Farewell to Manzanar 50th Anniversary Edition
What’s inside...
Farewell to Manzanar is a powerful true story written by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston that recounts her life in a Japanese American incarceration camp during World War II. The camp, called Manzanar, was located in the high mountain desert of California and was created to house thousands of Japanese Americans. Through the eyes of her childhood self, Houston shares the mundane and remarkable details of daily life, her fear, confusion, and bewilderment, as well as the dignity and resourcefulness of people in oppressive circumstances. The book reveals her search for the meaning of Manzanar and has become a staple in educational curriculum across the country. It was named one of the twentieth century’s 100 best nonfiction books from west of the Rockies by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Age
7-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jeanne Wakatsuki
Radine
Kiyo Wakatsuki
Woodrow "Woody" Wakatsuki
Riku Wakatsuki
Ko Wakatsuki
Discussion points
How did Jeanne's experiences at Manzanar shape her identity and perspectives?
What challenges did the Wakatsuki family face, and how did they overcome them?
How do the events in Farewell to Manzanar relate to issues of justice and equality today?
In what ways did the community within Manzanar support each other?
How does the story change your understanding of American history during World War II?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves in Jeanne's situation and discuss how they might feel.
Highlight the importance of resilience and family support as seen throughout the book to instill similar values.
Discuss the broader context of the story, linking it to current events to help your child understand ongoing issues of justice and equality.
After reading the book together, watch historically accurate films or documentaries on the internment for a visual perspective.
Encourage critical thinking by asking your child what lessons they think can be learned from the experiences of the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Jeanne, faces life in an internment camp with strength and determination, showing that one can maintain dignity and resilience even in harsh circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to handle difficult situations in their own lives with perseverance and courage, understanding that tough times can be faced with a positive outlook.
Example Lesson: The importance of family unity
Explanation: Throughout their internment, Jeanne's family demonstrates how relying on each other for emotional support strengthens their bonds, helping them cope with their challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate the value of supporting family members during tough times, fostering a supportive home environment.
Example Lesson: Cultural identity and heritage
Explanation: Jeanne struggles with her Japanese-American identity, which underscores the importance of embracing one's heritage despite external pressures and prejudice.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to explore and take pride in their own cultural backgrounds, promoting self-acceptance and respect for diversity.
Example Lesson: Injustices of prejudice
Explanation: The book vividly portrays the injustice faced by Japanese-Americans during World War II, highlighting the detrimental effects of racial prejudice and stereotyping.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of fairness, equality, and the dangers of prejudging others based on race or background, encouraging empathy and inclusivity in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of personal growth
Explanation: Jeanne's journey from childhood to adulthood in the camp illustrates how personal adversities can lead to self-discovery and growth.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that personal challenges can be transformative, helping them develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their capacities.