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Beneath the Wide Silk Sky
A portrait of the racism faced by America's Japanese population during WWII.
Sam Sakamoto doesn't have space in her life for dreams. With the recent death of her mother, Sam's focus is the farm, which her family will lose if they can't make one last payment. There's no time for her secret and unrealistic hope of becoming a photographer, no matter how skilled she's become. But Sam doesn't know that an even bigger threat looms on the horizon.
On December 7, 1941, Japanese airplanes attack the US naval base at Pearl Harbor. Fury towards Japanese Americans ignites across the country. In Sam's community in Washington State, the attack gives those who already harbor prejudice an excuse to hate.
As Sam's family wrestles with intensifying discrimination and even violence, Sam forges a new and unexpected friendship with her neighbor Hiro Tanaka. When he offers Sam a way to resume her photography, she realizes she can document the bigotry around her -- if she’s willing to take the risk. When the United States announces that those of Japanese descent will be forced into "relocation camps," Sam knows she must act or lose her voice forever. She engages in one last battle to leave with her identity -- and her family -- intact.
Emily Inouye Huey draws inspiration from her own family history.
Sam Sakamoto doesn't have space in her life for dreams. With the recent death of her mother, Sam's focus is the farm, which her family will lose if they can't make one last payment. There's no time for her secret and unrealistic hope of becoming a photographer, no matter how skilled she's become. But Sam doesn't know that an even bigger threat looms on the horizon.
On December 7, 1941, Japanese airplanes attack the US naval base at Pearl Harbor. Fury towards Japanese Americans ignites across the country. In Sam's community in Washington State, the attack gives those who already harbor prejudice an excuse to hate.
As Sam's family wrestles with intensifying discrimination and even violence, Sam forges a new and unexpected friendship with her neighbor Hiro Tanaka. When he offers Sam a way to resume her photography, she realizes she can document the bigotry around her -- if she’s willing to take the risk. When the United States announces that those of Japanese descent will be forced into "relocation camps," Sam knows she must act or lose her voice forever. She engages in one last battle to leave with her identity -- and her family -- intact.
Emily Inouye Huey draws inspiration from her own family history.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2022
32 people are currently reading
1433 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
October 8, 2024
Oh my gosh, my heart 💔 If you enjoy Historical Fiction you must must must give this a read!!! ❤️ All the stars… all the feels!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!!!
October 25, 2022
This beautiful story about a girl living in the PNW in the months leading up to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII is at once both heartwrenching and inspiring. The main character, Sam, is the portrait of a Japanese American girl: studious, ambitious, and dutiful. She wants badly to do right by her family while pursuing ambitions of her own. She is conflicted about preserving her family's heritage while complying with unfair laws.
Because Japanese Americans desired to be accepted by the greater American population, they strove to assimilate, often at the cost of their culture and heritage. The portrayal of Sam's story is familiar to so many--120,000--who were forced from their homes and into incarceration camps for committing no crime. Following their release, they had to completely rebuild their lives, as their farms, homes, and belongings had been sold for pennies or ransacked by greedy neighbors. Their stories deserve to be told, read, and remembered.
Because Japanese Americans desired to be accepted by the greater American population, they strove to assimilate, often at the cost of their culture and heritage. The portrayal of Sam's story is familiar to so many--120,000--who were forced from their homes and into incarceration camps for committing no crime. Following their release, they had to completely rebuild their lives, as their farms, homes, and belongings had been sold for pennies or ransacked by greedy neighbors. Their stories deserve to be told, read, and remembered.
March 24, 2023
Sam Sakamoto is a photographer, teen, daughter, sister, neighbor of Hiro Tanaka, a student in a Washington high school, and is Nisei (2nd generation Japanese (born in new country), born to first generation - born in Japan - parents). In other words, Sam is an American citizen. Not that she was treated that way. . . .
The times could be blamed. . . it was WWII, and this story straddles the Pearl Harbor event that tore the world apart. Still. People are awful so much of the time. There's plenty of that here. This particular book is listed as YA, but I enjoyed it and am far from that category in my timeline.
Particularly appealing to me was the use of photography, and the part Sam's work had in raising awareness of an insider's perspective of the inequities being imposed on her community. An important message for all, but especially for those when it is happening.
Glad this author's book landed in my TBR list!
The times could be blamed. . . it was WWII, and this story straddles the Pearl Harbor event that tore the world apart. Still. People are awful so much of the time. There's plenty of that here. This particular book is listed as YA, but I enjoyed it and am far from that category in my timeline.
