48 pages 1 hour read

Winifred Conkling

Sylvia And Aki

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2011

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Sylvia & Aki by Winifred Conkling is a children’s historical fiction novel depicting the true stories of Sylvia Mendez and Aki Munemitsu. During World War II, Aki and her family, being Japanese American, were forcibly relocated to an incarceration camp in Poston, Arizona. Concurrently, Sylvia, a Latina girl whose family rented the Munemitsu farm, faced racial discrimination and was barred from attending the local white school. Sylvia’s father, Gonzalo Mendez, fought this injustice, culminating in the landmark desegregation case Mendez v. Westminster. Sylvia and Aki’s stories intersect, highlighting their struggles and the enduring friendship formed amid adversity.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Sylvia And Aki by Winifred Conkling has been praised for its poignant portrayal of friendship and historical contexts of racial injustice. The narrative effectively combines elements of courage and resilience, although some readers found the pacing uneven. Overall, the book is lauded for its educational value and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sylvia And Aki?

Readers who enjoyed The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis or Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan will appreciate Sylvia And Aki. This historical novel appeals to those interested in stories about friendship, social justice, and overcoming racial discrimination, particularly in the context of 1940s America.

Recommended

Reading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

760L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Children's Literature

Topics

Social Justice

Military / War

History: World

Period

WWII / World War II

Themes

Society: Education

Identity: Race

Relationships: Friendship