We are not strangers - josh tuininga

Inspired by a true story, this graphic novel follows a Jewish immigrants efforts to help his Japanese neighbors while they are incarcerated during World War II Marco Calvo always knew his grandfather, affectionately called Papoo, was a good man.

After all, he was named for him.

A first-generation Jewish immigrant, Papoo was hardworking, smart, and caring.

When Papoo peacefully passes away, Marco expected the funeral to be simple.

However, he is caught off guard by something unusual.

Among his close family and friends are mourners he doesnt recognize--Japanese- American families--and no one is quite sure who they are or why they are at the service.

How did these strangers know his grandfather so well? Set in the multicultural Central District of Seattle during World War II and inspired by author Josh Tuiningas family experiences, We Are Not Strangers explores a unique situation of Japanese and Jewish Americans living side by side in a country at war.

Following Marcos grandfathers perspective, we learn of his life as a Sephardic Jewish immigrant living in America and his struggles as he settles into an America gearing up its war efforts.

Despite the war raging just outside US borders, Papoo befriends Sam Akiyama, a Japanese man who finds his world upended from President Roosevelts Executive Order 9066.

Determined to keep Sams business afloat while he and his family are unjustly imprisoned, he and Papoo create a plan that will change the Akiyamas lives forever.

An evocative and beautifully illustrated historical fiction graphic novel revealing the truth of one mans extraordinary efforts, We Are Not Strangers converges two perspectives into a single portrait of a communitys struggle with race, responsibility, and what it truly means to be an American.