Pearl

A Japanese American 13-year-old questions her identity and loyalties when the two countries go to war in this emotional and riveting story of perseverance. Growing up in 1941 Hawaii, Amy heard magical stories about her great-grandmother’s career as a pearl diver, called an ama, in Honshu. When she receives news that Sōsobo is ill, Amy makes the solo journey to visit her in Hiroshima. There, Amy meets family for the first time, and she quickly adjusts to life in Japan despite initial worries that her being American born would make the transition difficult. But when Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, Amy is forbidden from returning to the U.S. Moreover, she’s conscripted into working as a monitor girl to translate radio transmissions from English into Japanese. Rumors of Japanese Americans being imprisoned in the U.S. leave Amy torn, wondering whether America is truly the land of the free, like she’s always been told. Harrowing scenes of violence and tragedy are depicted by Norrie (Breaking Up) in a haunting progression of inky black panels while a muted blue and white palette adds ethereal ambiance to Amy’s everyday life. Paired with carefully plotted dialogue and character interactions by Smith (American Wings), the creators emphasize Amy’s struggles to heed her sōsobo’s advice: “ikinokoru,” or “you must survive.” Ages 10–14. (Aug.)