Description
Book Synopsis: A moving debut middle-grade novel about a girl whose family is relocated to a Japanese internment camp during World War II—and the dog she has to leave behind.
Ten-year-old Manami did not realize how peaceful her family's life on Bainbridge Island was until the day it all changed. It's 1942, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Manami and her family are Japanese American, which means that the government says they must leave their home by the sea and join other Japanese Americans at a prison camp in the desert. Manami is sad to go, but even worse is that they are going to have to give her and her grandfather's dog, Yujiin, to a neighbor to take care of. Manami decides to sneak Yujiin under her coat and gets as far as the mainland before she is caught and forced to abandon Yujiin. She and her grandfather are devastated, but Manami clings to the hope that somehow Yujiin will find his way to the camp and make her family whole again. It isn't until she finds a way to let go of her guilt that Manami can reclaim the piece of herself that she left behind and accept all that has happened to her family. Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban is a heartrending middle-grade novel and piece of historical fiction set during World War II about love, longing, and a girl who finally finds her voice.
“It’s a novel that stays, bravely, in that place of pain, making clear that scars will be left behind not only for the children whose families were incarcerated, but also for the generations that follow. And yet, although the tone is sober and sad, it’s also a novel in which a mute child finds her voice, at last.” —The New York Times
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Immerse yourself in the powerful and emotionally gripping story of Paper Wishes, a captivating middle-grade novel by Lois Sepahban. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this heartrending tale explores the poignant experiences of ten-year-old Manami and her family, who are forced to relocate to a Japanese internment camp. Unfolding with profound emotion and authenticity, this story will transport you to a time when lives were shattered and dreams put on hold.
As Manami grapples with leaving her idyllic life on Bainbridge Island behind, she is faced with the painful reality of having to part with her beloved dog, Yujiin. Determined to keep their bond unbroken, Manami embarks on a courageous journey, attempting to smuggle Yujiin with her to the camp. This daring act of love is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between a girl and her best friend.
Lois Sepahban skillfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and the strength of the human spirit in Paper Wishes. Through Manami's journey, readers are reminded of the power of hope, even in the darkest of times. Sepahban's poignant storytelling and richly developed characters will effortlessly transport you to a world of pain, longing, and ultimately, resilience.
Experience the raw beauty of this historical fiction novel as you follow Manami's quest to find her voice and reclaim a piece of her shattered world. This unforgettable tale will not only leave you with a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by those in the Japanese American community, but also instill in you a renewed sense of hope and the courage to overcome any obstacle.
Don't miss out on this incredible journey of love, longing, and self-discovery. Step into the pages of Paper Wishes and be moved by the resilience of the human spirit. Order your copy today and join Manami as she navigates a world torn apart by war and injustice.
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