The Black Butterfly by Shirley Reva Vernick

I read newspaper reports from the time (1945), and delved into relevant books, journal articles, government websites, museum information, and other resources. Once I decided to write a novel about it, I immersed myself in the facts of Project Fu-Go, as well as in the socioeconomics, politics and zeitgeist of the era, both in the U.S.

That’s how I literally stumbled upon the WWII Fu-Go project for the first time. Shirley: I’m a history junkie, consuming all kinds of history-focused books, podcasts, magazines and websites, both for my own personal interest and in search of that next nugget of history to share with young readers. When/where/how did you hear about it? Please tell us a bit about your research for this story. The Japanese Project Fu-Go (translation: “balloons carrying bombs”) is a bit of WWII history I’d never before heard. The Sky We Shared weaves real history with characters who, like many youths today, must deal with war and hatred right alongside friendship, first love, and family.Īnne: Great.

Nellie’s and Tamiko’s spheres couldn’t be more different…until their worlds collide in life-changing ways. In southern Japan, Tamiko finds a secret way to support her country’s war effort while her brother goes off to fight the Americans. In rural Oregon, Nellie waits for her father to come home from the army, filling her days with salvage drives, a secret crush, rationing, and annoying twin brothers. Based on Japan’s Project Fu-Go during the last stretch of World War II, The Sky We Shared focuses on two youngsters who tell their stories in alternating voices. It reminded me why I love historical fiction! Would you please give readers a super-brief summary of the action?

Anne: Hello, Shirley! I’m thrilled that you could stop by to chat about your latest book for young readers, The Sky We Shared.

The Black Butterfly by Shirley Reva Vernick