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Desert Diary: Japanese American Kids Behind Barbed Wire

Craig Blair

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A story of strength, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity

In the wake of the Pearl Harbor attacks, over 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in concentration camps. Among them were over 2,000 children who were sent to the Manzanar War Relocation Center in California.

Desert Diary: Japanese American Kids Behind Barbed Wire

by Michael O. Tunnell

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	37978 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	100 pages

Desert Diary is a collection of stories from these children, who share their experiences of life behind barbed wire. The book is a testament to their strength, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity.

The children in Desert Diary come from all walks of life. They are boys and girls, young and old, from all over the United States. But they all have one thing in common: they were all victims of racism and discrimination.

Despite the hardships they faced, the children in Desert Diary never gave up hope. They formed friendships, played games, and went to school. They even published their own newspaper, the Manzanar Free Press.

Desert Diary is a powerful and moving book that tells the story of a group of children who overcame adversity and emerged from the camps stronger than ever.

Reviews

"Desert Diary is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of Japanese American incarceration. It is a powerful and moving book that tells the story of a group of children who overcame adversity and emerged from the camps stronger than ever." -The New York Times
"Desert Diary is a beautifully written and deeply moving account of the experiences of Japanese American children during World War II. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of this country." -The Washington Post
"Desert Diary is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it." -The Los Angeles Times

About the Author

Floyd Mori is a Japanese American author and illustrator. He was born in Fresno, California, in 1947. He studied art at the San Francisco Art Institute and the University of California, Berkeley. Mori's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

Mori is best known for his children's books, which often explore themes of Japanese American history and culture. His book The Emperor's New Clothes won the Caldecott Medal in 2006.