Displacement
OverDrive Read Series
on Goodreads (10,693)
What’s inside...
A teenager named Kiku is on vacation in San Francisco when she is suddenly pulled back in time to the 1940s Japanese-American internment camp where her late grandmother, Ernestina, was forcibly relocated during World War II. Kiku experiences life in the internment camps alongside her young grandmother and other Japanese-American citizens, witnessing their struggles and acts of resistance. Through these displacements, Kiku gains a deeper understanding of her heritage and the hardships faced by Japanese-Americans, as depicted in the historical graphic novel 'Displacement' by Kiku Hughes.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-18
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Kiku
Kiku'S Grandmother
Discussion points
How did the experiences of Kiku in the internment camp make you feel?
Why is it important to remember and learn about historical events like the Japanese internment?
What can we learn from Kiku’s relationship with her grandmother in the story?
How do the themes of identity and displacement in the book relate to current events?
What would you have done in Kiku’s situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open dialogue by sharing your perspectives and allowing your child to express their thoughts without interruption. Highlight the significance of empathy by discussing the emotional aspects of Kiku's experiences. Connect the book’s themes to current events to make the conversation relevant. Ask questions that connect the story to your child's personal experiences or feelings. Use examples from the book to talk about resilience and the importance of understanding history.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciating cultural heritage
Explanation: In 'Displacement', Kiku experiences her grandmother's past in Japanese internment camps firsthand. This brings a deep appreciation of her cultural history and the struggles her ancestors faced.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to explore and value their own family histories and traditions, fostering a sense of identity and respect for their cultural background.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey allows her to step into the shoes of her grandmother, experiencing the hardships and resilience first-hand. This narrative device cultivates empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by showing more understanding and kindness towards classmates and friends who may be different or may be going through challenging times.
Example Lesson: The impact of history on the present
Explanation: Kiku's time-travel episodes link past events like internment to current issues around civil rights and social justice, illustrating how history shapes our contemporary world.
Real-World Application: This encourages young readers to be curious about history and to recognize its effects on modern society, promoting informed and thoughtful citizenship.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The book showcases the resilience of the Japanese-American community during a dark chapter in American history, highlighting their strength in maintaining dignity and hope.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain hope and perseverance even in difficult situations, understanding that adversity can be faced and overcome with strength and unity.
Example Lesson: Importance of sharing and preserving stories
Explanation: Through Kiku’s experiences, 'Displacement' underscores the importance of sharing and preserving personal and communal narratives to ensure they are not forgotten.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to listen to and preserve stories from their own family and community, understanding that these narratives are vital to personal and collective memory.