About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to question the difference between blind loyalty and true moral courage. It is an ideal choice for the child who is noticing that sometimes the people around them, or even their own government, might be acting out of fear rather than fairness. Set against the backdrop of Oregon during World War II, the story follows Hazel, a girl who discovers her neighbor is secretly hiding a young Japanese American boy named Koji to keep him from an internment camp. As Hazel and Koji form an unlikely bond, the book navigates complex themes of prejudice, wartime hysteria, and the heavy weight of keeping secrets. It is a sophisticated historical fiction piece for the 8 to 12 age range that doesn't shy away from the reality of discrimination but remains grounded in a relatable story of friendship. Parents will appreciate how it challenges young readers to think about what it means to be a hero when the right choice is also the unpopular one.
