Message from mhogan

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure if you're looking to fulfill the language arts or social studies curriculum. Our 6th grade have previously used two novels that may work for you. A few years ago, we taught Journey to Topaz. This is a story of a Japanese-American girl and her family and their experiences during WWII. This would fulfill the language arts historical fiction standard.

Another book that was read at my school is Dragon Wings. I myself have not read it, but I believe it takes place in China, part of the social studies content standards.

Sorry I don't have more details to offer about Dragon Wings, but I do like Journey to Topaz. It does a good job of representing a variety of the Japanese-American experiences, although it seems especially dramatic, as many of the experiences from different camps have all been put into the author's story. I like the fact that the main character does retain a good relationship with one of her Caucasian friends, thus showing that not all of the Caucasians of that time were prejudiced and enclined to take advantage of the Japanese-American circumstances (although many did). When I taught the book, I also enjoyed bringing in a guest speaker to speak about his memories of the relocation camps. It made the experience come to life more for my students.