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Farewell to Manzanar

Teaching the Holocaust and other Genocides
Farewell to Manzanar

Author: Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston

Genre: Memoir, Historical Nonfiction

Published: 1973

Number of Pages: 191

Lexile Level: 700L

Farewell to Manzanar
Summary

Farewell to Manzanar is a memoir by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, recounting her experiences as a young Japanese American girl in the Manzanar internment camp during World War II. Along with her family, Jeanne was forcibly relocated from her home in California to a desolate camp in the desert after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. The memoir shares the struggles and injustices the family faced, as well as Jeanne’s coming-of-age story within the context of systemic racism and war hysteria. Through her personal account, the book also explores themes of family resilience, identity, and the fight for dignity under harsh conditions.

Main Themes
  1. Injustice and Discrimination - The memoir addresses the unjust internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, highlighting issues of racial prejudice and civil rights.
  2. Identity and Belonging - Jeanne’s journey reflects the struggle to maintain cultural identity and pride in the face of forced assimilation and societal discrimination.
  3. Family and Strength - The story emphasizes the importance of family support and resilience in overcoming adversity.
  4. Hope and Resistance - Despite the hardships of internment, Jeanne and her family find ways to resist and hold on to hope for a better future.
Why Farewell to Manzanar is Appropriate for Middle School Students

Farewell to Manzanar is an impactful and accessible read for middle school students due to its straightforward writing, engaging narrative, and important historical themes. The book offers a personal and emotional connection to the history of Japanese American internment camps, making it relevant for discussions on civil rights, injustice, and prejudice. The memoir’s focus on the challenges Jeanne faces as a child in the camp allows young readers to relate to her experiences, while the themes of family, identity, and resilience are universally applicable. It provides a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on the lessons of history and the importance of standing up for human rights, making it ideal for middle school classrooms.