$18.95 (Hardcover)
Also available in:
A Place Where Sunflowers Grow 
By Amy Lee-Tai
Illustrated by Felicia Hoshino
9780892392155
Mari wonders if anything can bloom at Topaz, where her family is interned along with thousands of other Japanese Americans during World War II. The summer sun is blazingly hot, and Mari’s art class has begun. But it’s hard to think of anything to draw in a place where nothing beautiful grows. Somehow, glimmers of hope begin to surface under the harsh sun—in the eyes of a kindly art teacher, in the tender words of Mari’s parents, and in the smile of a new friend.
Inspired by her family’s experiences, author Amy Lee-Tai has crafted a story rooted in one of America’s most shameful historical episodes—the internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. The art schools which offered internees moments of solace and self-expression are a little known part of this history. Amy Lee-Tai’s gentle prose and Felicia Hoshino’s stunning mixed media images are a testimony to hope and how it can survive alongside even the harshest injustice.
Teacher's Guide (14MB)
- Awards
-
Jane Addams Children's Book Award
Children's Book Award Notable, International Reading Association
Notable Books for a Global Society, International Reading Association
ForeWord Book of the Year Finalist
Contributing Editors' Favorite Reads of 2006, The Bloomsbury Review
More awards... - Interest Level
- Grades 2 - 5
- Reading Level
- Grade 4
- Themes
- Art, Asian/Asian American Interest, Bilingual, Biography, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Civil Rights Movement, Conflict resolution, Discrimination, Dreams & Aspirations, Environment/Nature, Family Traditions, Farming, Friendship, Heroism, Historical Interest, Home, Imagination, Immigration, Mentors, Overcoming Obstacles, Self Esteem/Identity, Sharing & Giving, United States History, War
Amy Lee-Tai was born in Queens, New York and is of Japanese and Chinese ancestry. She first learned of the internment from her mother and through her grandmother, Hisako Hibi’s paintings. After earning her Master’s in Education from Harvard, she worked in schools as a Reading Specialist. Amy now lives in Virginia with her husband and children. A Place Where Sunflowers Grow is her first book.
Felicia Hoshino is an award-winning illustrator and graphic designer. She made her picture book debut with Little Sap and Monsieur Rodin. In addition to her artwork, Felicia also studies and performs Japanese classical dance. She currently lives in her native San Francisco with her husband and children.
 |
Tell a Friend about this page |
Curriculum Corner — Teachers — Race — Homeschool — Editor's Desk — BookTalk
New Voices Award — New Visions Award
Calendar — Event Tips — Locate an Author — Skype Visits — Activities — Desktop Backgrounds — Book Giveaway Contest
Blog — Our History — Kudos! — In the Press — Awards & Honors — Sitemap — How to Reach Us
Ordering — Request Catalog — Get E-News! — Careers at LEE & LOW — My Orders — My Account
Become a Fan 
— 
Follow Us Lee & Low Books is an independent children's book publisher that focuses on diversity. Peruse our site for books for school, school library, homeschooling, minority and Spanish children's books, free teacher reading resources for children, and more!
