American Diaries #18: Janey G. Blue: Pearl Harbor, 1941

PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII
DECEMBER, 1941

I just hope the war stays far, far away from us

Janey loves the beautiful trees, delicious fruits, and exotic mix of people on the island of Oahu, where her father has come to work at Hickam Airfield. But she's terribly homesick for her friends back in Kansas -- especially with all the frightening talk about war and rumors of a Japanese invasion of Hawaii. Then, on December 7th, Janey's worst nightmares come true. Japanese bombs and bullets shatter the early morning peace. Fleeing with her mother, brother, and Akiko -- the girl across the street, who barely speaks to her -- Janey is terrified for her father at the airfield. During the long, tense hours of worry and fear, Janey must try to find her courage. Will the war turn everything upside down? Will Janey be scared and lonely forever?