48 pages • 1 hour read
Sylvia And Aki
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Book Brief
160
Novel • Fiction
California • 1940s
2011
Middle grade
8-12 years
760L
Super Short Summary
Sylvia & Aki by Winifred Conkling is a children’s historical fiction novel depicting the true stories of Sylvia Mendez and Aki Munemitsu. During World War II, Aki and her family, being Japanese American, were forcibly relocated to an incarceration camp in Poston, Arizona. Concurrently, Sylvia, a Latina girl whose family rented the Munemitsu farm, faced racial discrimination and was barred from attending the local white school. Sylvia’s father, Gonzalo Mendez, fought this injustice, culminating in the landmark desegregation case Mendez v. Westminster. Sylvia and Aki’s stories intersect, highlighting their struggles and the enduring friendship formed amid adversity.
Inspirational
Informative
Emotional
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
1,693 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Sylvia And Aki by Winifred Conkling has been praised for its poignant portrayal of friendship and historical contexts of racial injustice. The narrative effectively combines elements of courage and resilience, although some readers found the pacing uneven. Overall, the book is lauded for its educational value and emotional depth.
Who Should Read Sylvia And Aki?
Readers who enjoyed The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis or Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan will appreciate Sylvia And Aki. This historical novel appeals to those interested in stories about friendship, social justice, and overcoming racial discrimination, particularly in the context of 1940s America.
1,693 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gonzalo Mendez, Sr.
Gonzalo Mendez, Sr.
Sylvia’s father, a naturalized US citizen from Mexico, who dreams of running a farm and is driven by a strong sense of justice and desire for educational opportunities for his children.
Aki(ko) Munemitsu
Aki(ko) Munemitsu
A third-grader affected by wartime racism, who values family bonds and focuses on the concept of home while forming a friendship with Sylvia through a shared connection.
Seiko Lincoln “Tad” Munemitsu
Seiko Lincoln “Tad” Munemitsu
Aki’s older brother, who takes on adult responsibilities in the family due to restrictive laws and plays a key role in supporting his family during challenging times.
160
Novel • Fiction
California • 1940s
2011
Middle grade
8-12 years
760L
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