From left: Minoru Tonai’s children, John Tonai, Teresa Tonai and Susan Tonai, are pictured with author Naomi Hirahara (second from right) at the Terminal Islanders Shinnen Enkai on Jan. 11 in Long Beach.
“Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp” by Minoru Tonai and Jolene Gutiérrez, illustrated by Chris Sasaki, will be published by Abrams Books on April 7.
This powerful an poignant picture book delves into the world of American incarceration camps during World War II through the eyes of Min Tonai. As a young boy living in California, Min was forced from his home and sent to Amache, one of 10 camps where more than 120,000 people of Japanese were incarcerated during the war.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, strength comes in the form of the small, smooth stone Min’s father gives him before being led away by FBI agents. In his absence, Min and his family do their best to keep their produce business afloat and earn enough support to get Min’s father released. But the FBI won’t release his father, and soon Min and his family are forced into a camp in Colorado. Imprisoned on the dusty plains and facing both the pain of displacement and the injustice of being incarcerated by his own country, Min must learn to adapt and to find beauty ― and strength ― where most wouldn’t.
Through spare, powerful text and evocative illustrations, “Unbreakable” introduces readers to this history through a child’s perspective — balancing the harsh realities of incarceration with a message of resilience, love, and hope.
Tonai, who passed away in 2023, dedicated his life to ensuring that the injustices experienced by his family and thousands of others would not be forgotten. This book preserves his story for a new generation.
In addition to the narrative,the book includes extensive reference material, illustrator’s notes, and discussion questions designed to support educators and families in meaninful conversations about civil liberties, injustices, and perseverance.
Gutiérrez’s other books include “Mamiachi and Me: My Mami’s Mariachi Band,” “The Ofrenda That We Built,” and “Too Much! An Overwhelming Day.”
Upcoming book events in Southern California:
Saturday, April 18, 1 to 2 p.m.: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC. Book-signing with Chris Sasaki and Min’s kids. Hosted by Bel Canto Books (Green Zone Booth 854). Info: www.latimes.com/events/festival-of-books
Saturday May 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Nikkei Children’s Book Festival at Japanese American National Museum’s Democracy Center, 100 N. Central Ave., Little Tokyo. Gutiérrez and Sasaki will be available for book-signings. All three of Min’s kids will be there too. Info: www.janm.org
The book’s website is www.UnbreakableMinTonai.com.