J. C. Kato
Awarding Winning Novels for Ages 9-13
J. C. Kato
In the January chill of 1841, two fatherless boys from opposite shores of the world set sail in search of a way to support their families. They cross each other in the Pacific Ocean on board whaling ships, and shock their countrymen upon their return with what they’d discovered.
A Narrative Non-Fiction in Verse
How Moby Dick came to be written.
Reviews
Whale Boys by J.C. Kato is a pleasure to dive into . . . Kato’s beautiful, lyrical text written from two different points-of-view: Herman Melville and Nakahama Maijiro, allows the reader to lose themselves completely in this fascinating adventure. Highly recommended!
Reycraft Books Associate Publisher Wiley Blevins described Whale Boys as an “edge-of-your-seat adventure” and expressed his great enthusiasm for it. “I am just blown away by this book,” he said. “I can’t speak highly enough about [it].”
A Family Remembered W. W. II
Girl Scout Story
SCBWI Karen and Phil Cushman Award
FINDING MOON RABBIT
World War II Historical Fiction
Here’s what Karen Cushman said of JC’s work:
“I chose Finding Moon Rabbit because the writing is strong, authentic, and sometimes even lyrical; Koko an intriguing and original character; the subject matter compelling and important.”
Reviews
Kirkus:
A sincere novel providing insight into the lives of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Forward Review:
Heart Mountain, an internment camp in Wyoming, is brought to heartbreaking life in Finding Moon Rabbit, J. C. Kato and JC²’s sensitive historical novel about surviving injustice with hope.
Historical Novel Society:
They provide maps, a chronology, and a bibliography for young readers who wish to learn more. This would make good supplementary reading for a World War II history lesson, but it’s also great as a standalone adventure story.
Coming in September
Hour of the Horse:
When Ulysses Grant Met the Emperor of Japan.
A companion novel to Whale Boys
as a Narrative Non-Fiction in Verse
following the history of 19th century Japan.
Gold Royal Palms Winner,
Florida Writers Association
Here’s what an Industry Editor had to say:
“Quite lovely! Very well researched, beautifully written. I loved learning about this! Often very poetic and fascinating.”
Also from J.C.
Poetry
FSPA Contest Winner
“A million shells from distant shores
gather on this sunny beach.
Fan-shaped bits of yesterday rest next
to twisted salt-soaked wood.
I could travel far away and my feet not take one step.”
Sijo JC Kato