Weedflower / Cynthia Kadohata / 260 pages / Gardening & 20th Century Historic Fiction Challenges

Twelve year old Somiko and her family grow carnations and chrysanthemums.  She has a dream to one day own a flower shop of her own.  When the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, a fear-filled Congress passes laws to inter Japanese residents in the U.S.   Somiko's family is forced to relocate, loses their farm, and are separated.  Despite harsh time, Somiko retains her love of beauty, flowers, and family.  This is an excellent account of the treatment of and reaction to Japanese internment during World War II and the ever-present prejudice and discrimination afforded to those who are different.