It Began With a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way
By Kyo Maclear
The Story
A young Japanese American artist grows up determined to draw, even as her family is sent to a WWII internment camp — and she goes on to create groundbreaking picture books that show children of every race together.
Why It's Special
For the kid who's already noticed which faces show up in books and which don't, this is the story of the artist who decided to change that.
- Big idea: Art can be an act of justice — showing every child their own reflection is a form of fighting back.
- Vibes: Quiet, resolute, and moving, with moments of real historical weight.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are curious about real people who changed the world
- are learning about fairness and who gets left out
- enjoy stories about artists and their craft
- respond well to history told through one person's life
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & history: What happened to Gyo's family during World War II, and how do you think that shaped what she wanted to draw?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Gyo felt working as an illustrator in New York while her family was in the internment camp?
- Real-life connection: Can you think of a book where you saw a character who looked like you? How did that feel?
- Courage & persistence: Gyo's publisher rejected her book Babies at first — why do you think she kept insisting on it?
- Imagination: If you made a book showing all your friends and neighbors, who would you draw on the pages?
