  | Unbreakable : a Japanese American family in an American incarceration camp Author: Tonai, Minoru | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
A picture book about the real-life experience of a Japanese American boy incarcerated with his family during World War II.
| Added Entry - Personal Name: | Gutierrez, Jolene |
| Illustrator: | Sasaki, Chris |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (01/15/26)
School Library Journal (+) (01/01/26)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 01/01/2026 Gr 2–5—Although a picture book, this work packs a punch. This story loosely follows the true story of Tonai's experience in the Japanese incarceration camps during the 1940s in America. Tonai's father was believed to be a Japanese spy and arrested. Not long after, he and the rest of his family were sent to a detention center in Santa Anita, CA, and then to Grenada, CO. Three years after his arrest, Tonai's father returns to his family in Colorado at Amache Camp. Over a year later, in 1945, the family and others were liberated and allowed to return to their home. This story is incredibly moving. Children will understand this accessible story, achieved without being watered down or condescending. The back matter of is also well written and aimed at the same audience. There's information about the time period and location of events. The dates are small and not on every page; to remedy that, a timeline is included in the back. The art was done digitally. It features soft muted colors of browns, blues, pinks, and more. Sasaki really captures the weighty emotions of this book within the characters' faces, both sadness and joy, tonally matching the art to the text. VERDICT A heavy book that is done with tact; with meaningful prose and incredible artwork, this is a highly recommended purchase for collections.—Sarah Clarke - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
