Reading Record (106) "Summer Lost Child" by Shiiko Murakami, Froebel-kan

How I came to pick it up

I like stories that deal with haiku and tanka, and I also love Shiiko Murakami's "Utau to wa Chiisana Inochi no Hiroiage" (To Sing is to Pick Up Small Lives). When children who are expanding their reading from picture books to longer stories ask me for recommendations, I often suggest the series that includes "Reizoko no Natsuyasumi" (The Refrigerator's Summer Vacation), illustrated by Yoshifumi Hasegawa, who is from Fujiidera City. For children who are used to reading stories, I also recommend the series that includes "Ongakushitsu no Nichiyobi" (Sunday in the Music Room), illustrated by Rokudai Tanaka.

There are fun stories, and there are stories that depict children in difficult circumstances. I start with the fun ones, but as children get older and read books for upper elementary or young adult readers, there are many stories that really hit home. I think this breadth is a testament to Shiiko Murakami's depth as an author.

Parts that left an impression

Children who can only live under the protection of their parents have no choice but to accept and come to terms with their situation, even if their parents are unreasonable or their environment is unfair. However, this book also makes you realize that there are many people who will be there for you when you send out an SOS, and many friends of your own age who will truly worry about you, stand by you, and take action with you.

The scene in Chapter 4 where they go to the city office was memorable. Looking back on my own childhood, I have no memory of going to the city office. My friends and I never went there on our own as children. Now, I know that there are departments for general living and social welfare. I never had the idea of going to the city office to ask questions when I wanted to know something or when I was in trouble.

The people at the city office treat Junsei and the others not as children, but as individuals. They carefully explained what they could and could not do, and provided the necessary information.

When you read books, you don't just gain specific knowledge; you can learn about how society works on a large scale. I think children who read are strong. This is because they have opportunities to learn where and how to seek help when they are truly in trouble. Even if they can't go straight to the city office, they can go to a bookstore or library when they are in trouble, thinking that there might be a hint in a book.

Summary

If children the same age as Junsei and Mikoto read this, they can read it as a coming-of-age story. If adults read it, they can read it from the perspective of how to watch over and support a child's growth. I felt that this is a book where what you feel changes depending on your age and your position.