Nonfiction Monday: Dear Miss Breed

Oppenheim, Joanne. 2006. Dear Miss Breed: True Stories of the Japanese American Incarceration During World War II and A Librarian Who Made A Difference.

In the days following Pearl Harbor, Miss Breed, a children’s librarian in San Diego, became concerned for her Japanese-American patrons. Having served the community for years, she knew what few would acknowledge: they were loyal to America. Their ethnicity did not make them the enemy. She began writing essays in support of their cause and opposing the national position of the time. But perhaps her greatest gift was that of continued friendship. As the Japanese-Americans in San Diego were being shipped to various internment camps, she said goodbye at the train station and gave each one a postcard. She corresponded with many on a regular basis. She sent books and other small treats as well. These acts of kindness may seem small, but they made a world of difference to her children.

© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews