Yoshiko Uchida

I am ashamed to admit but the book The Bracelet is the only book I have read by Yoshiko Uchida. This book gives a glimps into what hysteria can do.
Emi a Japanese-American in 1942 is forced to leave her home and go to live in an internment camp. The family is already separated as her father has been taken to a prisoner of war camp. As Emi walks through her home trying to remember how things were her best friend Laurie Madison comes to the door with a gift for Emi. Laurie has brought her a bracelet, a thin gold chain with a dangling heart. Emi swears she will never take it off and the friends hug goodbye. Emi and her family are taken to Tanforan racetrack where their new home is nothing more than a horse stall. Emi realizes she has lost her bracelet and is worried she will now forget her friend. She soon learns that you don't need anything tangible to remember those you love. They are forever in your heart.
I thought this was a sweet story even though it reminds us what injustices were inflicted on the Japanese Americans during WWII. I am also reminded of injustices against Native Americans, Jewish Americans and African American. I have tried to raise my children to realize we are all God's creations and the beauty of our differences make the world a better more interesting place.
Even though I have not read any other books by this author, here are some other titles:
The Magic Purse (1994)
Journey To Topaz (1971)
A Jar of Dreams (1981)
Journey Home (1978)