Particularly appealing to me was the use of photography, and the part Sam's work had in raising awareness of an insider's perspective of the inequities being imposed on her community. An important message for all, but especially for those when it is happening.
Glad this author's book landed in my TBR list!
October 20, 2022
Beneath the Wide Silk Sky is one of the most beautifully-written stories I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The characters are flawed, yet full and complete. They interact with the world around them--during Pearl Harbor and amidst one of America's most shameful, darkest moments--with varying degrees of dignity, grace, ignorance, and pain. Huey's characters are believable, and their stories are tragic, yet ultimately uplifting.
The story of the Sakamoto family is rooted in both American and Huey's personal history, as Huey explores the devastating reality of life for Japanese Americans during the 1940s. This moving story, written with emotional and inspiring prose, is a perfect read for everyone.
Don't waste a moment before reading this amazing debut title, and get ready to see the world change for the better!
The story of the Sakamoto family is rooted in both American and Huey's personal history, as Huey explores the devastating reality of life for Japanese Americans during the 1940s. This moving story, written with emotional and inspiring prose, is a perfect read for everyone.
Don't waste a moment before reading this amazing debut title, and get ready to see the world change for the better!
September 28, 2022
This is a story about Sam Sakamoto and her life after her mother passed away. She is navigating the pursuit of her dreams (photography) and the hardships her family is under, when the Japanese airplanes attack Pearl Harbor. Sam’s life changes drastically after that and she is dealing with the discrimination, and violence and horror of how people in her town changed overnight towards her because of her Japanese ancestry. Through this she strengthens some friendships and continues to pursue her photography dream the best she can in the turmoil around her. This is her quest to find her voice while her world around her is in chaos.
Huey is a beautiful writer, you will find yourself enthralled and saddened by her story. It will have you thinking about yourself and how you may act if placed in a similar situation. What type of person would you be? This is a must read! ❤️❤️❤️
Huey is a beautiful writer, you will find yourself enthralled and saddened by her story. It will have you thinking about yourself and how you may act if placed in a similar situation. What type of person would you be? This is a must read! ❤️❤️❤️
October 20, 2022
This book! I cannot recommend it highly enough.
First of all, it is thoughtfully and beautifully written. There were many lines that made me stop and ponder because they were so achingly true and beautiful.
Secondly, it is a WWII book that takes place NOT in Europe, but in America—and it is an important read. I knew Japanese Americans were sent to live in camps after Pearl Harbor, but I didn't know much other than that. This story puts you right in the minds and hearts of the residents of Linley Island. It gives you a peek into their friendships, their dreams, their heartaches, and their loves. It feels very much like this story could be happening to you.
Which brings me to my third point. This book made me feel seen. I know, I'm not a Japanese American and I've never experienced the awful things these characters went through in this book. But the dread-laced feeling of lurking disaster you feel powerless to stop? Of not being able to put your trust in the people around you? The maddening feeling of injustice prevailing in the world while those with power cheer it on and those without power just have to bear it? Yeah. I've felt that. But also, most importantly, this book was brimming with hope. And connection. And reminders that even in the darkness the light can shine.
This book made me ask important moral questions. It definitely made me feel a lot of feelings. A book like this is a gift to the world, and I highly recommend that you read it.
First of all, it is thoughtfully and beautifully written. There were many lines that made me stop and ponder because they were so achingly true and beautiful.
Secondly, it is a WWII book that takes place NOT in Europe, but in America—and it is an important read. I knew Japanese Americans were sent to live in camps after Pearl Harbor, but I didn't know much other than that. This story puts you right in the minds and hearts of the residents of Linley Island. It gives you a peek into their friendships, their dreams, their heartaches, and their loves. It feels very much like this story could be happening to you.
Which brings me to my third point. This book made me feel seen. I know, I'm not a Japanese American and I've never experienced the awful things these characters went through in this book. But the dread-laced feeling of lurking disaster you feel powerless to stop? Of not being able to put your trust in the people around you? The maddening feeling of injustice prevailing in the world while those with power cheer it on and those without power just have to bear it? Yeah. I've felt that. But also, most importantly, this book was brimming with hope. And connection. And reminders that even in the darkness the light can shine.
This book made me ask important moral questions. It definitely made me feel a lot of feelings. A book like this is a gift to the world, and I highly recommend that you read it.
August 17, 2023
Beneath the Wide Silk Sky is my favorite of the books I've finished this summer!
This young adult, historical novel centers on a sixteen-year-old Japanese-American girl and her family in Washington State in the months prior to Executive Order 9066 in 1942, leading to the incarceration of 125,000 people of Japanese ancestry.
