No-No Boy

by John Okada (University of Washington Press, 1976)
by Aimee Ouellette

This is the story of a young Asian American man who chose not to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II and served hard time for it. The story breaks stereotypical molds of Japanese and discusses their struggle to be loyal Americans while holding onto their Japanese ancesestry. The story reminds readers of almost forgotten Japanese Internment Camps and has beautifully written dialogue that carries Mr. Okada’s message artfully and powerfully. The story is emotional and gives a long-needed insight into the part of World War II that the American government would like us all to forget.