49 pages 1 hour read

Yoshiko Uchida

Journey to Topaz: A Story of the Japanese-American Evacuation

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1971

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Journey to Topaz by Yoshiko Uchida, 11-year-old Yuki Sakane and her family are forcibly relocated from their home in Berkeley, California, to the Topaz War Relocation Center in Utah during World War II. The novel depicts how this experience of unjust imprisonment impacts their lives and sense of identity within the wider context of wartime prejudice and racism in America. The book includes descriptions of racism, incarceration, violent death, injustice, and violence toward a minoritized population.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Journey to Topaz by Yoshiko Uchida captures the harrowing experience of Japanese-Americans during WWII. Readers appreciate its heartfelt storytelling and historical insight, though some find the narrative pace slow at times. The book's poignant depiction of internment camps educates and moves, but may seem simplified for young readers. Overall, a compelling read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Journey to Topaz?

A reader who enjoys Journey to Topaz by Yoshiko Uchida likely appreciates historical fiction centered on personal and societal struggles. Fans of Number the Stars by Lois Lowry or Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston will be drawn to Uchida's poignant portrayal of Japanese American internment during WWII.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Children's Literature

Education

Period

WWII / World War II

Topics

History: U.S.

Education

Military / War

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Identity: Race

Life/Time: Coming of Age