TERU: A TALE OF YOKOHAMA

With her knowledge of the Japanese, evident in her Popcorn on the Ginza (1949) for adults, and a keen human sympathy and warmth, the author has created an engrossing and full-dimension picture of the conflict of East and West in occupied Japan. Although American girls will rage and wonder at the humiliating and abusive treatment of women and sympathize with 12-year-old Teru as she carries her heavy little brother on her back, obeying his solemn commands, the author has made believable the love and affection the downtrodden Teru has for her father and brothers. This is a portrait of the family, too -- their hardships, resistance to new ideas and traditional way of life. Also, although there are imperialistic side-swipes and the Americans talk like Hollywood gangsters, the wonder and affection the Japanese children feel for these ""Conqueror Monsters"", is touchingly conveyed.