It’s a well-known fact that Japanese-Americans were sent to internment camps during World War II, but the same thing happened in Canada: people of Japanese, German, and Italian origin were interned. Furthermore did you know that Canada had 24 internment camps during World War I? Over 8,000 “enemy aliens” from Germany, the Austro-Hungarian empire, and the Turkish empire were sent there. I’ve only been able to find three picture books that deal with internment camps in Canada and I’ve reviewed them here, so you can decide if you’d like to share them with your children (or read them yourself — nothing wrong with using a picture book to introduce yourself to an aspect of history you might not be familiar with).
Silver Threads by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2004)
Silver Threads is the story of a hardworking Ukrainian couple who emigrate to Canada to escape war. They homestead out west until Canada joins World War I and Ivan is taken to an internment camp. The story then follows Anna in the years she lives alone until Ivan returns. Although children won’t find excitement within the pages, this book does show the hardships of pioneer life and the injustice of internment, as well as themes of working together and persevering. It includes soft, realistic illustrations, a brief historical note, and a short list of resources. Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
Naomi’s Tree by Joy Kogawa, illustrated by Ruth Ohi (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2009)
Beginning with a cherry tree in Japan and one seed brought over to Canada, Naomi’s Tree tells the story of a Japanese-Canadian family being sent to an internment camp during World War II.
I wish the story had included the experience of the internment camp and I was not a big fan of the mystical element. This picture book has a poetic, nostalgic tone, is based on the author’s experience, and includes an afterword. There are muted illustrations on opposite pages from the text. Recommended for ages 6 to 9.
Flags by Maxine Trottier, illustrated by Paul Morin (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1999)
In this book the narrator visits her grandmother and befriends her Japanese neighbour, Mr. Hiroshi, who spends much time tending his Japanese-style garden until he is sent away to an internment camp. Flags is similar in tone and content to Naomi’s Tree but I preferred its illustrations and symbolism (rather than mysticism). An author’s note explains the history of the Japanese-Canadians and the author’s hope that such a relocation will never happen again. Recommended for ages 6 to 9.