Fred Korematsu Speaks Up Review

Module 4: Poetry Across the Curriculum-Biographical

Fred Korematsu Speaks Up

Bibliography
Atkins, L., & Yogi, S. (2017). Fred Korematsu speaks up (Y. Houlette, Illus.). Heyday. ISBN: 9781597143684

Summary
A middle grade book that tells the story of Fred Korematsu who spoke up for all Americans when Japanese Americans were being detained during WWII in internment camps with no cause or trial. The book opens with a call to action for readers to speak up when something isn’t right, then a table of contents. Each chapter begins with a poem narrating a portion of Korematsu’s life; the poems are paired with illustrations by Yutaka Houlette. Following each poem is a section of non-fiction writing that explains what was happening in the United States during this time with photographs, newspaper clippings or cartoons, a timeline, and vocabulary. Backmatter includes steps young readers can take to fight for justice like Korematsu, along with acknowledgments, source notes, bibliography, citations, and an index.

Analysis
The unique combination of poetry and expository writing is sure to engage readers of all preferences. The layout of the book is not overwhelming, yet full of information regarding internment camps, WWII, individual Japanese Americans who were treated unjustly, and their allies. With it coming in at just under 100 pages, and only 12 poems (Chapters), its length is manageable for middle grade readers.

The poems are free verse and straightforward, left aligned with stanzas. When there is a quote, the authors italicize the words to keep the page clean. Pieces of information are highlighted by placing them on their own line. For example, when Fred is freed and “Fred feels free again” but when he goes outside and sees military police, “They order Fred to get into their car/ and/ drive/ away.” The use of lines and white space are frequently used to create intensity within Fred’s story.

Excerpt
4. Exploding, 1941

At twenty-two Fred is in love
with his dreamboat Ida,
daughter of Italian immigrants. 

Their families
disapprove
because Fred is Japanese American
and Ida is Italian American.

But Fred loves Ida
And Ida loves Fred.
So they date
in secret. 

There are rumblings in the world-
War is spreading.
The United States hasn’t entered yet,
but the country is preparing
for the possibility. 

Fred tries to join the military
to help fight for his country
but he is rejected.

So Fred looks for another way
to support the United States.
He finds a job as a welder,
melting metal to build ships.

He saves his wages
to buy a Pontiac Car
a swanky ride for him and Ida.

Fred is good at the work.
His slim body slips into small spaces,
squeezing between the double bottoms of boats.
But he gets fired from his job
for being Japanese American.

Activity
Think about an injustice you know of in the world that makes you angry or sad. Research a person who is fighting to right that wrong and summarize their actions, then consider what you can do to help the cause. Use the tips in the back of the book to help you brainstorm ideas.

Reviews
From Kirkus Reviews, starred: “Written in free verse, Fred’s story engages in powerful bursts and shows how speaking out brings complex consequences. Enhanced with pictures and archival materials, well-researched and approachable historical essays interspersed throughout Fred’s account offer context, while Houlette’s reverent illustrations give humanity to Fred’s plight. Co-authors Atkins and Yogi raise good questions (such as, “Have you ever been blamed for something just because of how you look?”) that will inspire a new generation of activists. This first book in the Fighting for Justice series is a must-read for all civics classrooms.”

From School Library Journal Xpress: “This inspirational work hooks readers through a variety of formats, including dramatic illustrations and direct questions ("Have you ever been an ally to someone who needed help?"). Primary source documents vividly bring the period to life, while timelines and descriptions of contemporary struggles for equality by Chinese, Mexican, and African Americans, among others, offer meaningful context. An endnote provides suggestions for young people who wish to act against injustice as well as a poignant statement from Korematsu's daughter. VERDICT An invaluable profile of a civil rights hero whose story deserves greater attention. Middle schoolers will take to the superb writing and original format.”