For a child grappling with prejudice or learning about difficult historical periods, this story explores courage, empathy, and unlikely friendships during WWII.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is grappling with the concepts of prejudice and social justice. Set in rural Oregon during World War II, this story follows twelve-year-old Hazel who discovers her reclusive neighbor is hiding a Japanese-American boy named Kai from the authorities. The book explores powerful themes of moral courage, empathy, and the development of an unlikely friendship in the face of fear and hatred. For ages 9 to 14, it serves as a gentle yet profound introduction to a difficult part of American history, providing a powerful model for how one person's kindness can make a profound difference.
Characters are in danger of being discovered, which creates suspense and tension.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with racism, xenophobia, and the historical injustice of Japanese-American internment. The approach is secular and character-driven, focusing on the human impact of these issues. The resolution is realistic and hopeful. While the larger historical situation is not resolved, the main characters forge a path forward through their bravery and loyalty, emphasizing the power of individual action.
Ideal Reader
A thoughtful 10 to 13-year-old who enjoys historical fiction with a strong emotional core. It is perfect for a child who is ready to think about moral gray areas, social justice, and what it means to be an ally when it is difficult and unpopular.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of Pearl Harbor and the subsequent internment of Japanese-Americans. The book explains this, but a brief conversation beforehand would enrich the reading experience. The themes are heavy, but the narrative is gentle enough that it does not require pre-screening specific pages. A parent notices their child asking questions about war, repeating a prejudiced comment they heard, or expressing confusion about why certain groups of people are treated unfairly. The parent is looking for a story-based way to discuss American history and social justice.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will connect strongly with the friendship, the secret, and the adventure. An older reader (11-14) will more deeply appreciate the historical weight, the moral complexities Hazel faces, and the systemic nature of the racism depicted. They will understand the danger comes not from a simple villain, but from the fear within an entire community.
What Makes It Special
This book offers a powerful, accessible entry point into the Japanese-American experience on the U.S. home front, a topic less frequently covered in children's WWII literature than the European theater. Its unique focus on the moral courage of an ordinary child as an ally, rather than solely on the victim's perspective, makes the concept of standing up for others very tangible for young readers.
Read plot summary
Twelve-year-old Hazel, living in rural Oregon during WWII, discovers that her strange, reclusive neighbor, Miss Eula, is sheltering a young Japanese-American boy named Kai. Kai's family has been sent to an internment camp, and Miss Eula is hiding him. The story follows Hazel's internal conflict as she navigates loyalty to her new friend against the backdrop of intense anti-Japanese sentiment in her community. She must decide who to trust, what is right, and find the courage to stand up to pervasive prejudice.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Hazel feels conflicted about telling her parents about Kai. Why do you think she keeps it a secret at first? Would you have made the same choice?
2
Miss Eula is seen as strange and unfriendly by the town. How does Hazel's opinion of her change throughout the book? What does this teach us about judging people before we know them?
3
The book is set during a war, when many people were scared and suspicious. How did that fear affect the way people in Hazel's town treated others who were different?
4
At the end, Hazel's actions make a big difference for Kai. What are some small ways a person can show courage and be an ally to someone who is being treated unfairly today?
