Displacement

This graphic novel revisits a often overlooked event in history in a moving and meaningful way. A mix of fact, fiction, memory and illustration…it’s a masterpiece.

I loved that Kiku Hughes' graphic novel was inspired by Octavia Butler (I saw a whole lot of Kindred in there, especially the graphic novel edition). I resonated with Kiku's own split identity - being mixed race and not feeling a connection with her Japanese American ancestry - especially with her comments on only learning about the camp through her own school projects (check) and neither or mother's or her generation knowing any of the Japanese language (check). I also really appreciated Hughes' discussion on how the reassimilation of Japanese Americans after the camps was used to push the "model minority" during the Civil Rights Movement. So many Issei and Nisei supported that myth because "they wanted to be seen as the "good minority," even to the extent that they were willing to participate in Anti-Black racism" (251). I've read a lot of stories and accounts of the incarceration camps (Hughes' preferred term, which I like) and this one stands out in a good way. The graphic novel format simplifies it and yet lands punches in a particularly interesting and evocative way. It's time travel-y, historical fiction vibe was cool too, again having a different approach to talking about the camps.

Displacement tells the story of Kiku Hughes's family while also adding in some fiction due to missing pieces. The story of Japanese Americans who were put into camps during WWII is one that until recent history is one that was meant to be forgotten. No one wanted to talk about it or the consequences/mark it has left on the country.Overall this story is one that I loved. Getting to see the reimagined photos in the graphic novel of what the camps looked like and how the people acted helps bring it to life more than if it had just been written word. Getting to see the camps through Kiku reimagined eyes and how little she knew despite being from the future shows the gaps that are left in history classes in school. It also shows the reality for so many people in our country when it came to the camps and being Japanese in the 1940s. This is a story that is going to stick with me for a long time and I hope to revisit it in the future again once I’ve learned more about the camps on my own.While im still getting used to graphic novel format I do enjoy history that is told through it. I feel like it helps bring it to life more and helps people realize that some of the things in these stories did really happen. Of course doing your own research and continuining to learn about it through non-fiction books is always needed and encouraged. I appreciate how the author at the end added in recommend reads and I will be adding them to my tbr to continue to learn about this time in history.

Displacement is a story about community experience and generational trauma. It’s told through the eyes of a young teen, Kiku, who is “displaced” in time to the US Japanese internment camps. She gets to experience what life was like for the people there, including her own grandmother (who she watches struggle and grow up in such a frightening place). And when she finally returns “home,” she learns from her mother that growing up her mother experienced similar displacement experiences. This leads to a sense of connection between them both over family history and their experiences living in the US during Trump’s time as president when families were being similarly interred and separated at the border. Kiki’s mother explains that the fears and experiences they faced through their generational trauma and displacement can help them be compassionate toward and help others.This book was an interesting way to explain to readers (particularly young ones) the concept of immigrant struggles, cultural appropriation, and generational traumas. Aspects of it reminded me of reading Devil’s Arithmetic as a child. Thought provoking presentation and very interesting author note and photographs.

Displacement is a great read that considers the incarceration of US citizens of Japanese ancestry, from the point-of-view of a young girl. In 21st century America, Kiku (who is half Japanese) feels no connection to her heritage. Through her visions, she follows the footsteps of her grandmother, who was incarcerated during WWII. This is a poignant story that juxtaposes current times against 1940s America, in a search for one's cultural roots. For kids of all ages. Well done, Ms. Hughes.

I loved doing this book with my teenage student. It was eye opening for him to read about the internment camps in such a vivid way. It lead to great discussions.

The book connects the past to the future, I picked this book out of a few others to read for my social justice and community organizing class. I think it is great for anyone. The story is based on true events with the exception of metaphorical/ symbolism things to fit the narrative which the author addresses.

This story shows you how little people know about their own history. Things that don’t go down to new generations of families. As an Filipino-American, I do not know much about my ancestry.

I loved this graphic novel's mix of historic and fictional information and the story line was so openminding. Loved this

Absolutely amazing read. Beautifully illustrated.

this is an amazing comic. I really loved how the author spoke of losing heritage, and the story was fantastic. kept me hooked until the last page.