Eyes of the Emperor
by Graham Salisbury
Historical Fiction | 240pgs.
As a Japanese-American living in Hawaii, Eddy Okuba knows that there's an underlying prejudice. When it surfaces, he joins the army to prove he's a loyal citizen, but after Pearl Harbor is attacked, he is met with suspicion even there. Treated as a prisoner for some time, and then given a secret assignment which, despite being told only they can do, he can clearly see the racism bubbling beneath, he just tries to survive his version of the war.
Told in first person, this is a simple story of life in the face of prejudice. The story and the characters seem to have a sort of quiet dignity about them. It flows very nicely and holds the reader's interest, but is not exceedingly touching or inspiring. Still, taken the right way, it could be powerful, and it's a good read.
Adam Canfield of the Slash
by Michael Winerip
Life / "Issues" | 326pgs.
Overloaded with activities designed to get him ahead, middle schooler Adam Canfield doesn't have time to be co-editor of the Harris Elementary/Middle School Slash. But his friend Jennifer's roped him into it, even though he'd much rather be star reporter. When a new reporter helps Adam and Jennifer stumble across a secret, it takes even more of his time, all his skills as an investigative reporter, and a good deal of bravery to get the truth - and the biggest story in the Slash's history.
An engaging book which I read straight through. It's a slightly lower reading level, but certainly doesn't suffer for it. Adam's struggles to do the right thing, and be on time for class, make for an enjoyable story with real characters, and plenty of distrust in grownups.
