Facing the Mountain (Adapted for Young Readers): A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II

by Daniel James Brown

Adapted for young readers from the New York Times bestseller by Daniel James Brown, Facing the Mountain is the remarkable true story of three brave Japanese American soldiers who fought for the United States during World War II while facing discrimination at home. Perfect for readers of The Boys in the Boat.

After the Japanese military bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, Japanese Americans became the subject of racism and discrimination within the United States. Many were rounded up and put in concentration camps. But even while this was happening, there were many Japanese American soldiers who fought to ensure that all Americans were safe during the biggest conflict in world history.

Facing the Mountain is the story of three Japanese American soldiers: Rudy Tokiwa, Fred Shiosaki, and Kats Miho, who volunteered for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team to fight for their country in World War II. The book covers the three soldiers’ deployment to Europe and the struggles of their families back home. Woven throughout is the chronicle of Gordon Hirabayashi, one of a cadre of patriotic resisters who stood up against the government in defense of their own rights.

Equal parts riveting war story, resisitance history, and courtroom drama, Facing the Mountain is a fascinating and impeccably researched book that will captivate young readers. Includes black and white photos and backmatter.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, War, Asian Literature

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Daniel James Brown lives in the country east of Redmond, Washington, where he writes nonfiction books about compelling historical events.

Brown's newest book--Facing the Mountain--follows the lives of four young Japanese American men as they and their families bravely confront harsh new realities brought about by the onset of World War II. Facing the Mountain comes on the heels of Brown's New York Times bestseller--The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. That book chronicles the extraordinary saga of nine working class boys who stormed the rowing world, transformed the sport, and galvanized the attention of millions of Americans in the midst of the Great Depression. MGM has acquired the rights to adapt the book for a feature film to be directed by George Clooney.

His second book--The Indifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Saga of a Donner Party Bride--was chosen as an INDIE NEXT NOTABLE SELECTION by the American Bookseller's Association, it recounts the extraordinary journey of a young woman whose fate became entangled with that of the infamous Donner Party in 1846. His first book--Under a Flaming Sky: The Great Hinckley Firestorm of 1894--takes the reader back to the events of September 1, 1894, when his great-grandfather and more than 300 other people died in one of America's greatest forest-fire disasters. That book was selected as a Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers pick, was named one of the Best Books of 2006 by Booklist magazine, and was a finalist for the Washington State Book Award.

Reviews

[Rachel Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marty listened to it first, then recommended it to me, and I'm so glad I listened. I was so impressed by the introduction that stressed how important the language we use around hard stories is. they were not evacuees, they were prisoners. They were not internment camps, they were concentration camps. I'm not sure I've ever read a nonfiction book about this period, especially not from this perspective, and I'm so glad I listened to this one. Highly recommend.

[LeeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fascinating exploration of the Japanese American experience during WWII through the eyes of three men fighting for the US in Europe, and one man who fought at home for the rights of unconstitutionally imprisoned Japanese Americans under Executive Order 9066. On the whole a little heartbreaking, but these men and the love they had for a country that didn’t love them back are inspiring.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accidentally got the condensed for young readers version of this from the library lol still interesting and informative but nowhere near as in-depth as I presume the regular version would be. It provided insight into a part of the U.S. military and WWII that I was (perhaps naively) not familiar with.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jan. 2, 2024 * 3 to 3.5 stars
Listened to this while waiting for the "full" version to become available art my library.

[Carol Sorensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book but the young reader’s edition was too watered down!

[Katy Wineke · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What Kats didn't know was that while he stood guard with his gun in Honolulu, over on Maui, other men with guns--FBI agents--were taking his father away. Katsuichi, beliving he was about the be executed, turned to Ayano, weeping in the doorway of the hotel, and told her, "Don't do anything that will bring shame to the family and the Japanese race. Do your best no matter what." (9)

"Even after all the casualties the Nisei soldiers suffered in World War II, it would take decades for Japanese Americans to fully win their rightful place in American society. Millions of emplyers still refused to hire them, and the jobs that were available to them were mostly low paying and menial. Racist slurs and insults still met them everywhere they went. They were still excluded from owning property in certain neighborhoods, At the end of the day, they were still "J@@s" to many of their compatriots." (198)

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel James Brown (author of The Boys on the Boat) did a great job highlighting the often forgotten contribution of Japanese-Americans in WWII. Well-researched, and sensitive to language and culture, this book is a must-read to understand how the past shapes the present, and why we are still grappling with racism and white supremacy today.

[Shannyboo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was all I could get at the library last year, and it was excellent! The full version is also excellent!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot of things while reading this book, both about how Japanese Americans were treated in the internment camps and how they were treated as soldiers. My goodness, some of it was hard to read. They were loyal to a country that treated them poorly and they sacrificed so much. WW2 fans will enjoy this book, as it talks about a part many may not know about. Images of war and death. 6th grade and up.

[Susan Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the young readers version of this book and had hardback copy of the full version. While listening I would skim the longer version and look at photos, notes and quotes. The book was selected by my Japanese American friend whose grandfather was a businessman in California during this time. She inherited some farmland in California. He was a leader in the camps that are discussed in this book.

[jody kronvall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about what happened to Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor. It showcases many people who went to internment camps, were arrested and fought in the war. Just because they were Asian descent, they found themselves discriminated against. True story, we all need to know what happened in the past to Americans.

[Megan Eliason · Rating 5 out of 5]

History. Awareness. It’s devastating. It’s eye opening. Thank you for telling this part of history.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for YA

[Kayla Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story and side of WWII that needed to be told- I loved it so much even though it was so tragic

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dislike that the two of these books are distinct to rate them and it's seen as the individual adapted title after having read the original title several years ago.

This one I read in print (the original I listened to the audiobook) detailing the fighting of Asian men abroad after Pearl Harbor was attacked and the government placed Japanese Americans in internment camps. It flows well and focuses on the fighting in Italy, the awards and medals received there, and how it was not lauded as it should have been based on the tense situation of World War II.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author adapted his book for young readers who will learn so many interesting, researched details about three WWII Japanese American heroes on the battle front and in the court room. While I knew Japanese American mainlanders and Hawaiians of Japanese ancestry served in the 442nd regiment, this book helped me understand the differences between them. This was the best account of the Lost Battalion I've read. An outstanding military history book for all ages.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A redefining and compelling history, detailing the brutal and oppressive treatment of Japanese Americans before, during and after WWII, and of the resilient heroism and dignity of those in the internment camps drafted into the US Army to fight the war in Europe.

[PottWab Regional Library]

O