We Are Not Strangers | Review

We Are Not Strangers Josh Tuininga Abrams ComicArts , 2023 Grades 5 and up



It seemed like a bit of fate to find this book just as the month of May wraps up and AAPI Heritage and Jewish Heritage Month come to an end. In this poignant graphic novel, Josh Tuininga tells a story of friendship and allyship, inspired by true events, set during the tumultuous times of World War II.



When Marco’s grandfather, whom he is named for, passes away, the family expects a small gathering at the Jewish Synagogue and cemetery. They are all surprised when a group of unfamiliar people, of Japanese descent, come to mourn for Marco.



After the funeral, he learns of his grandfather’s incredible altruism during World War II, when the United States imprisoned thousands of Japanese people in Internment camps. Marco, a Jewish immigrant, helps Sam Akiyama by managing his property and business while they are interned.



The story is artistically told with a sparsity of language and bright illustrations. Textured with watercolor paints, the artwork conveys deep emotions of the characters as they face the horrors of World War II, whether on the home front or in the war in Europe. Many of the events unfold through headlines, which the author states are taken directly from actual newspapers of the time. The headlines demonstrate Hitler’s rise to power, the mass murder of European Jews, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and the internment of Japanese immigrants and citizens.



The book contains detailed historical notes and sources, but the author is insistent that while the events are inspired by true oral histories, the book is a work of historical fiction. In essence, We Are Not Strangers is a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring spirit of communities during times of adversity. It’s a graphic novel that not only tells a story but also invites reflection on the past and its lessons for the present.