Characters
Who is the main character in Thin Wood Walls?
Joe (Hanada)
What happens to Joe's father after the attack on Pearl Harbor?
He is arrested by the FBI and taken away.
What is a major theme of the novel?
Resilience, Family, Hope, Friendships, Impact of War, etc.
What historical event is central to the story?
WWII
What does "internment" mean?
The confinement of people, often during wartime.
What is the name of Joe's older brother?
Mike
What event leads to Joe's family being relocated?
The bombing of Pearl Harbor.
How does friendship play a role in the story?
It helps people (Joe), feel supported and understood.
What was Executive Order 9066?
The order that authorized the internment and movement of Japanese Americans.
What is a “relocation center”?
A place where Japanese American families were sent during WWII.
Who is Joe's best friend before the internment?
Ray O'Brien
What is the climax of the story? (The middle/highest, important point/event in the book)
When Joe learns that his brother Mike has died in combat.
How does Joe demonstrate resilience in the internment camp?
By writing and adapting to his new environment.
What is the significance of Tule Lake in the novel?
It's the internment camp where Joe's family is relocated to.
What is “propaganda”?
Messages and/or information that is used to influence people's thoughts or actions, (often in a misleading way.)
What role does Sandy Farrow play in Joe's life at Tule Lake?
He's a kind soldier who befriends Joe and his family.
Where is Joe's family sent after leaving their home?
Tule Lake (War Relocation Center in California.)
How does the story address the theme of identity?
Joe grapples with being both American and Japanese during wartime and relocation.
What was the reaction of many white Americans to Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor?
Suspicion, Fear, Discrimination
Define "evacuation" in the context of the book.
The forced removal of Japanese Americans from their homes.
Why does Mike decide to enlist in the U.S. Army?
To seek a sense of purpose and/or to prove his loyalty to America.
How does Joe's relationship with Ray change after the relocation?
They are separated, but maintain their friendship through letters.
What does Mike's decision to enlist reveal about his character?
His desire to assert his American identity and/or protect his family's honor.
What year did the attack on Pearl Harbor occur?
1941
Define "perseverance."
Continued effort despite difficulties. (To keep doing something until the end, even if it's hard.)