Japan has just bombed Pearl Harbor. This single action is the spark that forces thousands of Japanese American citizens from their homes to internment camps. Ten year old Minami has to leave her island home and everything behind to go to the mainland camp.

There is so much she has to leave behind, even her beloved dog Yujiin. Unwilling to leave Yujiin Manimi desperately attempts to sneak him into the camp but right when they reach the mainland he is discovered. Racked with guilt of Yujiin being abandoned leaves Manimi unable speak for many months. With only paper and pencil Manimi attempts to convey her wishes on paper and sends them on the wind for Yujiin to find them. This is a story of forgiveness, overcoming obstacles and a time in history not so far away from where we are now.

This book may appeal to kids in grades 4-6 who enjoy historical fiction, WWII home front stories, and books about dogs.