I've read quite a bit about life in the camps, so I found this depiction of the months leading up to the relocation to provide a refreshing, insightful, and poignant perspective.
I listened to this one with my husband, whose mother and grandparents were among those incarcerated. The author, too, draws on her own family history as research for the novel.
The audiobook was excellently narrated by Sophie Oda, who I also enjoyed as one of the narrators of We Are Not Free.
Summer Reading 2023 23/33
This young adult, historical novel centers on a sixteen-year-old Japanese-American girl and her family in Washington State in the months prior to Executive Order 9066 in 1942, leading to the incarceration of 125,000 people of Japanese ancestry.
I've read quite a bit about life in the camps, so I found this depiction of the months leading up to the relocation to provide a refreshing, insightful, and poignant perspective.
I listened to this one with my husband, whose mother and grandparents were among those incarcerated. The author, too, draws on her own family history as research for the novel.
The audiobook was excellently narrated by Sophie Oda, who I also enjoyed as one of the narrators of We Are Not Free.
Summer Reading 2023 23/33
December 21, 2022
A beautiful story. Sam is a character to root for as she navigates grief, teenage angst, isolation, prejudice, betrayal, and first love in this heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful, coming-of-age story. Sam's family and friends find the strength to rise above injustice and defy the bullies, while the most humane in the community seek ways to show kindness and compassion to their beleaguered neighbors. Inspiring & insightful. (And left me hoping for a sequel!)
March 27, 2025
Good story about life as a Japanese American between the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the internment camps, the different forms courage and patriotism can take, and the sad reality of ever-present hatred and prejudice and the excuses people exploit to justify giving in to those attitudes and behaviors.
June 1, 2024
When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Samantha's community in Washinton State feared the neighbors who had an excuse to hate them more. Samantha's family and all Japanese were faced with racism, discrimination and violence, These hard-working people in the United States were forced from their homes and into incarceration camps for committing no crime.
Samantha's passion for photography is prominent. Her knowledge of shadows, lightning and sunlight produced phenomenal photos that her friend, Hiro, encouraged her to use his dad's camera to enter a photo contest.
Emily has written an unforgettable story that exposes the suffering of the American Japanese & families.
Samantha's passion for photography is prominent. Her knowledge of shadows, lightning and sunlight produced phenomenal photos that her friend, Hiro, encouraged her to use his dad's camera to enter a photo contest.
Emily has written an unforgettable story that exposes the suffering of the American Japanese & families.
October 2, 2023
Such an important story, about Japanese Americans before and during World War II. I really liked how it was set before the actual internment and went through everything leading up to the Japanese being forced out of their homes. Sam was a great main character who I really felt for. The family dynamics as well as the townspeople and minor characters added a lot to the whole story. It really raised a lot of questions about how people of all races and ages acted and reacted to what was going on around them.
September 23, 2024
This would be such a good book for a teenager to learn about this time period, adults as well. But applicable to a teenage girl since it’s written from that perspective. Really really good, beautiful story of loyalty to family relationships, eye opening to the racism of that day.
August 8, 2023
Super painful to read.
At first, I couldn't understand why Sam felt guilty when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. She wasn't part of the plan, the military or even a native of the country of Japan. But that was her culture, her identity: born of Japanese immigrants, living in a Japanese community subset of her island in Washington State. She felt some guilt.
And then the community began to get ugly. Racists were given rein to act according to their bigotry. People with economic incentives to hate competition from immigrants doubled down. Fear, ignorance, even simple "don't rock the boat"ness caused no end of sorrow and injustice. As a white woman, born more than 25 years after the war's end, I still felt a sense of racial guilt for what happened.
It's easy and comfortable to look at the Nazis and their concentration camps and ovens and say "Never again." And we should say "never again," and make "never again" a reality. But it isn't just in Germany, it's not just the Jews. It's in all nations; there is always some group hating on or afraid of another group, and it's far too easy to reduce (insert group here) to a stereotype, a caricature, a mental strawman, imbued with all of the vices and evil we personally despise, and then justify "whatever it takes" to feel and be safe from the "enemy." We become an enemy ourselves.
I love the US. It doesn't have a perfect history; no nation does. But we do have excellent founding ideals. Everywhere we fall short as a nation is because we fall short of our founding ideals.
Ideals are hard: we (certainly I) don't always live up to them, which hurts. We/I feel like hypocrites, and it's tempting to abandon the ideals because no one likes to feel a failure. But it's always always better to course correct and align more carefully with those ideals and principles than to trash them for our comfort.
