Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp

My friend Minoru Tonai and I wrote a book, Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp. This book has received starred reviews from FIVE trade journals and is based closely on Min's and his family's experiences in incarceration camps in the 1940s, including their time being held at Amache in Colorado. This book is edited by Meredith Mundy, published by Abrams, and illustrated by Chris Sasaki.

You can order a copy here: https://janmstore.com/products/unbreakable

🌟🌟🌟 Unbreakable received a STARRED review from Kirkus! 🌟🌟🌟
"The narration provides just enough background to enlighten readers about this dark episode of U.S. history while never overwhelming them…The emotionally attuned, richly told tale of one family’s unjust incarceration." ―Kirkus Review


🌟🌟🌟 Unbreakable received a STARRED review from Booklist! 🌟🌟🌟
"In writing the book, Tonai and Gutiérrez shared the goal of informing people about the injustice and abuse of power that his family endured, in hopes of preventing similar injustices in the future. The book’s succinct text and powerful digital illustrations retell the Tonai family’s moving story for a new generation, who will surely understand the family’s hardships, including their lengthy separation from Papa and the fundamental unfairness of their situation." ―Carolyn Phelan, Booklist

🌟🌟🌟Unbreakable received a STARRED review from School Library Journal🌟🌟🌟
"Although a picture book, this work packs a punch. This story is incredibly moving. A heavy book that is done with tact; with meaningful prose and incredible artwork, this is a recommended purchase for collections." ―Sarah Clarke, School Library Journal


🌟🌟🌟Unbreakable received a STARRED review from Publishers Weekly🌟🌟🌟
"A stone serves as metaphor and motif in this piercing story based around a child’s experience at a WWII-era incarceration camp. Based on Tonai’s years at Amache incarceration center and written in collaboration with Gutiérrez, this resonant account underscores young Min’s plaintive words, “We’ve done nothing wrong, and we’re losing everything.”" ―Publishers Weekly


🌟🌟🌟Unbreakable received a STARRED review from BookPage🌟🌟🌟"Unbreakable is an expertly crafted deep dive into history that will inspire curiosity and empathy in young readers. Gutiérrez does an excellent job of narrating Tonai’s story through a child’s eyes, making this terrible chapter in American history accessible in picture book form. Unbreakable confronts a harsh reality while also conveying a strong measure of hope and perseverance."
―Alice Cary, BookPage


Unbreakable received an 🌟Editor's Choice🌟 review from Children's Book Review!
"A complete and utter triumph, Unbreakable is a compelling and vital read that honors those who suffered. It’s also an essential reminder of the importance of not letting history repeat itself and is sure to inspire conversations about justice, dignity, and the strength of the human spirit." ―Children's Book Review

Here's the educator's guide we created. I hope it helps enrich your lessons and discussions around this important topic.

Click here to access the teacher's guide we created for Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp

Illustrator Chris Sasaki created some activity sheets as well:

Click here to access the activity sheets

Minoru's family has created their own website for Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp. You can find that site here: https://www.unbreakablemintonai.com/