Kimiko Murakami - (Trailblazing Canadians) by Haley Healey (Paperback)

About the Book

The inspiring and true life story of Kimiko Murakami, a Japanese-Canadian pioneer and internment camp survivor, beautifully illustrated for a young audience.

Book Synopsis

The inspiring and true life story of Kimiko Murakami, a Japanese-Canadian pioneer and internment camp survivor, beautifully illustrated for a young audience.

Ganbaru is a Japanese word that means to keep going during hard times and never give up. This picture book introduces young readers to Kimiko Murakami (1904-1997), a brave and determined woman whose life embodied the ganbaru spirit. Born in the village of Steveston, BC, and raised on Salt Spring Island, Kimiko was part of a long tradition of Japanese-Canadian families who made their livings fishing and farming. During the Second World War, she was among the 22,000 Japanese Canadians who were sent to live in internment camps because they were seen as "enemy aliens." The camps were dirty and crowded, but worst of all, they robbed Japanese Canadians of their basic rights and freedoms. Following the War, Kimiko and her family were allowed to return to Salt Spring Island and had to rebuild their farm and their life from scratch. Through it all, Kimiko--a pioneer and survivor--never lost hope. This book celebrates her achievements, courage, and ganbaru spirit through vivid illustrations and a clear, informative, and inspiring narrative.

Review Quotes

"A book I wish had been available when I was a child, this gentle introduction to the indomitable Kimiko Murakami--whose list of "firsts" is impressive--and a dark chapter in Canada's history, will hopefully inspire further reading and interest in the subjects. A worthy addition to any school library."--Chieri Uegaki, author of Suki's Kimono and the award-winning Hana
Hashimoto, Sixth Violin

"An important Japanese- Canadian story of hope and perseverance that will inspire a new generation to continue the fight against injustice and help ensure atrocities like the forced internment of Japanese Canadians never happen again."--Jeff Chiba Stearns, co-author and illustrator of On Being Yukiko: A Graphic Novel

"Kimiko's story of injustice and perseverance is heartbreaking, but at the same time inspiring. We need to keep telling the story of what happened to Japanese people during the war. I'm glad to see a strong Japanese woman like Kimiko is represented in a book like this."--Yukari Peerless, writer and
Japanese cultural consultant

"This inspirational story shines a spotlight on hope and the power of resilience in a time of struggle. Evocative illustrations and a touching narrative provide young readers with a poignant true-to-life tale about the resolve and spirit of one remarkable woman during a painful period in Canada's past."--Deborah Hodge, author of West Coast Wild at Low Tide