animal trap on the vast property owned by Mr. Lyndon, the owner of the hatchery. Lynn's condition continues to deteriorate and she becomes blank and irritable. Sometime later, Katie goes outside to relax only, and when she returns, her father tells her that Lynn had died. Katie realizes why Lynn had taught her the word Kira-Kira, as Lynn wanted her to always look at the world as a shining place and to never lose hope, though there might be harsh hurdles. Katie tries to support her grief-stricken parents by performing household chores and cooking, tasks she had formerly despised. Throughout this difficult time, Katie becomes just like Lynn, a sensible and independent girl. The day that Lynn dies, Katie's usually calm and restrained father breaks into an angry rage after seeing Sammy struggle with the limp that he had from getting caught in the trap. He brings Katie to wreck Mr. Lyndon's car, an act which shocks her. Later on, he goes to Mr. Lyndon and owns up to what he did, resulting in him getting fired. Katie is appalled that her father is now unemployed, but he tells her that there is another hatchery opening in Missouri, where he will probably work next, though it will be a longer drive. When the drama dies down, Katie is left with Lynn's diary. On reading it, she realizes that Lynn knew she was going to die and had written a will four days before her death. Katie tries to fulfill one of Lynn's dreams: to get better grades. To cheer everyone up, the family decides to take a vacation. Katie recommends California because that was where Lynn's dream house by the sea would be situated. The family arrives in California, and when Katie walks on the beach, she can hear her sister's voice in the waves: "Kira-Kira! Kira-Kira!" Reception Kirkus Reviews wrote "The vivid writing and the portrayal of a most loving and honorable father lift this above the norm. "Kira-Kira" is Japanese for glittering, and Kadohata's Katie sparkles." Publishers Weekly called it "moving" and Common Sense Media described it as a "touching tale." References External links Author's website Review for Kira-kira 2004 American novels American children's novels Novels about cancer Newbery Medal–winning works Novels set in Georgia (U.S. state) Novels by Cynthia Kadohata 2004 children's books