Paper Wishes (by Lois Sepahban)

Publication Date: January 2016
 

SYNOPSIS: A moving debut 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 dog, Yujiin, to a neighbor to take care of. Manami decides to sneak Yujiin under her coat, but she is caught and forced to abandon him. She is devastated but 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 accept all that has happened to her family. 

THOUGHTS: Just an amazing story, which takes place during a sad and regrettable part of American history. The main character, Manami, struggles through all the changes in her life as her family is relocated to a Japanese internment camp and separated from her dog. So many emotions in this book, which is told in first person. It is a quiet book, not much action, but - wow - the feels! Great supporting characters, especially Manami's brother Ron and her teacher Miss Rosalie. Such a heartfelt and heartbreaking story in many ways, not the least of which is the guilt Manami feels for the separation with her dog and her subsequent actions (some of which account for the title of the book).

I wonder how kids will enjoy this book. Maybe not big interest (due in part to the rather dull cover), but I do think it will end up finding a sizable youth audience to go along with the adoring adult audience it is sure to have. Either way, this book is definitely an early shortlist contender in my eyes. 

CARTWHEEL AWARD NOMINEE?: Yes, I think so. It’s such a well-written historical fiction story, and I am hopeful the kids will really give it a chance. If they do, I think they’ll be surprised.