fictional ones created by the author,  the doll Miss Kanagawa did exist as one of the fifty-eight dolls that came to America in 1927.    I love when a book makes me want to learn more about something!

This is a great choice for readers who enjoy historical fiction as well as readers who enjoy stories where dolls or similar toys are important characters.   Readers who liked the story The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane will likely enjoy this book as well!

Author's website:  http://www.kirbylarson.com/