Thin Wood Walls
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Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
•
Coming of Age•
Children`s LiteratureSeattle, Washington • 1940s
•
Coming of Age•
Family•
Education•
Military & War2004
HMH Books for Young Readers
YA
10-14 years
620L
Super Short Summary
Thin Wood Walls by David Patneaude depicts 11-year-old Joe Hanada, a Japanese American boy, whose life changes drastically after the Pearl Harbor attack, leading to his family's unjust imprisonment at internment camps. The novel explores themes of resilience, hope, and the impact of xenophobia during World War II. Sensitive topics include racism, prejudice, and the forcible relocation of Japanese Americans.
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
949 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
David Patneaude's Thin Wood Walls offers an engaging narrative set during World War II. Readers praise its vivid historical context and emotional depth, particularly in depicting the Japanese American internment experience through a young protagonist's eyes. Critiques often highlight a somewhat predictable plot, but overall, it succeeds in being an educational and heartfelt read.
Who Should Read Thin Wood Walls?
Readers who would enjoy Thin Wood Walls by David Patneaude are typically young adults interested in historical fiction, particularly World War II. Fans of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne and Number the Stars by Lois Lowry would find this book compelling due to its emotional depth and historical context.
949 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Joe’s older brother, who is protective and has a strong sense of justice, navigating his experiences as a young Japanese American male during World War II.
Joe and Mike's family members, representing first-generation Japanese immigrants dealing with the complexities of their identity in America during a time of conflict and discrimination.
A white American soldier at Tule Lake who shows kindness and humanity towards the Hanada family, demonstrating that there can be compassion even in harsh environments.
240
Novel • Fiction
•
Coming of Age•
Children`s LiteratureSeattle, Washington • 1940s
•
Coming of Age•
Family•
Education•
Military & War2004
HMH Books for Young Readers
YA
10-14 years
620L
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