But, Where Are You REALLY From?

The JACL DC Chapter has completed the graphic novel, But Where Are You REALLY From?, a fictional story that will be used in the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Maryland, Grade 5 curriculum on U.S. history.

Included are stories on immigration, the Japanese American incarceration during World War II, and anti-Asian issues both past and present.

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This graphic novel began with interviews of three community members and their recollections of life during World War II; a 101-year-old veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and two 97-year-old women who were incarcerated in Topaz, UT and Jerome, AR.

Follow Emi Kobayashi when she gets an assignment that asks her to investigate her family background, Emi realizes there are a lot of questions she doesn’t know the answers to. Like where is her family REALLY from? And how does her cultural heritage influence who she is today? 

Here is what local supporters are saying about our graphic novel project: 

“This book is not just for 5th and 6th graders but for everyone.  I would even recommend it to someone who is 100 years old.” – Terry Shima, 101 years old, 442 Nisei Veteran

“It was an honor to be a participant on this project.  It gave me the opportunity to express my World War II experiences in a stimulating and contemporary format.” – Mary Murakami, 97 years old, Topaz Incarceree

“The saying that ‘those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it’ has always held special meaning to me. My hope has always been that young people are educated about my incarceration as a fifteen year old, along with 125,000 other people of Japanese descent, many of them American citizens.  We must learn about the past so no one else experiences something like this again.  This novel does my 99 year old heart good!” – Alice Takemoto, 97 years old, Jerome Incarceree

“The story of Japanese Americans must be told today with a renewed sense of appreciation. This story provides universal and timeless lessons that will inspire us all.”  – Koichi Ai, the Embassy of Japan to the United States

Proceeds from the sale of the book will fund our ongoing educational program(s), such as distribution of free copies to schools and libraries (as funding permits).

To purchase a book, click the link below.

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