Becoming American: A World War II Young Adult Novel

by Callie J. Trautmiller

A family torn apart by war.
It’s 1941 and America is in the heat of war. When Pearl Harbor is bombed, suspicions run high and having the wrong color of skin makes you the enemy. Especially if it is Japanese skin.

Allu Noguchi is a young Japanese American girl who finds her family the target of Executive Order 9066. When her father is taken away on suspicions of aiding the enemy, Allu is sent to live in the harsh conditions of Camp Manzanar with nothing more than a seed-bag of belongings.

With her heritage under scrutiny, she strives to maintain hope and finds an unlikely friendship that will urge her to question her own pre-judgements.
With their father gone, Allu’s brother, Robbie, takes over as head of household, but struggles with a hunger for independence as he watches his friends go off to fight in World War II. When the 100th Battalion calls for reinforcements among camp internees, he must choose between the family he is responsible for and the sense of duty which fills his heart. But what will Allu do without Robbie to protect her?

244 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2019

About the author

I live in Wisconsin with my husband, my three kids and my Lab puppy. When not reading or writing, you can find me kayaking on the river or engaging in some kind of outdoor activity with the family.

Reviews

[Simi Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thank author Callie J. Trautmiller for writing this beautiful and timely book about a time in American history that has been forgotten and rarely discussed. Perhaps because it is matter of collective shame. It is important subject however especially because it is a reminder of the barriers we as human beings create among ourselves. Despite being citizens of the same nation, some of us are considered to be less than others and have to prove our loyalty. Becoming American is about Executive order 9066 when in the wake of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and the hysteria that followed, tens of thousands of Japanese Americans were relocated to hastily set up camps in Western US. Entire communities were uprooted and their civil liberties were violated. This thoroughly researched novel has been written with tremendous sensitivity from the perspective of Allu Noguchi and her brother Robbie who are young and therefore unscathed with the scars and cynicism adults carry. A must read for all ages. Highly recommended!

[Caroline Herfindahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazingly well researched and beautifully descriptive this historical novel takes you into the world of one Japanese American family and the devastating effects of interment during WWII. Their story is woven together with those of a Hawaiian born Japanese American soldier who witnessed Pearl Harbor first hand and later becomes a part of the 100th Batallion and a soldier that was assigned to patrol Manzanar Internment Camp, providing a glimpse at the complexities of this time in history and the messiness of humanity at war and the tough decisions we all have to make sometimes. A lovely debut novel from this writer.

[Thekla Madsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story that brings a heartbreaking piece of our history into the light. "Becoming American" is a relatable history lesson for all ages - but Callie Trautmiller expertly brings the story of young Allu and her family forward and into our hearts. While targeted as a young adult novel, it's a good read for adults too! The time has come for these stories to be told and Trautmiller actively opens the conversation.

[Tara Knutson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading “Becoming American” by Callie Trautmiller. A heartfelt story of love and war during a time in history that I certainly don’t remember being taught about in school. I found myself emotionally attached to the characters and grateful for the opportunity to learn of the bravery of the 100th and 442nd.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! It's well written and highlights a part of U.S. history that most of us are never taught about. The characters were well developed and relatable; and the author helps you to see things from a few different points of view. I HIGHLY recommend this book!

[Emily Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written novel with historically interesting subject and captivating story. I could not put down this wonderfully written book! Thank you to the talented author, Callie J. Trautmiller for crafting this important nod to a forgotten history needing a voice. Highly recommended!

[Nicole Campuzqno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trautmiller’s debut novel shows a side of history that is often overlooked. Her commitment to creating an accurate historical account through her fiction is present throughout the novel. The plot and writing style are approachable to the target audience, and the characters are easy to relate to.

[Duane Martinsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! Could not put it down. I bought my family members a copy. Definetly would recommend this book.

[Mitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. You don't want to put it down. So well written and researched.

[Joseph Moelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! Well written and gripping! Can’t wait for Callies next novel!

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a gem of a book! It has given me a brand new perspective on this time in history, and has provided insight into a little-known part of history. Thank you for this wonderful story!

[Muffi · Rating 5 out of 5]

You become emotionally attached to every character through thier side of the story and find yourself not wanting to put the book down. Very good read.

[Alice Hembra · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Becoming American” Callie Trautmiller has managed to place her readers inside the hearts and psyches of the victims of Executive Order 9066; an order issued by the American government that placed Japanese- American citizens in internment camps during World War 11. I found myself shedding tears along with Allu Noguchi, her mother, her brother, and thousands of others sentenced to Camp Manzanar in the state of California, in this, the land of the free. And when Allu’s brother Robbie, who had to become the man of the family when their father was spirited away, decided to join the 100th Battalion that was calling for reinforcements, I too experienced the horrors of combat. I could touch, smell, and taste the fear through the deft storytelling abilities of the author who brings her characters to life. Callie Trautmiller has unearthed both the heart-wrenching suffering and the extraordinary bravery of a people who did not deserve this unfortunate blemish in our history. Highly recommended

Dallas Hembra, author of “Shaking the Family Tree” and “Kaleidoscope.”

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that needed to be told. A story many of us didn't hear or know a lot about. What an amazing debut novel!

[Nicole Varela · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was hard for me to get started, but after the first few chapters, I was hooked.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know there is a lot of WWII historical fiction to choose from. If you want to learn about a facet of that war seldom explored this is the book for you. The heroes of the 100th deserve recognition and the victims of internment deserve to be brought out of Americas closet. The author does an excellent job of exploring these difficult topics at a level deep enough for adults but still accessible to youth. Beautifully written with characters full of soul.

[Jed · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reads more like a first draft than a well polished edited book. From simple and disjointed sentence structures to underdeveloped and hodgpodged set of characters and narrative. I do not recommend this first attempt by author Trautmiller.