Sylvia And Aki

Choose a character and examine what you would do and how you react if you had been in their position. Describe what you would do the same and what you would do differently, and why.

Research the history of American incarceration camps during World War II. What was the rationale for their creation after the attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor? Do you believe that the incarceration camps were necessary during the war? Why or why not?

Identify people in the story who were allies to Sylvia’s family and Aki’s family. How did they help them face their respective challenges? In what ways were the Mendez and Munemitsu families allies to each other? Discuss.

Why was Gonzalo’s lawsuit more effective than his petition? Why were other Latinos afraid to support him? Discuss.

Choose one of the novel’s symbols and explain its significance and, if applicable, how to connect to both families.

Do you believe that the idea of “separate but equal” is possible? Why or why not? Is the idea of “separate but equal” still reflected in today’s society? If so, where and how?

Why do you think Brown v. Board of Education (1954) had a greater effect than Mendez, et al. v. Westminster School District of Orange County, et al.?

Explore how Sylvia and Aki and their families endure their respective challenges in the novel. What does “normal” look like for Aki and her family after the war? What does it look like for Sylvia after the lawsuit is concluded?