At first, I couldn't understand why Sam felt guilty when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. She wasn't part of the plan, the military or even a native of the country of Japan. But that was her culture, her identity: born of Japanese immigrants, living in a Japanese community subset of her island in Washington State. She felt some guilt.
And then the community began to get ugly. Racists were given rein to act according to their bigotry. People with economic incentives to hate competition from immigrants doubled down. Fear, ignorance, even simple "don't rock the boat"ness caused no end of sorrow and injustice. As a white woman, born more than 25 years after the war's end, I still felt a sense of racial guilt for what happened.
It's easy and comfortable to look at the Nazis and their concentration camps and ovens and say "Never again." And we should say "never again," and make "never again" a reality. But it isn't just in Germany, it's not just the Jews. It's in all nations; there is always some group hating on or afraid of another group, and it's far too easy to reduce (insert group here) to a stereotype, a caricature, a mental strawman, imbued with all of the vices and evil we personally despise, and then justify "whatever it takes" to feel and be safe from the "enemy." We become an enemy ourselves.
I love the US. It doesn't have a perfect history; no nation does. But we do have excellent founding ideals. Everywhere we fall short as a nation is because we fall short of our founding ideals.
Ideals are hard: we (certainly I) don't always live up to them, which hurts. We/I feel like hypocrites, and it's tempting to abandon the ideals because no one likes to feel a failure. But it's always always better to course correct and align more carefully with those ideals and principles than to trash them for our comfort.
March 6, 2025
This is the first time I’ve read anything on the subject of Japanese Americans at the time of WWII. It was really interesting
January 31, 2025
As a huge fan of Historical Fiction, Beneath the Wide Silk Sky, proved to be a very entertaining book. This book from a local community college professor follows the life of an American-born Japanese girl beginning just before the attack on Pearl Harbour in World War Two. She wishes to follow her dream of being a photographer, even though she faces heavy discrimination for both her gender and parents' nationality. After the attacks, because they live in the Pacific Northwest, federal agents begin to confiscate goods that can be used to spy, including her family's camera. Her friend Hiro however, kept his camera for her to use. She used this opportunity to take as many photos as possible, capturing the horrid conditions she was being placed in. I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it created wonderfully relatable characters and effectively produced an empathetic response from me. It did however, start rather slowly. I was unable to attach to the characters until about halfway through the book. I would recommend this book to all Historical Fiction lovers and those who wish to know more about Japanese-American internment. Do be warned, there is frequent use of three racial slurs, one for Japanese people, and two for Asians in general.
November 9, 2022
A beautiful and touching story about a Japanese-American family just before and during WWII. The main character is Samantha (a really good name 😉) and she’s trying to help keep their family’s farm on an island near Washington. The prejudice against her family and other Japanese-American increases after Pearl Harbor. Samantha finds her voice by taking pictures of the devastation and indignities they suffer with a hidden camera. The government took their cameras and radios because they assumed Japanese Americans were spies. She discovers who her true friends are as they help each other through the ugliness and the family’s ultimate redemption.
The prose is lyrical and the voice feels authentic. A must read for fans of historical fiction.
The prose is lyrical and the voice feels authentic. A must read for fans of historical fiction.
January 2, 2026
A beautifully written novel set on a fictional island off Washington State, Beneath the Wide Silk Sky begins in December 1941 just before the Japanese airplanes attack the US naval base at Pearl Harbor. The aftermath exposes the already-present racial prejudice, greed, economic competition, along with the wartime hysteria, that led to the incarceration of the Japanese Americans. I found the author's notes exceedingly poignant and timely: "I chose to write about the time before the internment because in a way we're always at a point 'before' injustice. The question of how we will act, and of how we will define our society, is always before us."
October 18, 2022
A beautifully written tale of teenager Sam Sakamoto, her family, friends, and her Japantown community in Washington state from December 1941 into the spring of 1942.
Told in flowing words, readers get a 'birds-eye' view of what happened to Japanese citizens as America enters WWII. You'll read about shock, fear, and uncertainty, about how Japanese Americans were treated, ostracized, and abused. Written from a teenager's point of view, you'll see growing fear and puzzlement as life becomes ever restrictive.
There are lyrical scenes as Sam plans photographic shots of her community and events, for Sam wants to be a photographer like Dorothea Lange.
There's some bullying and violence, all perpetrated by whites upon their Japanese American neighbors. There are also scenes of kindness by those sympathetic to their neighbors' plight. A tale of the past with echoes in the present.
Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.
