When the Cherry Trees Bloom E-Book – Marytė Running

Twelve-year-old Jonas Rutkauskas has always felt different.

With a long Lithuanian name no one can pronounce, few close friends, and a quiet life in Northern Ontario, Jonas often feels like he doesn’t quite fit in. But when his 100-year-old great-grandfather passes away shortly before his 101st birthday, Jonas is entrusted with a deeply personal final wish — to return part of his great-grandfather’s ashes to his homeland of Lithuania when the cherry trees bloom.

What begins as a promise soon becomes a life-changing journey.

As Jonas learns more about his family’s past, he uncovers stories of war, survival, immigration, loss, and resilience stretching back to World War II and the Soviet occupation of Lithuania. Along the way, he begins to understand the meaning of heritage, identity, friendship, grief, and what it truly means to belong.

Filled with emotional depth, humour, and heartfelt reflections, When the Cherry Trees Bloom beautifully explores the bond between generations and the lasting impact of family history. Through Jonas’ honest and relatable voice, readers experience the challenges of growing up, navigating loneliness, and discovering strength through connection and memory.

At its core, this is a touching story about promises, legacy, and finding your place in the world — even when the path leads across oceans and through the stories of those who came before us.

Perfect for middle-grade and young adult readers who enjoy emotional family stories, historical themes, cultural discovery, and meaningful coming-of-age journeys.