The Japanese

Children's Literature

This handsome, well-integrated, evenhanded review of Japanese immigration to the United States and Canada gives a brief history of Japan and then discusses the influx of the Japanese. They arrived mostly as common laborers, from the mid-nineteenth century through the 1920s, first to Hawaii, California and British Columbia, and then eventually further east. They came with courage and determination to earn better wages than in their own country and to send money home. A key emphasis in the book is the prejudice they encountered as Asians, particularly during World War II. But many stayed, and through hard work and self-help, they adapted to a strange and often hostile environment while preserving much of their own culture. Eventually they became recognized for their many achievements. Three short "Eyewitness to History" personal narratives add variety and interest. The format is eye-appealing, with black-and-white and color photographs of various sizes, framed pages, additional information in colored boxes and clear typography. Included are a table of contents, glossary and index. Part of the "We Came to North America" series. 2001, Crabtree, $21.28 and $8.95. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Patricia Dole