
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to notice social injustices or is struggling with the realization that the world is not always fair. Through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Tomi, this novel navigates the sudden and terrifying shift in Hawaii after the Pearl Harbor attack. It explores how a child deals with the wrongful arrest of their father and grandfather simply because of their heritage. It is a powerful tool for discussing racism, the weight of family honor, and the resilience needed to keep moving forward when life is upended. Best suited for middle schoolers, it offers a realistic but ultimately hopeful look at maintaining one's integrity during a national crisis.
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Sign in to write a reviewThemes of family separation and the loss of safety and property.
Physical altercations with a local bully and depictions of wartime violence.
The book deals directly with systemic racism, the trauma of war, and the fear of an incarcerated parent. The approach is realistic and secular, grounded in historical facts. While the resolution is realistic (the war does not end immediately), it is hopeful in Tomi's personal growth and the strength of his friendships.
A 12-year-old who is interested in history but also sensitive to social dynamics, particularly one who feels a strong sense of protective loyalty toward their family.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of Executive Order 9066. There are scenes of physical bullying and intense moments of military violence during the attack that may require debriefing. A parent might choose this after their child hears a racial slur or expresses confusion about why people are treated differently based on their appearance or background.
Younger readers (10-11) will focus on the friendship between Tomi and his white friend Billy. Older readers (13-14) will better grasp the nuance of 'gaman' (enduring the seemingly unendurable) and the complex political landscape.
Unlike many internment stories set in mainland camps, this focuses on the immediate, visceral atmosphere of Hawaii in the days following the attack, highlighting the specific tension within a multi-ethnic island community.
Set in 1941 Hawaii, the story follows Tomi Nakaji, a Japanese American boy whose life revolves around baseball and school. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, his world collapses as his father and grandfather are arrested and sent to internment camps. Tomi must navigate a community suddenly filled with suspicion and hatred while trying to maintain his family's honor and care for his mother and sister.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.