Mary Matsuda Gruenewald

Mary and her family raised strawberries like many of the other Japanese families on Vashon Island but life came to a crashing halt with Executive Order 9066. As a teen, Mary experienced anger and confusion about being American and Japanese; as an American-born, how could her own country treat her this way? Yet as a Japanese, Americans would never see her as anything but. Despite this scary, frustrating time, her parents’ stoicism and faith that all would work out keep her grounded at the show more times she needs it most.

The more I read about people's experiences in the internment, the more flabbergasted I am to think our government thought this was a good idea. A powerful witness to maintaining our civil rights! show less

One of the most moving books I have ever read. It is difficult to say it was fantastic because I don't want to diminish the impact her story had on me, but her first hand account from beginning to end describing her family's experience as internees in Japanese Concentration camps impacted me more than any other real life book ever has. I was moved to tears many times as she described her life. From now on I will make sure my students have a real understanding of the terrible consequences show more from America's decision to imprison innocent Japanese Americans. show less

this is a really important book because it's one of the only ones of its kind - a firsthand account of japanese-americans being forced to leave their homes and interred in government camps. with soldiers and guns corralling them and watching over them from watchtowers, these were very much concentration camps, although the living situation wasn't as dire or cramped. the writing here is not good but the story is incredibly important and is a good introduction to this history.

I agree with all the reviewers who wrote before me; however, I strongly recommend that all Americans, especially those who are called "educators", read as much of the country's history as they can stomach so they might evaluate the advent and actions of the British, French and Iberian White Trash that stole whatever they wanted on arrival - and ever since - mostly because they had superior weapons. Maybe such a reader will realize how the cultural "racism" grew so strong, strong enough to show more rule life in their country as it is known today. I can see how it will ever be thus, and it doesn't make me proud. I believe that, as much as many of us abhor actions described by Ms. Matsuda Gruenewald, something like it will happen again. show less