Families who loved I am an American: A True Story of Japanese Internment by Jerry Stanley often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child starts asking difficult questions about what it means to be a 'real' American or when they are struggling with the concept of systemic unfairness. Through the true story of Shi Nomura, this book explores how a teenager's life was upended by the Japanese internment during World War II, focusing heavily on themes of identity, resilience, and the fragile nature of civil liberties. It is a powerful tool for parents who want to discuss historical racism and the importance of standing up for one's heritage even when it is being questioned by the government. This book is best suited for middle schoolers who are ready for a realistic, secular, and deeply personal look at a dark chapter in American history. It offers a bridge to discuss how we treat our neighbors during times of fear and how young people can maintain their dignity in the face of injustice.
