If I Was Someone Else - Kea Kamiya

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Short Story
Source: I purchased a copy, (while waiting on my autographed copy from her.)
Pages: 44

Okay, so this is where I usually have my Student Saturdays, where I have a student review a book.  I won't have those until school is back in session. Howeve,r I have the next best thing. The book I am reviewing today is from one of my former students.  She participated in NaNoWriMo last year.  Out of all of the students who reached their goal, she is the only one who got her work published.  Kea moved at the end of third quarter. I knew through emails she was continuing to write, but had no idea she had completed and published the book until I got an excited email.  To say I am proud of her is an understatement. Below is a review of her short story.  I can't wait to see what she writes as a seventh grader. It was truly difficult to write an unbiased review knowing she was my student, but I think I did a pretty good job.

My Thoughts:

Kea Kamiya has written a short story about a young girl who has gone through a life event that has left her scarred, whether she realizes it or not. Kathlean and her family are going through the daily motions of life. One day her dad walked out and didn't come back. Kathleen doesn't understand why. She holds onto little pieces of him, a letter, a DVD, all of which she hides form her mother. Her oldest sister Kathreana pretty much ignores her, as well as the situation.  Kat handles it by getting angry. Kathlean's mom is so worn out after working so many hours that popping a frozen dinner in the oven is the norm for her. She is oblivious to what is actually going on in her house.  Kathlean has always been able to deal with her feelings by talking to her best friend MC. Now, that  part of her world is crumbling as she learns her best friend is moving. How will Kathlean survive now? What will happen to her family?

Kea has taken a problem that faces so many kids today and put it into perspective. She is very intuitive.  Her solution to the issue is spot on. For her first debut book, as a sixth grader, I believe she did a great job in story telling. I look forward to much more by this passionate young lady.

About the Author:
Kea Kamiya is a middle school student. This is her first book. She is passionate about her family, God, and life.  This book came about through her participation in NaNoWriMo. She is currently working on her second book.