POULSBO, Wash. -- Poulsbo, WA May 26th , 2014—Award-winning author C.E. Edmonson has done it again, creating the powerful and inspiring story of a Japanese-American family that experiences discrimination during World War II. For its deft handling of this difficult situation, the winner of the Reader Views Literary Awards for Best Historical Fiction is Edmonson’s new novel “Fall Down Seven” (ISBN 9781414124698, WinePress Publishing, 2013).
On December 7, 1941, thirteen-year-old Emiko Arrington and her family watch the cloud of smoke rising from Pearl Harbor as planes, swarming like insects, drop torpedoes and bombs. Soon Emiko’s American-born white father leaves to fight in the war, while her Japanese mother, younger brother, and she are left to face an America that now considers them the enemy.
To protect them from discrimination, Emiko’s father sends the family to live with his sister in Connecticut. Emiko knows their situation could be worse since her uncle is interned in a Japanese relocation camp, but people in Connecticut are just as distrusting of Japanese-Americans as elsewhere in the United States. Emiko and her brother experience taunts and discrimination at school and the local church’s board does not want the Arrington family as members. But Emiko’s father taught her to “fall down seven times, get up eight.” With every ounce of courage and strength in her, Emiko shows her classmates that a Japanese-American is just as good as any other American citizen.
“Fall Down Seven” is that rare young adult novel that makes history come to life for readers. Bullying is a major topic of concern in schools today and the bullying Emiko and her brother receive and how they overcome it will resonate with many readers. It is rare for a historical novel to speak so deeply to our own times, and that strength, along with its strong characters are among the reasons why it was chosen to win first place in the 2013 Reader Views Literary Award for Best Historical Fiction. Reader Views reviews more than 2,000 books per year by self-published and small press authors. Its Annual Literary Awards recognize the very best of these up-and-coming authors. “Fall Down Seven” is Edmonson’s fifth novel and it marks the fifth time he has placed in the awards.
Reviewers have nothing but praise for the book. Award-winning novelist Tyler R. Tichelaar states, “a universal novel that will appeal to all...I admit my tears were flowing when I came to the final pages.” Sheri Beebe of Reader Views states, “I really got into Emiko’s character.... She faces her challenges with strength, courage and often times sheer determination.... Historical elements were pensively interlaced, keeping me totally absorbed page after page. I loved this book.” And Jaime A. Gerald at Amazon, says Emiko is “a strong, well-developed character who will tug on your heartstrings, and haunt your thoughts long after the story has come to a close.”
About the Author
Award-winning author Charles E. “Chuck” Edmonson grew up deep in the heart of Texas, with a passion for the Old West. During his formative years, Chuck spent his summers on the plains and cotton fields of West Texas, from which grew a respect for the land and a love of history. He was inspired to write “Fall Down Seven” after his mother-in-law shared her memories of witnessing the attack on Pearl Harbor. Chuck now hangs his hat in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, Cheryl. He has two daughters, Chelsea and Christa. He is also the author of “Prodigal of the Pecos,” “Peacemaker of the Pecos,” “Golden’s Rule,” and “Finding Faith,” all of which have won awards.
“Fall Down Seven” (ISBN 9781414124698, WinePress Publishing, 2013) can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit www.ceedmonson.com. Publicity contact: www.ReaderViews.com. Review copies available upon request.
Media Contact
Susan Violante - Reader Views
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