“Sylvia & Aki”, by Winifred Conkling, teaches us about segregation and the internment programs in California during the 1940’s through the true story of friendship between two young girls, Sylvia Mendez and Aki Munemitsu. Each chapter begins with a Mexican or Japanese proverb and presents each family’s courageous response to these events. “Sylvia & Aki” will appeal to readers of all ages because of its sincerity and authenticity. The novel also includes an Afterward that explains the history of the Mendez vs Westminster School District court case as well as the relocation of 120,000 citizens of Japanese descent to internment camps. The author also updates us on the lives of the families, including President Barack Obama’s recent recognition of Sylvia Mendez with the Medal of Freedom in 2011.
--Teresa R., Sachs
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