Told in flowing words, readers get a 'birds-eye' view of what happened to Japanese citizens as America enters WWII. You'll read about shock, fear, and uncertainty, about how Japanese Americans were treated, ostracized, and abused. Written from a teenager's point of view, you'll see growing fear and puzzlement as life becomes ever restrictive.
There are lyrical scenes as Sam plans photographic shots of her community and events, for Sam wants to be a photographer like Dorothea Lange.
There's some bullying and violence, all perpetrated by whites upon their Japanese American neighbors. There are also scenes of kindness by those sympathetic to their neighbors' plight. A tale of the past with echoes in the present.
Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.
August 7, 2023
An excellent work of historical fiction and a stunning story. Huey writes characters full of strength, creativity, moxie, and light during a historical period full of darkness and fear. This book makes the hatred that was allowed to run rampant towards Japanese people and Asian Americans in general so clear. Sam's growth and confidence through this story is so inspiring to read, and Hiro is an absolute dreamboat. (Slow burn lovers rejoice)
January 13, 2024
Wow!!! Wow!!! Wow!!!
What an incredible story! Stunning, devastating & poignant; a beautiful, touching story of a Japanese American family just before and during WWII. Samantha and her family will capture your heart as you journey with them through this important historical time period. Their perseverance as they battle the evil racism all around them is incredible as they hope for a better future. Emily Inouye Huey’s debut is INCREDIBLE! Thank you for asking me to read this one, Courtney!
What an incredible story! Stunning, devastating & poignant; a beautiful, touching story of a Japanese American family just before and during WWII. Samantha and her family will capture your heart as you journey with them through this important historical time period. Their perseverance as they battle the evil racism all around them is incredible as they hope for a better future. Emily Inouye Huey’s debut is INCREDIBLE! Thank you for asking me to read this one, Courtney!
October 12, 2024
So sad what we humans do to other humans. This book reminded me of Snow Falling on Cedars
March 14, 2025
3.5 stars. A beautiful story, but felt like there was something missing in its telling. I wished there was more resolution to some of the plot lines and was disappointed that other details were glossed over (what exactly happened to KiKi? Her trauma seemed quickly dismissed but maybe not depending on what happened to her… but what happened to her?!)
March 20, 2025
Excellent book looking at the lead up to the interment of thousands of Japanese Americans during WWII. Heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. Loved meeting the author and hearing her family’s personal story. Great read for anyone interested in WWII, historical fiction and social injustice.
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April 27, 2025Such a well written, thought provoking, beautiful and courageous story! Must read! This book will open your mind and heart!
March 5, 2025
I have read other Japanese interment stories, but this one was a bit different, as it ends with their leaving for a camp. It's so well written, with well-developed characters and a range of realistic reactions and coping strategies to the injustices of the events. I appreciated its well balanced perspective on multiple sides of the issues, and the immersive storytelling.
January 21, 2026
As someone who is half Japanese, who had grandparents on different sides of the war during the War, this was so eye-opening and close to home. I learned so much on how Japanese Americans were treated after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Heartbreaking & poetic.
September 7, 2025
The last couple of things I’ve read were disappointing books than leaned on the crutch of America’s obsession with pop culture rather than creativity. So maybe that made this story even more refreshing as an interesting, well-written historical fiction about a Japanese-American family living on the West Coast when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Even though I knew what was going to happen in the end, I still read every word, cheered for the heroine and her family, and loved the whole thing. After I had to do a thorough Internet image search for the photography of Dorothea Lange and Toyo Miyatake.
January 22, 2025
A heartbreaking, beautiful reckoning with just one of the ugly truths of our imperfect nation’s past. I’d love to get this into the hands of as many kids as I can.
June 20, 2025
book 115
first sentence: I jumped as the rat streaked across the edge of the chicken pen.
I read this historical fiction novel on the recommendation of my son, and I'm so glad I did! Beneath the Wide Silk Sky is a well-written, poignant telling of how the US mistreated Japanese Americans during WWII. Dynamic relationships and a vivid setting brought the book to life. Inoyue Huey tackles an enormous topic in a genre for children with tact and clarity. I really wanted to see Sam's (fictional) photos!
first sentence: I jumped as the rat streaked across the edge of the chicken pen.
I read this historical fiction novel on the recommendation of my son, and I'm so glad I did! Beneath the Wide Silk Sky is a well-written, poignant telling of how the US mistreated Japanese Americans during WWII. Dynamic relationships and a vivid setting brought the book to life. Inoyue Huey tackles an enormous topic in a genre for children with tact and clarity. I really wanted to see Sam's (fictional) photos!
October 19, 2022
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews