Weedflower

Weedflower
By: Cynthia Kadohata

When first opening the book Weedflower, I really had no intention or thought that I would ever like it. It was something out of my element. It was definitely something I would have never looked at and picked up on my own terms. However after reading this powerful story, I can honestly say I adore the book.

Sumiko is a twelve year old Japanese girl. She lives a normal life with her family in California. However, on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was bombed. For this reason, her family is uprooted and placed in a detainment camp in Arizona. Everyone begins to blame every Japanese person for being a spy. Everything her family has ever known is ripped away from them and she becomes very unhappy. The Japanese become targets of racism, segregation, and are blamed for everything associated with the happenings at Pearl Harbor. The Japanese were treated like animals during this time period, and that to me is heartbreaking.

Despite all of this, Sumiko stays strong. During her time at the camp, the friendship she develops with Frank is inspirational. She is a fighter, and one that never gives up. This story is very uplifting. Sumiko's story has inspired me to learn more about Japanese Americans at this time. It absolutely left me wanting more. I will always remember this book.