In the upcoming July issue of School Library Journal, Postcards from Malcom X has received a very nice review! “School libraries need true stories of the enduring importance of cross-cultural alliances and community organizing.” Gr 3-7–This book introduces middle school readers to the life and activism of Yuri Kochiyama, highlighting her meaningful correspondence and powerful…
It was a dream come true to participate in the 2026 Nikkei Book Festival in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. It was my mother’s favorite museum, and I think she is smiling down on me. I joined Stan and Julie Sakai (Chibi Usagi), Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Yas Imamura (Love in…
I had such a wonderful time at the 4th Annual Greater Roxbury Book Fair. This young man told me that his class just read Barbed Wire Between Us and that it was his favorite book! I love him so much! Also, this was amazing news to me because my book had only been out for…
Here is the Teacher’s Guide for Barbed Wire Between Us: Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación This is a free and downloadable guide: Barbed Wire Between Us Teacher’s Guide Related Barbed Wire Between Us Videos Interview with illustrator Violeta Encarnacio: Original song music video for Barbed Wire…
When I met with my publisher, Angus Yuen-Killick at Red Comet Press, we kicked around ideas to promote all the Red Comet Press authors in the Boston area, who are also friends of mine. It seemed too ambitious to set up Storytimes or Author Visits. Angus suggested that we contact bookstores in advance to see…
To fold an origami crane, you will need a square piece of paper. It does not have to be origami paper. Here are the instructions via a diagram from the U.S. Park Service, though personally, I find the diagrams to be confusing: This is an activity for Barbed Wire Between Us. …
In Japan, the crane (tsuru) is a symbol of peace, good fortune, and longevity. It is a bird of happiness and spreads good luck. It is believed that folding 1,000 paper cranes (senbazuru) will help to bring about hope, healing, and peace. These children’s books featuring origami cranes also send a message of hope and…