Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp | Book Review

Book Review of Unbreakable
The Children’s Book Review

Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp

Written by Minoru Tonai and Jolene Gutiérrez

Illustrated by Chris Sasaki

Ages: 4+ | 48 Pages

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers (2026) | ISBN-13: 978-1419772894

A powerful and poignant picture book, Unbreakable, cowritten by Jolene Gutiérrez and the late Japanese American rights advocate Minoru (Min) Tonai, delves into the world of American incarceration camps during World War II through the eyes of young Min.

When FBI agents lead Min’s father away after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he leaves his son with a small, smooth stone—a symbol of strength that Min clutches throughout the unimaginable losses that follow. His family struggles to maintain their produce business and ultimately faces forced incarceration in a Colorado camp. Not just a survival story, Unbreakable is also about Min’s journey of holding onto hope while confronting profound loss—despite the aching absence of his father.

Thoughtful, seamless, and deliberate, Gutiérrez crafts prose that will have readers turning the page while holding their breath, building toward a final paragraph that achieves absolute perfection in its emotional resonance. The narrative portrays the horrific realities of incarceration—the dusty plains, enduring below-zero winter temperatures with no warm jackets or boots, the pain of being imprisoned by one’s own country, the lives forever altered—yet the storytelling remains accessible and age-appropriate for young readers.

Chris Sasaki’s digital artwork is incredibly moving, offering visual depth that honors the gravity of this historical injustice—while also celebrating the unbreakable spirit of those who endured it. Each line, squiggle, and color placement captures the emotional context with care—even the endpapers are gorgeous. The thoughtful and extensive back matter spans six pages and includes heartfelt notes from Gutiérrez and Sasaki. Educators and caregivers will find the additional information on the camps, timelines, bibliography, and discussion questions an outstanding bonus that allows them to dig deeper into the story and its content.

A complete and utter triumph, Unbreakable is a compelling and vital read that honors those who suffered. It’s also an essential reminder of the importance of not letting history repeat itself and is sure to inspire conversations about justice, dignity, and the strength of the human spirit.

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About the Authors

Cowriter Jolene Gutiérrez is an award-winning teacher-librarian who has worked with neurodivergent learners since 1995. Her grandparents lived just down the road from Amache Incarceration Camp, and she first learned of it from her family, not in school. Gutiérrez now shares the history of Amache with her students, and it was her honor to partner with Minoru Tonai to tell his family’s story. Gutiérrez lives in Denver, Colorado, and is the author of many books for young readers, including Too Much!, The Ofrenda That We Built, and Mamiachi & Me.

For more information, visit www.jolenegutierrez.com/

Cowriter Minoru (Min) Tonai (1929–2023) was a Japanese American rights activist. He and his family were incarcerated at Amache from 1942 to 1945, and since their release, Tonai worked to preserve and tell stories about what his family—and so many others—endured during WWII. As the son of a teacher, one of Tonai’s passions was sharing his memories of Amache with students, including students from the ABC School District, the Katari program, UCLA, and Granada High School in Colorado.

He was the grand marshal of the Nisei Week 50th anniversary parade, founder and president of the Amache Historical Society, and board president of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center. In 2015, Japanese Emperor Akihito presented Tonai with the Order of the Rising Sun medal, Gold Rays with Rosette, for “promoting friendly relations and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.” Tonai’s three children—Susan, John, and Teresa—continue to tell his story. 

About the Illustrator

Chris Sasaki is an Emmy and Annie Award–winning animation artist. Along with their work on major motion pictures such as Monsters University, Inside Out, and Onward, they have illustrated several books for young readers, including Home Is a Window, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, and Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist, winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Picture Book and the Dilys Evans Founder’s Award from the Society of Illustrators. Sasaki is based in Los Angeles, where they live with their dog, Ghost.

For more information, visit www.csasaki.com/