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- Published
- 1973
- Ages
- 12–16
About the book
About the book
A memoir of the author's experiences in the Manzanar internment camp in California during World War II.
AI summary
A memoir of the author's experiences in the Manzanar internment camp in California during World War II.
Why parents choose this book
What makes Farewell to Manzanar worth choosing
An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.
Best for
- Age range: 12–16 (fits siblings across a range).
- Reading maturity: Young adult — teen protagonists and more nuanced themes.
- Kids who tend to love it: Biography.
- Personality fit: kids ages 12–16 who enjoy a good story.
Parents love this book because
- Written by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.
Your child will probably enjoy Farewell to Manzanar if they…
- Enjoy stories written for kids around ages 12–16
This book helps develop
Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 12–16 age band.
Things parents should know
- Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.
- Language: clean language throughout.
Reading commitment
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Why we recommend it
We recommend Farewell to Manzanar for the 12–16 age band with a small heads-up on content — worth previewing or discussing. It leans into biography in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.
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