Thirty Minutes Over Oregon: A Japanese Pilot’s World War II Story

This picture book is an amazing story about one Japanese World War II pilot who helped the American city he bombed years after the war ended. The true story of Nobuo Fujita and his secret flights over Brookings, Oregon in 1942 is a must-read for anyone aged eight and up who is interested in World War II. The book takes us through Nobuo’s journey as a soldier and his life with his family after the war ended. When the people of Brookings, the town he had tried to destroy, sent him an invitation to their Memorial Day festival, Nobuo’s life changed. The people of the little town in Oregon were so friendly and happy to celebrate, it makes me want to go visit, too. Make sure to read the author’s note at the end of the book because it has some of the best information. The illustrations were very colorful and they help the reader better understand the time period. The artist even went to Oregon to see the area she would be illustrating! Though there are some really sad topics addressed in this book, overall it is a great story that shows the power of forgiveness.