Pearl

Gr 7 Up–Amy is of Japanese and Hawaiian descent, born and raised on Oahu with her mother, father, and baby brother, where she is regaled with tales of her grandmother, who is an Ama—these were young Japanese women who would free dive for pearls off the coast of Japan. In 1941, Amy’s American family receives a letter that her grandmother is very sick, and she is chosen to travel to Japan on behalf of her American family. Despite homesickness, Amy enjoys connecting with her Japanese family. Unfortunately, the attack on Pearl Harbor pulls the United States into World War II and prevents Amy from returning to Hawaii. She is taken by the Japanese government and forced to interpret English-language messages. This graphic novel is fictional but inspired by amazing true events. It follows Amy as she navigates wartime Japan as an American citizen. She faces a great many tragedies and hardships, including the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima. This is a story of resilience and identity in the face of extreme events. Pen-and-ink illustrations by Norrie guide readers through regular daily life and the imagination of the main character.