Finding Moon Rabbit

When she and her family are interned at Heart Mountain Relocation Center, fifth-grader Koko Hayashi lost her home, friends - and her father. In 1943 Koko's ill mother and older sister, having survived their first harsh winter behind barbed wire, hope that Pop will be joining them soon from Camp Sante Fe. Koko wants to write to him, but there is a paper shortage. Koko writes the letter on a giant peach label she found, only to have the postmaster explain that it would never make it...
More Description

When she and her family are interned at Heart Mountain Relocation Center, fifth-grader Koko Hayashi lost her home, friends - and her father. In 1943 Koko's ill mother and older sister, having survived their first harsh winter behind barbed wire, hope that Pop will be joining them soon from Camp Sante Fe. Koko wants to write to him, but there is a paper shortage. Koko writes the letter on a giant peach label she found, only to have the postmaster explain that it would never make it past the censors. Her mood is brightened when he fashions it into an origami heart. This taught Koko that there were many rules she would have to learn to obey. Her friend Mitzi invites her to join the Girl Scouts where they have plenty of rules to follow, but also rewards: she might become a greeter at the train station. She signs up, imagining how hers would be the first friendly face her Pop sees when he steps off the train. At the camp Koko learns more about her Japanese heritage, like lucky number eight, a three-colored cat, and that her zodiac sign is a monkey. Yama-san teaches her haiku. But it's the legend of Moon Rabbit that really captures her imagination. Even when Koko finds out her father is accused of being a spy, she loses heart, but not hope. Her family writes another letter to her Pop on rationed paper. Even when the letter is lost, her hope is renewed when she finds an abandoned baby. "A baby is like a happy promise that a better future is coming." Even when Yama-san's wolf cub puppy escapes under the barbed wire to join a wolf-pack, Koko is able to realize the importance of her own family becoming reunited again. Just when all hope seemed lost, Koko's letter is found. At the Girl Scout investiture ceremony, she is congratulated for her accomplishments. But her biggest reward is when she reads an important telegram. Pop is on his way. And as an official Girl Scout Train Greeter, Koko will be there to meet him.