Sherri L. Smith’s THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY has received two starred reviews following its publication earlier this month. The Horn Magazine writes: “Through meticulous research, Smith immerses her readers in a war narrative not often told to American readers, as well as a conflict-filled love story.” The School Library Journal praises the book for its “passion and hope,” adding that “[t]he ending feels inevitable, like the last notes of a perfect melody.” G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers published the book on February 18, 2020.