Love in the Library
What’s inside...
Set in an internment camp where the United States cruelly detained Japanese Americans during WWII and based on true events, this moving love story finds hope in heartbreak. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Tama is sent to live in a War Relocation Center in the desert. All Japanese Americans from the West Coast—elderly people, children, babies—now live in prison camps like Minidoka. To be who she is has become a crime, it seems, and Tama doesn’t know when or if she will ever leave. Trying not to think of the life she once had, she works in the camp’s tiny library, taking solace in pages bursting with color and light, love and fairness. And she isn’t the only one. George waits each morning by the door, his arms piled with books checked out the day before. As their friendship grows, Tama wonders: Can anyone possibly read so much? Is she the reason George comes to the library every day? Beautifully illustrated and complete with an afterword, back matter, and a photo of the real Tama and George—the author’s grandparents—Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s elegant love story for readers of all ages sheds light on a shameful chapter of American history.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Tama and George learned about each other through their love of books?
How does helping others make you feel, as demonstrated by Tama in the library?
Why do you think it was important for the people in the internment camp to have access to books?
Can you think of a time when a book helped you understand something new or feel better?
What do you think makes a library a special place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, highlighting the emotional and moral elements.
Relate the historical context of the story to current events to enhance understanding and relevance.
Ask your child to imagine what kind of books they would want in a library and why, linking it to Tama’s efforts in the story.
Discuss the power of community and support, drawing parallels to the supportive environment Tama created.
Prompt your child to talk about their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The story depicts characters who consistently nurture their love and dreams despite facing adversities during wartime internment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through challenging situations, whether it's working through a difficult school project or managing disagreements with friends.
Example Lesson: The power of love and friendship
Explanation: Through the bonds formed between characters in the library, the book showcases how relationships can provide support and comfort during tough times.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value and nurture friendships and to be supportive friends in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The importance of compassion and empathy
Explanation: Characters in the story show kindness and understanding towards each other's plight, fostering a nurturing environment despite their difficult circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing empathy towards their peers and learning to help others who may be going through a tough time.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and respect
Explanation: The setting and characters introduce children to historical contexts and cultural backgrounds different from their own, promoting diversity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be curious about and respectful towards people from different cultures and histories in their community and beyond.
Example Lesson: The importance of safe spaces
Explanation: The library in the story represents a safe haven where characters can express themselves and pursue knowledge, even during difficult times.
Real-World Application: This highlights for children the importance of creating and respecting safe spaces where everyone can feel secure and valued.