Fifteen-year-old Copper is facing enormous changes. Following the death of his father, he must navigate the complexities of growing up in prewar Japan, confronting difficult truths about friendship, betrayal, and his own place in the world. As Copper experiences the triumphs and heartbreaks of adolescence, his uncle writes to him in a secret journal, offering profound advice on life's biggest questions. Together, they look to the stars, using discoveries about the heavens, the earth, and human nature to figure out exactly how a person should live. This beautiful, philosophical classic is a deeply moving story about finding your courage and understanding that even in a world that feels infinitely large, your choices truly matter.