GERNADE by Alan Gratz

 

It is WW II, and the Americans are attacking Okinawa. One young American Marine and one young Okinawan student are trying to survive.

Hideki is a new member of the Blood and Iron Student Crops. He is leaving his family in hopes of protecting them from the Japanese and Americans. Both groups are fighting for control of Okinawa. Hideki's people are caught in the middle. He's been given two grenades and the instructions to use one to kill an American and then use the second to kill himself if necessary.

Ray is an American Marine landing on the island to conquer it for the U.S. He is also armed with grenades and also a gun. Explosions are everywhere, from planes and ships. Ray is filled with fear and regrets the disagreement with his father that ended with him thinking enlisting was a reasonable response. 

Both Hideki and Ray are learning as they go. They move from one chaotic situation to another. Ray fears the Japanese and sympathizes with the Okinawans. He witnesses innocent refugees being slaughtered by the Japanese as they are used to bait American soldiers. Hideki thinks he might be safe with the Japanese only to find out they are no better than the Americans he views as monsters.

In his usual unique style author Alan Gratz takes readers into the story on both sides. GRENADE is full of action, terror, and courage. Who will survive the battle for Okinawa? Does anyone really win?