Journey to Topaz
by Yoshiko Uchida

Yuki is a young Japanese-American girl living in California with her father, mother, and older brother Ken.  A few days before Christmas in 1941, Yuki and her family learn the devastating news that Japan has bombed Pearl Harbor; and a war has begun.  FBI agents soon come and take Yuki's father away; and not long after, Yuki, her mother, and Ken are forced to go to an evacuation camp.  Yuki must be brave for her family despite great fear and not knowing if she will ever see her father or be able to return home again.  Throughout the story, Yuki experiences many joys and sorrows.  She develops sweet friendships, endures prejudice, faces tragedy, survives a terrible dust storm, endures harsh living conditions, and is strengthened by the bond of family.  This much loved classic follows Yuki on her journey from the evacuation camp in California to Topaz in the desert of Utah.  

An excellent historical fiction choice for middle grade students!