Thank you for including Barbed Wire Between Us in this list of 9 Outstanding Poetry Collections for Young Readers and Teens from School Library Journal! 2026 Stars So Far Home Page These lyrical titles include homages to Langston Hughes and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as a collection of pet poems. Our…
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…
My author copies for Postcards From Malcolm X arrived! Here’s my unboxing video: Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Human Rights Activist by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Keith Henry Brown A moving portrait of Yuri Kochiyama―an ordinary woman who became an extraordinary activist―and her bond with Malcolm X When Japanese American activist…
We are thrilled to announce that Barbed Wire Between Us received its 3rd Starred Review, this time from School Library Journal: Gr 2-5–Set in Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, Barbed Wire Between Us uses verse poetry to tell the story of how Fort Sill was used as an internment camp for Japanese Americans during World…
I am so happy to announce that We Sing From the Heart is a Pennsylvania Mountain Laurel Book Award Nominee 2026-27. The purpose of the Mountain Laurel Book Award Program is to promote reading of quality books by young people in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to encourage teacher/librarian collaboration in young adult and children’s literature,…
Thank you to everyone who has supported Barbed Wire Between Us! It was the #1 New Release on Amazon in the category of Prejudice & Racism in Children’s Books! If you want to leave a review for Barbed Wire Between Us, please fill out this form to get a digital copy. Free downloadable Teacher’s…
I’m thrilled to celebrate the book birthday of Barbed Wire Between Us today! It’s the story of my heart. I wanted to tell the story of a Japanese grandmother standing outside the Kids in Cages ever since I saw haunting images in the media during Trump’s first administration. My early attempts were dark and definitely…