"Kira-Kira" is a novel by Cynthia Kadohata that tells the story of a Japanese-American family living in Georgia in the 1950s. The story is narrated by Katie, the younger sister of Lynn, who is diagnosed with lymphoma. Katie idolizes Lynn, who teaches her the meaning of the Japanese word "kira-kira," which means "glittering" and represents the beauty in life. Despite the hardships and discrimination faced by the family as immigrants, Katie and Lynn find hope and joy in their strong family bond and their dreams of a better life. As Lynn's health deteriorates, Katie struggles to come to terms with the possibility of losing her sister and the challenges of growing up in a world that is not always kind.