Title: Author: Susanne Lieurance
Publication Info: Enslow, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7660-3311-5
Source: Publisher-provided copy
Intended audience: grades 3 through 6
Genre: historical fiction, chapter book (160 Pages)
Themes/topics: World War II, baseball, Japanese Internment
Synopsis: Harry Yakamoto lives a normal life in Seven Cedars, CA, until his family is interned in Manzanar, a Japanese internment camp. Baseball becomes is preoccupation and salvation during the many years his family lives in the camp.
Why I like this book: I’ve always been fascinated by Manzanar. Driving past it, there is no sign that it was home to thousands of Japanese-Americans who were held against their war during World War II. I’ve also found Manzanar to be a fascinating topic because it’s rarely discussed. Lieurance’s expertly told story provides insight into the harsh conditions of Japanese internment camps. Her plot is transporting and her characters well-developed. Children will enjoy Harry and his passion for baseball without realizing how much they are learning. As usual, Enslow provides backmatter explaining the real history and providing links to further reading.
Kirsten W. Larson 
What a sad, but true, book. I have read some about the internment camps during WWII. I would like to read this book to learn more. Great pick!
You would really enjoy this book, Erik (I’m guessing).
This looks like a good one. I have heard of these camps but don’t understand it much. But baseball and games and play are universal uniters for making hard situations easier. I will be looking for this book. Thanks for sharing.
It’s a good book, which has many resources for helping students understand the camps and how they came about. Enjoy it!
Sounds like a great book, Kirsten. Not in quite the same vein, but have you read Snow Falling On Cedars? Amazing!
Oh, I love that book! I have it as an audio book too.