Ken Mochizuki
Ken Mochizuki may not be a household name, but his books have won quite a bit of acclaim. The first published in 1993, Baseball Saved Us, relates to the experiences of a Japanese American boy in an internment camp during World War II. It may appear to some that the story is autobiographical, but when you see Ken you know that he is much too young to have had the personal experience. His family came to the United States almost a century ago, so Ken's family has been here for quite some time. He was born in Seattle and his first language was English not Japanese, even though his parents spoke Japanese. To this day he really only knows a few words of Japanese. His parents lived their whole lives in the Seattle area except for the period when they were interred.
Part of what Ken tries to do when he visits school which he has been doing for nine years now, is to help kids realize that they may be unconsciously stereotyping those around them. He wants to help eradicate prejudice and racism. For example, he made it clear that while he may have Japanese ancestry, he dosent know the martial arts, he doesn't wear heavy glasses and until recently math was not one of his strong subjects. He is not a computer nerd, a slow driver or a camera nut.
So what is he? A writer who has created some very powerful books. His three picture books are really for all ages and in some cases not even appropriate for really young kids. "Mochizuki's three picture books--Baseball Saved Us, Heroes, and Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story--are linked by the universal theme of heroism. In his first book it is the power of positive thinking, in the second it is more the definition of a hero and that actions speak louder than words and the third is one that presents a moral dilemma and truly shows that one individual can make a difference. In the latter he finds that kids are more understanding and more ready to take a position. They know that if you help and in this case it wa the persecution of the Jews, then you risk your own life and that of your family. For many adults the issue is more one of apathy which is even more frightening that taking a stand.
All of Ken's picture books have been published by Lee & Low and initially he had no influence as to the choice of illustrator. The illustrations were done by Dom Lee who was in the US on a student visa. The success of the book and the others that Lee illustrated certainly did save him, because due to his unique contribution he was able to stay in the US as apermanent resident. The technique he uses is interesting. He scratches images into black wax and then overpaints with oils. It gives a definite soft and period look to the illustrations. Ken helped him by supplying photographs which served as the basis of many of the illustrations.
In 1994 when he heard the story of Schindler, he wanted the world to know what Sugihara had done. This amazing man defied his own government and managed to save 10,000 people. Part of what made Sugihara undertake the task was his son--the Five-year-old had visited the home of a Jewish family and through that experience Sugihara realized that they were all people. Ken, is not related to the family although people frequently think that he is writing from personal experience.
Ken received a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of Washington and worked as a journalist. For the last nine years he has traveled around the country making presentations. In addition to those related to his books, he also has in his repertory a lecture on the history of Asian Pacific Americans in the U.S. military. Now that he has published his first novel, which according to Ken was 21 years in the making, he has probably added another talk to his lecture series.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
Baseball Saved Us
Ken Mochizuki
Illustrated by Dom Lee
During World War II, Japanese residents of the United States were herded into camps in remote parts of the country. Mochizuki describes life in one internment camp and notes the problems that develope when there is little focus in your life. His Dad decided that baseball might be the answer. The family and others began preparing a baseball field; the women made uniforms. Soon the kids and adults were playing baseball. Being short and not a particularly gifted athlete, the author worked hard to hone his game and finally became a star. After the war, he returned to school but once again felt the unease of being different. His baseball skills and personal determination helped him gain acceptance. A moving story, that will tell kids about a little known part of American history. 1993, Lee and Low, $14.95 and $5.95. Ages 6 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Interred in a camp in the American desert during World War II, a young Japanese American boy, his family and other camp members build a diamond, fashion uniforms and set up leagues because, as the boy's father says, "people needed something to do" to keep from despair. This poignant work of historical fiction follows the boy after the release of Japanese Americans as his newly honed baseball skills help him deal with the prejudice rampant after the war. 1993, Lee and Low, $15.95 and $6.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum
Life for the Japanese-Americans in 1942 was one of humiliation and loss. Their lives were abruptly halted as they were sent to internment camps in desolate places. This is one of their touching stories. The story, told by Shorty, tells of the determination of his dad to build a baseball field in their camp. From the dream to reality, the story shows the power of people to survive and help themselves. It is a story of maintaining one's self-respect and dignity. The illustrations in shadings of brown and ochre have the gritty feel of sand and dust. 1993, Lee & Low, $14.95 and $5.95. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
