After Japan tragically bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, several Japanese-Americans were taken to prison camps in rural California. The story Paper Wishes By: Lois Sepahban follows Manami, a ten year old girl who is shipped off to one of these extremely isolated prison camps along with her friends and family. However, when Manami gets to the camp, she realizes something is very wrong. Her beloved dog, Yujiin, has been taken by the American Government since dogs are prohibited from the prison camps. Eventually, Manami becomes so heartbroken because of the changes in her life that she completely stops talking. Though her new teacher, best friend Kimmi and family are able to help and guide Manami towards happiness, she’s still devastated by the loss of her dog. This causes her to start drawing pictures of Yujiin and writing well wishes on little slips of paper and later releasing them into the wind in hopes of them leading her back to Yujiin. Will Manami find Yujiin, or will she find herself living without her special friend? Will Manami’s community of Japanese-Americans return home, or will they remain in this locked prison forever? To find out, read Paper Wishes By: Lois Sepahban! 

If you enjoyed reading Paper Wishes By: Lois Sepahban, you may also like Rain Reign By: Ann M. Martin. Rose, the main character of Rain Reign, has a dog who has run away from home. Like Manami, Rose has a strong emotional connection to her dog. This creates a huge search party. Will Rose find her dog, Rain, through all of her searches? Will she be left heartbroken without her? Read Rain Reign By: Ann M. Martin to find out, and also make sure you read Paper Wishes By: Lois Sepahban!