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Caren Stelson is a local author of children’s books.  She has written two books about Sachiko Yasui, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki Japan, as well as other children and YA books. When not writing, Ms. Stelson has worked as a reading specialist and a classroom teacher, and she is active in the Saint Paul-Nagasaki Sister City Committee and World Citizen Organization.

Caren and her family lived abroad in the early 2000’s. This time sparled her interest in the long term effects of war (particularly WWII) on people. After receiving her MFA from Hamline University and beginning her writing career, she wrote Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story followed by A Bowl Full of Peace.

A Bowl Full of Peace by Caren Stelson

A Bowl Full of Peace is a picture book illustrated by Akira Kusaka and published in 2020. This is Ms. Stelson’s second book to tell the story of Sachiko Yasui, this time at an early grade school reading level.

• Recommended for Children in Grades 1-5.
• Lexile Measure : 650L (Reading Level L-M)

Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story by Caren Stelson

Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story was published in 2016. Ms. Stelson traveled to Nagasaki several times to research the 1945 bombing and conduct interviews of survivors.  Sachiko Yasui, is one  survivor of the atomic bombing, and this award-winning book tells her story.

• Recommended for Children in Grades 5-8.
• Lexile Measure : 850L (Reading Level T)

Saint Paul-Nagasaki Sister City Committee

The Saint Paul-Nagasaki Sister City Committee created the Ordway Japanese Gardens at Como Park. A visit could be nice tie in while reading either of the Sachiko books.  They also present the annual Japanese Obon Festival at Como Zoo each year in August.

This article contains Amazon affiliate links to Caren Stelson’s books. Family Fun Twin Cities receives a small commission on sales through our site.