The Friendship Doll, by Kirby Larson

Miss Kanagawa is not just any doll, she was crafted by hand in Japan and delivered after the first World War to America as a sign of friendship. Larson tells the story of several individuals connection to these historical dolls. While this is a book of fiction, there is a great deal of the story that is based on facts. 

Bunny is the daughter of a prestigious New York family and is disappointed when she is not given the opportunity to deliver a speech during the exchange of the dolls in 1927. Belle Wayatt Rooselvelt, granddaughter of Teddy, is given the chance. However, Miss Kanagawa, one of 58 friendship dolls gives Bunny the strength to move beyond this bump in the road and tell her own story throughout life.

Lois has the opportunity to see Miss Kanagawa in the midst of the depression when she makes an appearance at the World's Fair of 1933 in Chicago. Lois feels extremely lucky to have the chance to attend, thanks to her Aunt, and is sure to remember every sight to relay everything to her family and friends. 

Willie May is in search of any way to help her family get back. Without a Father, a sick Mother and young brother, and an older brother already working away with the WPA, Willie May jumps at the opportunity to help make ends meat by living with an older woman and doing nothing more than reading to her. In addition to her tremendous rock and book collection Mrs. Weldon has also come to possess Miss Kanagawa after buying her in an auction. 

Lucy has an equally trying life, as she makes her way from Oklahoma to California and finally to Oregon with her Father in search of work. After the death of Lucy Mother and the dust storm, her Father makes the decision to move elsewhere to work for the WPA and CCC. After finally settling in a camp, Lucy is able to attend school again and is introduced to the friendship doll on a class trip to a museum. 

In the end, Mason, a young boy from Seattle happens upon Miss Kanagawa when she is retrieved after being hidden away by the museum director for years after he was asked to remove all Japanese pieces following the second World War. 

This enchanting story is endearing and educational, though, the cover (plain silhouettes of girls  in red and black) may detract some taking a peak inside, there is no don't that many more pages will turn if one can look past the cover and turn that first one.