Where could they hide? The Japanese would shoot anyone in the caves. The Americans would eat the children. Who could they trust? Joseph didn't know. There was no one left to ask. The explosions kepts coming closer. . . . In the final months of World War II, the tiny South Pacific island of Saipain provided a vital buffer between Japan and the advancing American forces. Japan vowed to defend these island to the last man. One of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific war ensued on Saipan--more than 30,000 Japanese and Americans lost their lives. These numbers do not includ the island natives who were killed--the Chamorro, Rafalawasch, and Rapaganor--all caught in the crossfire. Based on historical events, we witness the story unfold through the eyes of Joseph and his half-Japanese cousin, Kento. These clear-voiced characters move convincingly through war and mounting pressure to take responsibility for the survival of ther families during the invasion. Forced to experiencethe unimaginable horrors of Suicide Cliff, they discover, within themselves, what it means to become warriors. Readers will experience the rich texture and culture of the island as they read about one boy's journey through this little-known chapter of history, a Booklist Editor's Choice book. Kento squeezed my arm and pointed to four distant silhouettes. He used the silent hand signals we had practiced, and mimicked my every move, crouching low beneath branches of coconut palms, then scooting his legs into the tangled bush and vines. We lay motionless in the hot sand. .... "Stay face down! Don't move," I whispered. "But the rats, Joseph." "Rats bite, Kento, bullets kill. Stay down." --FROM THE BOOK