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“Sakamoto’s Shizue’s Path takes a somewhat different approach to Japanese Canadians’ experiences, one that distinguishes it from other picture books. Taking inspiration from his great-aunt’s life, Sakamoto situates his story against the backdrop of the Second World War, with the story revolving around a young girl whose family and other Japanese Canadians are experiencing increasing discrimination and injustice as a result of their cultural heritage…Sakamoto uses that historical era as a catalyst for reflecting on what the past means in the contemporary context and what responsibility people should have towards that past.”

—CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Shizue’s Path

Written by Mark Sakamoto
Illustrated by Rachel Wada
Published by HarperCollins

A war from far across the ocean washed up onto our new country’s shore.

I wish that I could skip this chapter of the story, darling. Just as you may want to skip parts of your own life story in time. But, you see, one mustn’t do that. You need to know your darkness to know your light.

And I can see so much light in you.

So I’ll keep going through the dark.

Framed as a conversation between a grandmother and the reader, Shizue’s Path follows the story of a young Shizue growing up in Canada against the backdrop of World War II. As the war worsens, so too does Shizue’s position in Canadian society. Torn away from her elementary school and sent to an internment camp along with her family, Shizue looks to anyone who might speak truth to power—but she is met with silence.

After the war, things only get worse for Shizue as Japanese-Canadians face the threat of deportation. Fortunately, the Canadians around Shizue are no longer silent. As various communities come together to protest this racist bill, Shizue learns first-hand how one individual can have a far-reaching effect on another’s life.

Inspired by the life of his great-aunt, Mark Sakamoto weaves personal and political history with a keen sense of justice and optimism. Enriched by Rachel Wada’s sophisticated illustrations, Shizue’s Path is an unforgettable story about a girl who, swept up by the waters of the world, uses her voice to create ripples of kindness.

Primary ISBN: 9781443464598
Publication Date: September 2023
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 05 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Canada

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation, 2nd Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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