An Excerpt From Diane's Debut Historical Novel

Grief comes in many forms. In my debut historical novel, a Japanese American family experiences many traumatic losses that affect them both physically and emotionally. 

The following excerpt is from my historical fiction book, Courageous Footsteps A WWII Novel. The book reveals the hardships and injustices, two teenagers, Yasu and Haro Sakamoto, and their parents endure when they are imprisoned in a U.S. Japanese interment camp during the war. The book begins with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Japan's attack sets into motion serious, life changing consequences for the Sakamoto family. 

"An important story, relevant even today." Ann Wolff, Stillwater Library Foundation President

As Yasu sat at the dining room table, she struggled to focus on her algebra equations, but X and Y didn’t equal anything. Nothing made sense. She scribbled designs in the margin of her paper while her mind focused on the attack on Pearl Harbor. After an hour she gave up and decided to read her literature assignment, Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. As afternoon faded into evening, a subdued mood filled the house until Kenta’s barking and growling broke through the silence. She dashed into the living room.
A black four-door sedan parked in front of the house, and two men wearing double-breasted suits and fedora hats got out. They pushed open the gate and marched up the sidewalk. Yasu held her breath as her father moved slowly toward the front door.

He grabbed Kenta “Hush, Kenta!” When he saw Yasu, he said, “Lock him on the back porch and go to your room.”

She took the strong German shepherd by the collar and quickly guided him down the hallway and through the kitchen. 

“Stay,” she commanded as she backed away.
Kenta growled and pawed the door as Yasu edged down the hallway. She peered into the living room, trying to catch a glimpse of the strangers.

Courageous Footsteps appeals to both young adult and adult readers. It's an often untold piece of America's WWII history. Book information at: https://www.amazon.com/author/dianedettmann

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