Japanese classroom, probably kindergarten, one little girl who’s at the center of it all, and other kids. All the chapters revolve around her life at school and the kids around her. I remember crying my eyes out when one of the other kids died? Don’t remember much more sadly. There was an illustration on the cover, and thats how I’d always picture the protagonist. The book was in English, couldve been a translation. Was heartwarming to say the least!
Lost Classics of Teen Lit: Name That Book! 