The Last Page in a Diary is the first historical fiction I have ever read concerning internment camps during World War II. The author chronicles the evils of placing Japanese Americans in camps during World War II. She does an outstanding job relating the story in a simple way that any child reading the story will understand what went on so many years ago.
On page eleven, the author made a profound statement that made me stop to think about the evils of prejudice.
“When there’s prejudice — innocent people often get hurt.” This statement rings so true to me since I have been a victim of racial prejudice, and I know how it can destroy a person, if he or she is not strong. Luckily, Yoshi (Mike) is a remarkable young lady who gets her strength from God, and that strength helps her endure the hatred lashed at her and her family.
A second statement found on page twenty-three that made me stop to think:
“Don’t blame the kids too much. Their parents teach them the hatred and prejudice.” Like the old adage — the apple does not fall far from the tree. People that are prejudiced had to learn it from home. Sad but very true, the only thing one can do is to find a way to not let the hatred turn you into a bitter person.
I also enjoyed the Christian message the author tried to relay to the readers. Yoshi (Mike) learned to give all her cares to God even though kids from her school ridiculed and made her life difficult because she is Japanese American.
Patricia Kelly (Pat) on the other hand blames God for Yoshi’s troubles. She went through a time where she loses trust in God, but in the end comes to see that God is still with her.
I applaud the author for writing such an important book. The only way to avoid the same mistakes of history is for authors to write and keep on writing these stories repeatedly. In my opinion, it is a good idea for today’s children to read about injustices in our past.
Article comments
1 - Lynda S Burch
Wonderful review of a wonderful book. It is a great reminder of a painful time in America's past and its conclusion is good for all. The characters Mike and Pat share
valuable life lessons.
2 - Nicole Weaver
Wow Lynda! I am so pleased with your nice comment of my review. I confer, the characters Mike and Pat do share many valuable life lessons, that all people can learn from.