Age: K-3rd grade
History: 1940s--Japanese Internment Camps
Identity: Japanese American
Tough Issue: Internment, racism

Tama works in the library at the Minidoka incarceration camp where a fellow book enthusiast visits her every day. But is he truly reading a stack of books every day or visiting for another reason? Tokuda-Hall captures this sweet love story of her grandparents while giving a factual depiction of the racial prejudice committed upon Japanese Americans and how they were forced to create a life of escape amidst injustice.

Imamura captures the dismal atmosphere of the internment setting with shadows and brown hues while, at the same time, illustrating the characters with strength, resilience, and lifted spirits.

The unique illustrations, the expertly crafted story, and the importance of historical education for young children make this a true stand out.