This book shows children dealing with conflicts. It is the story of a young Japanese-American boy sent to an internment camp during World War II. Furious at his situation and the prejudice surrounding him, the boy channels his anger into baseball and finds resolution and power. This book is a great opener to discuss prejudice, history, anger, and authentic actions. 1993, Lee and Low, $14.95 and $5.95. Ages 9 up. Reviewer Susie Wilde
ISBN: 1-880000-01-6
ISBN: 1-880000-19-9
Best Books:
Books About Relationships and Community-Building, 2002 ; Children's Book Council; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Immigrant Experience, 1999 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Not Just for Children Any More, 1999 ; Children's Book Council; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002 ; California Department of Education; California
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award, 1998 ; North Dakota
Beacon Hill Boys
Ken Mochizuki
It is 1972, and Dan Inagaki is a high school junior in the Beacon Hill section of Seattle, a struggling neighborhood in the shadow of the Boeing plant. His school is a melting pot--one-third white, one-third black, and one-third Asian. The Black Power movement is gaining steam, but the Japanese kids are busy trying not to make waves, to succeed as their parents expect. Dan is the second child of three, and constantly hears how he doesn't measure up to his perfect older brother Brad. His friends are a variety of similar misfits. Dan asks questions--questions his parents aren't ready to answer. What was life like in the camps? What did dad do in the war? Asking questions sets Dan apart at school as well. The pace of the book is fairly slow, with many chapters a repetition of "the boys go out, some of them dabble in drugs, Dan is introspective." It extends over the course of one academic year, as we follow Dan developing his own identity, reconciling with his parents and dreaming about the most popular girl in school. Despite the problem with pacing, the novel offers a glimpse into the struggles of second and third generation Japanese immigrants caught between the previous generation and American culture. 2002, Scholastic, Ages 12 up, $16.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-439-26749-8
Heroes
Ken Mochizuki
Illustrated by Dom Lee.
The pair who so eloquently introduced children to the Japanese-American interment camps in Baseball Saved Us, tell another tale of prejudice in this book. Donnie's friends insist on playing war and he must always be the enemy because he looks like "them." Donnie knows his uncle and father are not enemies, but are heroes of the Korean War. Unlike other adults, they will not talk about the war and insist that real heroes "just do what they are supposed to do." Donnie's distress provokes a response that shows their wisdom, caring, and commitment to peaceful resolutions. The book has value beyond revealing history and allows children to question what heroism really means. 1995, Lee and Low Books, $14.95. Ages 4 up. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 1-880000-16-4
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of the Social Studies, 1995 ; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books for Children, 1995 ; Smithsonian; United States
Teachers' Choices, 1996 ; International Reading Association; United States
Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story
Ken Mochizuki
Illustrated by Dom Lee
Afterword by Hiroki Sugihara.
One person can and does make a difference in this story. Hiroki Sugihara tried to get permission from his government to prepare visas for Jews trying to escape the Nazis. His attempts failed, but his conscience wouldn't let him ignore the pleas of the refugees from Poland congregating outside the Japanese consulate in Lithuania. In the end, after conferring with and receiving the support of his family, he began issuing visas. His tireless efforts over a short period of time saved thousands of lives. It is a remarkable act of heroism and humanity and an important lesson. This book should have a place in every library and be part of the social studies curriculum. 1997, Lee & Low, $15.95. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 1-880000-49-0
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Best Children's Books of the Year, 1997 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Books About Trauma, Tragedy and Loss, 2002 ; Children's Book Council; United States
Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 1997 ; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 1998 ; Children's Literature; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, Third Edition, 2001 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Not Just for Children Any More, 1999 ; Children's Book Council; United States
Notable Books for a Global Society, 1998 ; International Reading Association; United States
Notable Books for Children, 1998 ; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 1998 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of the Social Studies, 1997 ; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 1998 ; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, April 1997 ; Cahners; United States
Reading Magic Awards, 1997 ; Parenting; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002 ; California Department of Education; California
Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books for Children, 1997 ; Smithsonian; United States
Teachers' Choices, 1998 ; International Reading Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 1998 Non-Fiction United States
Children's Literature Association of Utah Book Awards Winner 1999 Informational Utah
Jane Addams Book Award Honor Book 1998 Picture Book United States
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Winner 1997 Social Studies: K-6 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2000 ; Kentucky
Maine Student Book Award, 1998-1999 ; Maine
South Carolina Book Awards, 2000 ; South Carolina
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 1998-1999 ; Texas
Utah Children's Book Awards, 1999 ; Utah
Added 03/25/03
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