The House of the Red Fish

The House of the Red Fish follows Japanese-American teenager Tomi Nakaji in 1943 Hawaii as he attempts to salvage his father's sunken fishing boat. The story takes place against the backdrop of WWII, when Japanese-Americans faced discrimination and suspicion despite their loyalty to the United States. Tomi works with his friends and family to raise the boat while navigating complex relationships in his community. His efforts bring both support and resistance from different members of the neighborhood, testing his determination and courage. The novel depicts daily life for Japanese-Americans in wartime Hawaii through details of work, school, and family relationships. This is a sequel to Under the Blood-Red Sun, but it stands on its own as an independent story. The book explores themes of perseverance, identity, and justice while illustrating a crucial period in American history. Through Tomi's experiences, readers gain perspective on the impact of war on civilian communities and the strength required to maintain dignity in the face of prejudice.

Readers call this a thoughtful historical novel that brings 1943 Hawaii to life through the eyes of Japanese-American teenagers. Many note it works well as both a sequel to Under the Blood-Red Sun and a standalone story. Readers appreciate: - Authentic portrayal of Japanese-American experiences during WWII - Complex family relationships and friendships - Educational value for young readers learning about this period - Age-appropriate handling of discrimination and wartime challenges Common criticisms: - Slower pacing compared to the first book - Some find the boat-salvaging plot less compelling - Limited female character development Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (679 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (41 ratings) Multiple teachers and librarians mention successfully using it in middle school curricula. Several Japanese-American readers commented on the accuracy of cultural details and family dynamics. Parents frequently note the book sparked meaningful discussions about prejudice with their children.

Under the Blood-Red Sun by Graham Salisbury A Japanese-American boy in Hawaii faces discrimination and family separation after Pearl Harbor.

Journey to Topaz by Yoshiko Uchida A Japanese-American family endures life in the Topaz internment camp during World War II.

Eyes of the Emperor by Graham Salisbury A Japanese-American teenager joins the U.S. Army before Pearl Harbor and becomes part of a secret military experiment.

Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki A Japanese-American boy finds hope through baseball while living in an internment camp during World War II.

When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka A Japanese-American family's experience of internment unfolds through multiple perspectives from 1942 to 1945.

🌺 Graham Salisbury grew up in Hawaii during the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, giving him firsthand experience of the cultural tensions he portrays in the book. 🏊‍♂️ The book is a sequel to "Under the Blood-Red Sun" and continues to follow Japanese-American teenager Tomi Nakaji as his family struggles to rebuild their lives in 1943 Hawaii. 🎯 The story incorporates real historical events, including the U.S. government's seizure of Japanese-owned fishing boats after Pearl Harbor - a crucial element in the plot. 🌊 The book's title refers to Tomi's father's fishing sampan, which was intentionally sunk in Pearl Harbor to prevent its confiscation by authorities. 🏆 The novel won the 2006 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, recognizing its excellence in portraying an important period in American history for young readers.