Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp

by Minoru Tonai, Jolene Gutiérrez, Chris Sasaki (Illustrator)

A powerful, emotional, and ultimately uplifting picture book about the real-life experience of a Japanese American boy incarcerated with his family during World War II

Lying in bed at night, Min thinks about things he’s
his family’s home and business, Puppy, and most of all, Papa.
Min clutches his stone, hoping to see his father again.

Strength comes in the form of the small, smooth stone Min’s father gives him before being led away by FBI agents. In his absence, Min and his family do their best to keep their produce business afloat and earn enough support to get Min’s father released. But after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, they’re forced into an incarceration camp in Colorado.

Imprisoned on the dusty plains and facing both the pain of displacement and the injustice of being incarcerated by his own country, Min must learn to adapt and to find beauty—and strength—where most wouldn’t.

Cowritten by Jolene Gutiérrez, author of Too Much! and Mamiachi & Me, and Minoru (Min) Tonai, an advocate for Japanese American rights, Unbreakable is ultimately an uplifting picture book based on Tonai’s harrowing real-life experiences. Illustrated by acclaimed illustrator Chris Sasaki, this picture book includes extensive back matter such as information on the American incarceration camps and the campaign to release Tonai’s father, a timeline, a bibliography, author and illustrator notes, and questions for further discussion perfect for caregivers and educators to further engage young readers.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Historical, Biography

48 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 7, 2026

Reviews

[Luis F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sad story! And to think that happened for real. This story follows a Japanese boy who loves to collect rocks until his father is taken away and his family is sent to an incarceration camp, for three years! This is a must to learn about our history. Gorgeous.

[Laura De · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNBREAKABLE, co-written by Minoru Tonai and Jolene Gutierrez and illustrated by Chris Sasaki, is one of the most moving picture book biographies I’ve read to date. In addition to being well written, this book profoundly moves and wrenches the heart, capturing the resilience and strength of Minoru Tonai and his family during one of the darkest times in American history. Unbreakable shares the true story of Min’s unjust imprisonment at the Amache Incarceration camp during World War II. Chris Sasaki’s breathtaking and beautiful illustrations deepen the emotion, bringing Min’s journey to life on every page. Don’t be surprised to shed a tear while reading this deeply moving and unforgettable story. Through powerful and vivid storytelling along with gorgeous illustrations, readers of all ages can discover the harsh realities Min and his family faced behind the barbed wire—where they endured loss, fear and injustice. This picture book is a must-read and would make a fantastic addition to classrooms and libraries everywhere.

[Danielle Render · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simultaneously both heart wrenching (in important ways) and heartwarming/inspiring. The authors worked magic and brought such a needed story to the world in a child appropriate/moving way.

[Yashika Mody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most powerful and moving picture book biographies I have read so far. It is a story of strength and resilience in the most trying of times, and it gives us a true and honest look at the horrors and injustices that the Japanese community faced through the story of Minoru Tonai and his family. The text is heartfelt and clear, and the illustrations are expressive and really help bring out the tone and meaning of the book. I appreciate the back matter delving more into the history and giving readers the right terminology to discuss this period in American history.

There's a lot that can be learned about the past (and the present) from this story - it is a great addition to every classroom looking to explore more about history.

[Rebecca Gardyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This masterfully written and beautifully illustrated book tells the true heart-breaking story of Minoru Tonai and how, during World War II, his father was arrested by FBI agents and imprisoned while the young boy and his other family members were uprooted and made to live in an incarceration camp – all because they were Japanese. As a Jewish person, I found the descriptions of Min’s experience chillingly similar to the horrors experienced by millions of Jewish families in Europe – good and loyal citizens suddenly torn from their lives, forced to live in inhumane conditions, labeled as dangerous, and stripped of all dignity simply because those in power needed someone to blame. The Authors handle the heavy topic here with such grace. The language is kid-friendly, yet deeply honest. Readers will empathize and connect with Min’s feelings of confusion and fear. I appreciate that the Authors never sugar-coat what happened or the horrible things people and governments are capable of when they feel threatened, and yet somehow in the end the Authors still manage to deliver a message about the power of resilience and offer hope in humanity. Back matter, including Author and Illustrator notes, a timeline, and questions for discussion are included to help inspire important conversations about on the topic. An incredible book that is deserving of all the awards I’m sure will be coming its way.

