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“As sparing as it is moving, as memorable as it is timely, We are Not Strangersis beautifully drawn and evocatively told. This story is fascinating, important, and too little known–I learned so much about communities I’ve long been part of and neighbor to–but even better, it tells a different kind of love story, a different kind of hero story, a different story about race and immigration and community, which surely is what the world needs now. Josh Tuininga has made magic here.”

—Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of This Is How It Always Is and One Two Three

We Are Not Strangers

Written by Josh Tuininga
Illustrated by Josh Tuininga
Published by Harry N. Abrams

Inspired by a true story, this graphic novel follows a Jewish immigrant’s efforts to help his Japanese neighbors while they’re incarcerated during World War II.

An evocative and beautiful graphic novel revealing the truth of one man’s extraordinary efforts, We Are Not Strangers converges two perspectives into a single portrait of a community’s struggle with race, responsibility, and what it truly means to be an American.

Marco Calvo always knew his grandfather, affectionately called Papoo, was a good man. After all, he was named for him. A first-generation Jewish immigrant, Papoo was hardworking, smart, and caring.

When Papoo peacefully passes away, Marco expects the funeral to be simple. But he’ caught off guard by something unusual. Among his close family and friends are mourners he doesn’t recognize—Japanese American families—and no one is quite sure who they are or why they are at the service. How did these strangers know his grandfather so well?

Set in the multicultural Central District of Seattle during World War II and inspired by author Josh Tuininga’s family experiences, We Are Not Strangers explores a unique situation of Japanese and Jewish Americans living side by side in a country at war.

Following Papoo’s perspective, we learn of his life as a Sephardic Jewish immigrant and his friendship with Sam Akiyama, a Japanese man whose life is upended by Executive Order 9066, which authorized the incarceration of nearly all Japanese Americans and residents of Japanese ancestry. Determined to keep Sam’s business afloat while he and his family are unjustly imprisoned, he and Papoo create a plan that will change the Akiyama’s lives forever.

Primary ISBN: 9781419759949
Publication Date: September 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Graphic Novel, Age 18+

Community Represented: ,

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

Setting: United States (Seattle WA)

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

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