Fighting for Honor: Japanese Americans and World War II

By Michael L. Cooper

Book Overview

A stirring account of Japanese Americans in World War II, based mainly on diaries, autobiographies, and the military records of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was known as the Purple Heart Battalion because of its bravery. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, all people on the West Coast of Japanese heritage, whether resident aliens or citizens, were forced to move into internment camps. But 1,200 young men from the camps, along with 10,000 other GIs of Japanese heritage, became some of the most decorated soldiers in the war as part of the 442nd. Author Michel L. Cooper tells of the remarkable bravery of these Nisei soldiers, whose heroism in battles in Europe contrasted with the prejudice that Japanese Americans faced at home. Chronology, end notes, suggestions for further research, index.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395913756
• ISBN13: 9780395913758
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 118 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.4" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

Fighting for Honor: Japanese Americans and World War II

Michael Cooper's book "Fighting for Honor" provides insight into the treatment of Japanese Americans before, during and after World War II. The status and treatment of Asians in the U.S. and especially on the West coast is discussed in the early portion of the book. As for other portions of the book, this should be educational for children not familiar with the history of that time. Mr. Cooper does an excellent job in describing the resettlement of Japanese Americans at the beginning of the war along with a map showing the War Relocation Authority Camps. Throughout the book, Mr. Cooper attemps to describe the thinking and mood of the Japanese Americans. There are good examples of the exploits of Japanese American soldiers fighting for the U.S. during the war and a sad chapter describing the welcome the troops received after returning from the war. Throughout the book there are very good photographs illustrating the subject being discussed. This is an excellent history book for children describing the treatment of Japanese Americans during World War II.