[Lynn B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In UNBREAKABLE: A JAPANESE AMERICAN FAMILY IN AN AMERICAN INCARCERATION CAMP, written by Minoru Tonai and Jolene Gutiérrez and illustrated by Chris Sasaki, Minoru Tonai’s father is questioned in October 1941 about being a Japanese spy. After Pearl Harbor is bombed in December, the FBI takes Min’s father away. Min’s mother tries to run the family business, but customers aren’t buying. Before long, Min and his family are forced to pack up and move to an Assembly Center, where they’re herded into a horse stall to live, fenced in by barbed wire. A few months later, they’re transferred to Granada Relocation Center in Colorado (known as Amache), where they live without a bathroom or running water for two years. Min’s father is finally allowed to join them, then it’s another year after that before they can return home. Succinct, heartfelt text speaks firmly to the many injustices suffered by Min, his family, and all the Japanese Americans who were put into vile camps, and the illustrations, many of which feature characters seeming to look directly at readers, are deeply evocative without being overly sentimental. UNBREAKABLE is powerful, timely, and gracefully done.

[The Children's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbreakable is an emotional powerhouse that will leave readers both heartbroken and hopeful. Jolene Gutiérrez, writing alongside the late Japanese American rights advocate Minoru (Min) Tonai, has crafted a deeply moving picture book based on Tonai's real experiences of incarceration during World War II. The story follows young Min, who clings to a smooth stone given to him by his father before FBI agents take him away after Pearl Harbor—a tangible symbol of strength through unimaginable loss. The final paragraph (no spoilers here) delivers perfection.

Chris Sasaki's artwork elevates this already powerful story, providing visual depth to Min's experience. The extensive back matter—including historical context, timelines, and discussion questions—makes this an invaluable resource for educators and caregivers addressing this difficult chapter of American history.

This picture book is essential reading for ALL ages, honoring a painful truth while celebrating the unbreakable spirit of those who endured it. A complete and utter triumph. Loved it!

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm grateful to have received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am in awe of the care and beauty taken in both the writing and illustrations of this serious and tender story about an important time in our country's history. I never knew about this as a child and am convinced the more transparent we are about history with children, the better equipped they will be in the future. We are sadly living in a dangerous time where US citizens are being treated less than, again. A book like this not only a moving story, but a wonderful teaching tool. I loved the way the dates were shared across the tops of the pages to help the reader understand the timeframe. Seeing the story unfold through young Min's eyes was both heartbreaking and the perfect way to tell the story. When he had to leave his dog behind, I may have been crying. I loved so much about the story telling with the stone and what it represented. I also loved illustrator, Chris Sasaki's use of white space on the pages giving everything else so much meaning. Highly recommend!

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp, had me almost in tears over what can be done to an innocent family. The story follows Min, a boy who first sees his father taken away for being a spy, then is taken away himself with the rest of his family once the U.S. declares war on Japan after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. As sad and heartbreaking as it is, the authors keep us hopeful with the unbreakable and solid rock collection, which becomes a symbol of strength throughout the story. Surprisingly, we learn in the backmatter that it is true that Min’s father did keep a rock collection and started a rock garden in the incarceration camp as well as one at his home after the war was over (with rocks from the camp). The book has extensive backmatter, from more about Min and his work to bring that period of American history to light to a timeline, questions for further discussions and more. The illustrations by Chris Sasaki are perfect for the story, not relying on cuteness to get the message across, yet pleasant and vibrant.

[Keila Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp is based on the true story of the Tonai family, told through the point of view of young son, Minoru. This text is a wonderful example of how to teach true history and empathy to young children. And relevant today as we are witnessing the government removing immigrants and descendants of recent immigrants without proof of being disloyal to the country or causing harm to the nation.

“They’ve taken it all, Min thinks. Our father, our freedom and now even our names.”

The authors embed questions throughout the text as a tool so readers can think critically about how the family feels in each situation. The evocative illustrations do what most books aim to, elicit emotion from the reader. Pay attention to what Min and his father look like at the beginning of the story and when they reunite. That illustration made my tears flow. Includes back matter with more information and resources. This book belongs in homes, schools and libraries across the country.

[Carmela Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbreakable sits with you for a while after reading. From the start, the almost geometric lines of the gorgeous illustrations by Chris Sasaki evoke the despair and emotion of what must be coming for the main character—a young Min and his family. Poignantly written by Minoru Tonai and Jolene Gutiérrez, Unbreakable tells the true story of Min’s Japanese American family who was swept away into forced incarceration camps “relocation centers” during WWII, like so many other Japanese American friends during that time. These were our neighbors, coworkers, shopkeepers, classmates—all rounded up basically because of fear. But, there is a rock—an ordinary grey rock that Min’s father hands him as he is being taken away. This rock threads the story together in a beautiful and graceful way. The authors have offered readers something sustainable about love and hope and determination in the face of catastrophe. There is plenty of back matter to dig into at the end, which is certain to lead to much discussion. Beautiful through and through.

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This very personal and heartfelt story focuses a lens on a Japanese-American family that lost their family business and was incarcerated during WWII. Imagine being sent to live in a horse stall. This was an example of how the U.S. government treated human beings. Families. How it made a proclamation against an entire group of people. It is a memory we should not forget. Because it resonates with what's happening right now. The father was falsely accused of being a spy, despite evidence to the contrary, and was separated from the family for years, only rejoining them right before they were being released. This story needs to be shared widely. The illustration style in dark tones and sharp lines suits the stark subject matter perfectly. But ultimately, the ending brings light to the darkness, focusing on resilience, strength, beauty and a family's determination to make their lives better after such unjust treatment. Highly recommended.

[Kimberly Shrack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this poignant picture book. This story follows a Japanese-American family as they are unjustly imprisoned in an incarceration camp in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The story is told through the perspective of Min, a child at the time of the story and a co-author of the book. He has so many questions, most of which go unanswered, something all children can relate to, albeit most times on a much smaller scale. The guided questions at the end make it a great resource for discussing how something like this could happen, and how it could--and currently is--happening again. The book covers a difficult, but important topic in a way that is age-appropriate while still conveying the depth of the injustice from the perspective of a child who lived through it. Highly recommend.

[Vivian Kirkfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title, UNBREAKABLE, does not carry over to the state of my heart...which is breaking as I survey the state of our nation at this moment. It breaks for the wrongs done to the subjects of this story...and it breaks for the current situation in our country. But I'm cheering for this glorious book...the art captures the emotions of the characters...and the emotions of the reader. And the beautifully written text connects readers to Min and his family.
This well-researched account gives us important facts and background in very engaging ways...the narrative is never laden down with information to the detriment of the storytelling. And for deeper investigation by teachers, parents, and young readers, the back matter provides clear explanations and further resources.
I highly recommend this for ALL school libraries and home bookshelves.

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNBREAKABLE: A Japanese Family in an American Incarceration Camp by Minoru Tonai and Jolene Gutiérrez is both heart‑wrenching and deeply inspiring. It’s a story that absolutely needed to be told, and Tonai and Gutiérrez share it with power, clarity, and respect—making it accessible and meaningful for readers of all ages.

The book recounts Minoru Tonai’s true experience of unjust imprisonment at the Amache Incarceration Camp during World War II. Chris Sasaki’s illustrations are vivid, emotional, and beautifully detailed, perfectly complementing the authors’ compelling storytelling.

The extensive back matter adds valuable context and offers rich opportunities for important conversations. Moving and unforgettable, this picture book is a must‑read and a vital addition to libraries, classrooms, and homes. 100% recommended.

[Carren · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some pieces of history that is difficult to understand, but the authors do a great job of making a big, hard chapter in American history approachable and relatable. They describe in clear, solid ways how Japanese Americans (who are Americans themselves) felt when their loved ones were taken away, when they were asked to live in stalls, and then barracks, from the straw mattresses to the sand that blows with the wind into the cracks in their makeshift home at Amache.

This book deals with the Japanese American incarceration and provides a glimpse of what it was like to live through those harrowing moments so their lessons of strength and resilience is something won't be so easily forgotten.

[Emily Barth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to hold and read this stunningly gorgeous book at a conference and I knew it was going to be life-changing from the start. What a compelling, important, and achingly-relevant book this is! Beautifully brought to life by two amazing authors and with incredibly vivid illustrations, this true, historical story is more important than ever now. Readers will relate to Min and see just how close our history is, and how it is all-too easy for history to repeat if we do not take the time to learn from it. This is also a wonderful example of how picture books can--and should!-- be used in classrooms from elementary through high school (and beyond) to succinctly convey history and its emotional impacts.

[Emma Escobar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully told and illustrated story of resilience, determination and humanity that unfortunately speaks directly to millions of Americans today. This story focuses on the real life events around the authors friend and prominent Japanese American activist, Minoru Tonai, whose family suffered the unjust incarceration along with over 100,000 innocent Japanese Americans during WWII. Today ICE’s actions lead many American families of many backgrounds to worry about their own fate. This true story can inspire young people to never relinquish their love of family, justice, and loyalty to what is right.

[Paola Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant and deeply moving story based on real-life events. Unbreakable, co-written by Minoru Tonai and Jolene Gutiérrez, follows a young boy whose life is forever changed when he and his family are unjustly sent to an incarceration camp after the Pearl Harbor attack during WWII. Rooted in Minoru Tonai’s own experiences, this beautifully written book speaks to resilience, family love, and the power of hope, even in the face of devastating circumstances. Paired with gorgeous illustrations by Chris Sasaki, this is a powerful and necessary read, highly recommended for all schools and libraries.

