Sylvia & Aki

Reach for this book when your child starts noticing unfairness in the world or asks why people are sometimes treated differently because of their heritage. It is an essential choice for families navigating conversations about systemic prejudice, helping children process the heavy reality of history through the eyes of two relatable girls who just want to go to school and be with their families. The story weaves together two true accounts from the 1940s: Sylvia Mendez, whose family fought the segregation of Mexican American students in California, and Aki Munemitsu, whose family was sent to a Japanese American internment camp. While the themes of racism and injustice are serious, the focus remains on the resilience of the girls and the power of standing up for what is right. It is a poignant, age-appropriate introduction to civil rights history that emphasizes courage and empathy.