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Returning the Sword - by Caren Stelson (Hardcover)

Name: Returning the Sword - by Caren Stelson (Hardcover)
Brand: Carolrhoda Books (R)
SKU: 94494473
Price: 18.99 USD
Availability: InStock

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About this item

Details

Highlights

In 1945, just after the end of World War II, Captain Orval Amdahl brought home a Japanese sword as a souvenir of war.
9-10 Years
11.2" x 9.6" Hardcover
32 Pages
Juvenile Nonfiction, History

Description

Book Synopsis

In 1945, just after the end of World War II, Captain Orval Amdahl brought home a Japanese sword as a souvenir of war. Sixty-eight years later, he gave it back.

Orval Amdahl grew up in rural Minnesota and enlisted in the Marines during World War II. In August 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending the war. Soon after, Orval's division was sent to keep the peace in Nagasaki, and the devastation he witnessed there haunted him. When he returned home, he tried to move on, but he couldn't forget the war--or the sword. And many years later, at the age of ninety-three, he got a chance to do something incredible. He met with the family of the soldier who had owned the sword and returned it to them.

A powerful story of war, peace, and reconciliation from author Caren Stelson and illustrator Amanda Yoshida.

Review Quotes

"With simple, realistic illustrations, this picture book tells Amdahl's story soberly and with utmost respect. . . . A clear-eyed, compelling recollection of one soldier's story."--Kirkus Reviews

-- (8/22/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"Stelson writes with vivid clarity, rendering a story with careful detail while bolstering themes of peace and honor. Working in harmony with Stelson's text, Yoshida's vibrant illustrations are wreathed in symbolic imagery and color those themes with gestures of reconciliation."--Booklist

-- (8/14/2025 12:00:00 AM)

Specifications

Dimensions (Overall): 11.2 Inches (H) x 9.6 Inches (W) x .4 Inches (D)

Weight: .95 Pounds

Suggested Age: 9-10 Years

Number of Pages: 32

Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction

Sub-Genre: History

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (R)

Theme: Military & Wars

Format: Hardcover

Author: Caren Stelson

Language: English

Street Date: October 7, 2025

TCIN: 94494473

UPC: 9798765611531

Item Number (DPCI): 247-04-1870

Origin: Made in the USA or Imported

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Shipping & Returns

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.4 inches length x 9.6 inches width x 11.2 inches height

Estimated ship weight: 0.95 pounds

We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.

This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO, Alaska, Hawaii

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.

This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.

See the return policy for complete information.