[Ginger Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was deeply moved by Unbreakable—a heartbreakingly beautiful read based on a true story about a Japanese boy named Min and his family who were placed in an internment camp during World War II. The symbolic rock tenderly tells the story of family bonds that remain unbreakable, even in the face of life's toughest challenges. The illustrations feel as though you're looking through a window into the past... absolutely stunning. Unbreakable truly stirred my emotions, especially reflecting on the current state of our country. It feels as though Min's story was meant to be shared at this very moment, yet will resonate with generations of children to come.

[Claire Bobrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This moving story is a potent reminder of the horrors unleashed on Japanese Americans during WWII here at home in the U.S. Reading the details of family separation, confiscation of property, and harsh treatment still feels shocking. This well-told and beautifully illustrated nonfiction book will be a valuable addition to classrooms and libraries everywhere to help deter future generations from such terrible discrimination. I imagine it may also bring validation and comfort to readers whose families endured similar experiences.

[Louise M. Aamodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This powerful and poignant picture book introduces young readers to the complex history behind American incarceration of Japanese-descent families during WWII. Written from a child's perspective, we feel his confusion, anger, and constant sense of injustice as his family is shuffled from one terrible site to another. Extensive back matter provides extra context for caregivers and educators who want to extend important discussions of identity, point of view, isolation, and justice... "to make sure that it never happens again to anyone else."

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a touching and important story of a family detained at a Japanese internment camp (or, as author Jolene Gutiérrez explains—“Japanese incarceration”) during World War II. Based on the true story of “Min” Tonai, young readers will become immersed in the injustice that Min and his family endured. Gutiérrez deftly shares Min’s angst and fears at the camp as he hopefully awaits his father’s return. Add in Chris Sasaki’s hauntingly beautiful art—and you have a winning combination. A must-have for every classroom!

[HELEN ZAX · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNBREAKABLE is a gorgeous, moving book that tells the heartbreaking story of the real-life experience of Min—a Japanese-American boy incarcerated with his family in his own country during World War II. The authors tell the horrifying story with restraint and compassion. Illustrations by Sasaki—done at first in stark browns and blacks to match the seriousness of the text—become brighter as the book closes to mirror the narrative’s hopeful ending. Excellent end matter gives extensive information about this shameful period of United States history.

[Pooja Nukala · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a riveting story, an account of one of the lesser-known yet painful stories of our history. Min's story is touching and I'm grateful for books like these to exist so children can read, understand, and appreciate what happened in the past and how historical events shape the present we live today. Both the authors do a wonderful job of bringing this story to life, but Min being a co-author makes this story extra special. The illustrations are beautiful and put the reader right there with Min and his family in Amache. Overall, a must-read for children of all ages and even their adults!

[Tracey Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this beautiful, moving picture book. Co-author Min Tonai is the subject of the story, which details his family's persecution during WW2. His father is taken away first, and accused of being a spy. Soon after, Min and his family are forced to move from their home in CA to an internment camp in Colorado. The gentle language make this an accessible story for young kids, and the illustrations' muted colors reflect the sadness -- and hope--of Min's story. With everything happening in the U.S. right now, this book feels all the more relevant.

[Laronda Middlemiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and powerfully illustrated, this story shines a light on the dark history of the United States’ forced relocation and imprisonment of all individuals with Japanese ancestry during World War II. Told through young Min’s (co-author) experience, the reader witnesses the emotions and uncertainty children shouldered during this time. Several pages of back matter provides additional context, co-author and illustrator notes, discussion questions and more. An important read for all ages.

[Tonnye Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a feel-good story, but it's such an important story. I have tears that my country, America could be so lacking in judgement -- so full of hate and ignorance. We need to know these stories. We cannot allow a repeat of these kinds of actions. The only way that happens if we educate ourselves. Thank you, Jolene and Minoru for sharing the story of his family's struggles -- for educating us. .  .George Santayana: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (1905). 

[Jake Lockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided an emotionally devastating look into a little-known part of United States history, where suspicion within our borders ran so high that our country ended up making the same mistakes as the enemy we were fighting so hard against. A captivating, heartbreaking, moving, and educational read that teaches people of all ages and generations that by remembering the mistakes of the past, we can learn from them and, thus, create a better, happier world for everyone. Everywhere.

[Alexandra MH · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking, true story of a Japanese American family separated and incarcerated during WWII, and the inner strength that kept them going when everything else was stripped away. Kid-friendly and an important conversation starter for adults and young readers alike, this book hits close to home in our world today.