Tallgrass

Tallgrass is a historical novel set in Ellis, Colorado during World War II, told through the eyes of 13-year-old Rennie Stroud. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. government establishes an internment camp called Tallgrass near the Strouds' family farm. The arrival of Japanese American internees creates tension in the small farming community, with some residents responding with fear and hostility while others, like the Stroud family, attempt to show compassion. When a local girl is murdered, suspicion falls on the internees, testing relationships and forcing the townspeople to confront their prejudices. Through Rennie's perspective, the narrative follows her family's interactions with the camp residents, their fellow townspeople, and the broader changes brought by wartime America. The story centers on themes of coming-of-age, justice, and moral courage in the face of widespread discrimination. The novel examines how fear and uncertainty can shape a community's response to outsiders, while exploring universal questions about loyalty, friendship, and what it means to be an American during times of national crisis.

Readers found this story of a Japanese internment camp in Colorado to be thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Many noted the effective use of a young girl's perspective to explore complex themes of prejudice and morality. Readers appreciated: - Strong character development, especially of the protagonist Rennie - Historical accuracy and educational value - The blend of coming-of-age narrative with serious historical events - Clear, straightforward writing style Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Predictable plot developments - Some found the murder mystery subplot unnecessary - A few readers felt the ending was rushed Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.97/5 (16,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (670+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.9/5 (2,400+ ratings) "The historical details feel authentic without overwhelming the story," noted one Amazon reviewer, while a Goodreads user wrote, "The perspective of a 13-year-old narrator makes this difficult subject matter more accessible."

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📚 The internment camp depicted in Tallgrass is based on the real-life Amache Relocation Center near Granada, Colorado, which held over 7,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. 🖋️ Sandra Dallas worked as a journalist for Business Week magazine for 25 years before becoming a novelist, making her one of the first female journalists to cover business and economics in the 1960s. 🌾 The title "Tallgrass" refers to the native prairie grass that once covered much of Colorado's eastern plains, where the story takes place. 🏠 The farm family in the novel was inspired by real Colorado families who showed kindness to Japanese American internees, sometimes hiring them as farm laborers and forming lasting friendships. 📖 While writing the book, Dallas interviewed several former internees and local residents who lived near the Amache camp, incorporating their experiences and memories into her fictional narrative.