Write to Me: Letters from Japanese American Children
to the Librarian They Left Behind 
Illustrated by Amiko Hirao
(Charlesbridge)

A touching story about Japanese American children who corresponded with their beloved librarian while they were imprisoned in World War II internment camps.

When Executive Order 9066 is enacted after the attack at Pearl Harbor, children’s librarian Clara Breed’s young Japanese American patrons are to be imprisoned in the desert. Before they are moved, Miss Breed asks the children to write her letters and gives them books to take with them. Through the three years of their internment, the children correspond with Miss Breed, sharing their stories, providing feedback on books, and creating a record of their experiences. Using excerpts from children’s letters held at the Japanese American National Museum, author Cynthia Grady presents a difficult subject with honesty and hope.

Reviews

♥♥♥ 2020 One Book One San Diego Selection ♥♥♥

 Booklist (starred review)
“. . . moving story . . . full of warmth . . . A beautiful picture book for sharing and discussing with older children as well as the primary audience.”

Publishers Weekly
“… affecting introduction to a distressing chapter in U.S. history and a brave librarian who inspired hope ….”

Kirkus
“Many pages include quotes from the children’s correspondence, now archived at the Japanese American National Museum, which testify to the power of literature to make life more bearable.”

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
“Grady’s librarian expertise is evident throughout, from the black-and-white photos that begin and end her book, to her illuminating author’s note, timeline, historical overview, and additional resources that go well beyond Miss Breed’s story. Meanwhile, Japanese-born, Rhode Island School of Design-trained artist Amiko Hirao’s soft illustrations both welcome and expose, sharing experiences and bearing witness.”

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Awards and Honors

• • 2020, One Book One San Diego Children’s Book Selection.
  • 2019, Jefferson Cup, Children’s Biography, Virginia Library Association.
  • 2019, Social Justice Award, International Literacy Association.
  • 2019, Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, NCSS.
  • 2019, Bank Street College of Education, Best Children’s Books of the Year.
  • 2019, Nominated, Ezra Jack Keats Award for Picture Book Text.
  • 2019, A Mighty Girl pick.