Farewell to Manzanar
This
haunting memoir Farewell to Manzanar by
Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston (and her husband James Houston) recounts the days
following the attack on Pearl Harbor and remains to be one of the most popular
works of American History from the perspective of a young Japaense American
girl trying to understand her place in the world in the midst of World War II.
The story begins the day of the Pearl Harbor bombing, Jeanne is a seven year
old Japanese American and doesn’t realize her young life is about to change
forever. Not understanding the seriousness of war, Jeanne’s father is taken
away from her and her home is being raided, her mother is left crying and soon
she will be shipped off to live in an internment camp in Manzanar, near Lone
Pine, California. During her time at Manzanar, Jeanne continues to question
why, why she and her family must be punished for an act they didn’t commit.
This book
is not only an excellent source to remind us what the American homeland was
like during World War II, it’s retold from the eyes from a young girl held in
internment camp and growing up behind fences and in close quarters with other
Japanese Americans. Stories like these are important for young readers to
engage in because for a greater knowledge and appreciation for other cultures
and their histories. Obviously having the story told from a young perspective
helps grab the attention of our youth and helps them understand the harshness
of the world in a child’s mindset. Introducing and encouraging multicultural
literature into the reading list of tweens and young adults is important to
expand their knowledge, vocabulary and becoming more aware of their place in
the world and feeling connected with the world.
(images via pinterest)
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